At Summer Hill Custom Builders, our mission is to create exceptional spaces that enrich the lives of our clients and their communities. We are dedicated to delivering high-quality craftsmanship, innovative design, and sustainable building practices. By fostering collaborative relationships and prioritizing integrity and transparency, we aim to transform visions into reality while respecting the environment and celebrating the beauty of our surroundings.
With a legacy spanning over 20 years, Summer Hill Custom Builders has established itself as a trusted leader in the home building industry. Founded in 2004, our journey began with a commitment to quality craftsmanship and a passion for creating beautiful, functional beach homes. Since then, we have successfully completed hundreds of projects, ranging from custom residences to expansive renovations, each tailored to meet the unique needs and desires of our clients.
Our dedication to client satisfaction and meticulous attention to detail has earned us numerous accolades and a loyal customer base that continues to grow. We believe that the key to our success lies in our ability to listen to our clients, understand their dreams, and guide them through the building process with clarity and support. We pride ourselves on maintaining open lines of communication, ensuring that clients feel informed and empowered throughout every stage of their project.
As we have evolved, we embraced innovative building practices and sustainable design principles, ensuring that our homes not only meet the needs of today's families but also honor the coastal environment we cherish. Our commitment to eco-friendly materials and techniques reflects our respect for nature and our desire to create spaces that coexist harmoniously with their surroundings. We actively seek out proven solutions that enhance both the beauty and functionality of our projects.
Today, we continue to build on our legacy, combining our rich experience with a forward-thinking approach to create homes and spaces that inspire, endure, and contribute positively to the vibrant coastal community we serve. Our vision is to not only construct homes but to create lasting relationships and beautiful environments where families can thrive for generations to come.
Steve Smith founded Summer Hill Custom Home Builders over 20 years ago, naming the company after the street where he grew up in Gambrills, MD. With a degree in Urban Planning and Economic Development from the University of Maryland, Steve brought a wealth of knowledge and experience to the company. His career has been marked by significant contributions to some of Delaware’s most prestigious resort-oriented, master-planned communities, including notable projects like Sea Colony, Bear Trap Dunes, and Bayside—a 1,700-home residential community featuring a Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course near Fenwick Island. The recognition of Bayside as "Community of the Year" by Coastal Living magazine highlighted Steve's exceptional skill in community planning and his commitment to creating outstanding living environments.
Steve's approach to home building centers on making the process enjoyable and stress-free for clients. He provides transparent and comprehensive price estimates upfront, which helps minimize unexpected costs and avoid surprise change orders.
His methodology follows a clear formula: Process + Outcome = Customer Experience.
By focusing on both the efficiency of the process and the quality of the outcome, Steve ensures that each project meets high standards, allowing clients to enjoy a seamless and satisfying experience from start to finish. This approach guarantees that homes are delivered on time and within budget while aligning with his philosophy of providing a superior customer experience.
In addition to his commitment to high-quality construction, Steve emphasizes the importance of long-term customer satisfaction. He believes that the positive experience of building a custom home should extend well beyond the project's completion. To this end, if any issues arise after the warranty period, Summer Hill Custom Homes remains dedicated to addressing and resolving these concerns. This level of support reflects Steve's commitment to standing behind his work and ensuring that clients remain satisfied with their homes long after construction is complete.
Steve's dedication to fostering positive, lifelong relationships with homeowners is a cornerstone of his business philosophy. By consistently delivering exceptional quality and providing ongoing support, the team at Summer Hill Custom Homes strives to create not just beautiful homes, but lasting bonds with their clients. This commitment to excellence and customer care underscores Steve's overarching goal of ensuring that every homeowner enjoys a rewarding and enduring relationship with their new home and builder. He continues to play an integral part in Summer Hill Customer Builders as he consults with Matt and Karen.
President
302-493-1520 - mkasner@summerhilldevelopments.com
Matt Kasner is the President of Summer Hill Custom Homes and Remodeling. With over 30 years of experience in real estate management and development, Matt is a seasoned custom home builder dedicated to bringing dream homes to life in Coastal Delaware and surrounding areas. As President of Summer Hill Custom Homes, he combines a deep passion for design with expert project management, budgeting, and finance ensuring that each customer's vision becomes a reality. Matt understands that building a home is a deeply personal journey, and he takes pride in fostering open communication and collaboration with his clients throughout the entire process. By listening carefully to their needs and aspirations, he crafts tailored solutions that reflect their unique style and preferences. Whether it's a cozy beach cottage or a luxurious contemporary retreat, Matt's hands-on approach ensures that every detail is thoughtfully considered and executed to perfection.
Matt began his career with Freeman Companies at Sea Colony and later spent two decades at a large management and development firm in Washington, DC. His journey equips him with a wealth of knowledge and insights into the industry, making him a trusted partner for clients while navigating the home building process. A proud graduate of Salisbury University, Matt values collaboration and communication, ensuring that every project reflects the unique vision of its owners. He is also an active member of the Coastal Building Community, where he advocates for quality standards in home construction.
When he's not busy building homes, Matt enjoys spending time with his wife, Jeannie, and his children. Matt and his family loved living in Southern Delaware where he got his start, when he moved back to the western shore for twenty years, he counted the days until he could come home, on the "best side of the Bridge".
Design Development Director
302-258-4987 - karen@summerhilldevelopments.com
Karen is the creative force behind the design process at Summer Hill Custom Homes, where she ensures that client selections are accurate, timely, and within budget. With her keen eye for detail and strong organizational skills, Karen plays a vital role in marketing, tracking invoices, scheduling construction, and nurturing lasting client relationships. Known for her innovative thinking, she loves generating fresh ideas to elevate the aesthetics and design of the homes they build.
Originally from Olney, MD, Karen attended West Virginia University, earning her bachelor’s degree in marketing and psychology. She initially planned to spend just one summer at the beach before pursuing her master’s degree, but after experiencing the vibrant beach life at the Quiet Resorts, she was hooked and never looked back!
Karen's career began at Freeman Companies, where she spent 18 incredible years building lasting friendships with Steve and Matt. She started by managing the Rental Department at Sea Colony and later launched Freeman's construction options program, allowing new homeowners to choose their finishes. She then opened Bear Trap Dunes' first Design Studio, which is now home to Café 26. As Product Development Director at Bayside, she developed an extensive options program that highlighted customization—an essential selling point for the company. Karen also oversaw model homes and collaborated closely with architects on plan reviews and schedules.
After her successful tenure at Freeman, Karen moved to Penco Corporation, where she managed a 6,000 square foot plumbing showroom. Her mission was to expand the business and attract new builder clients to utilize the showroom for their selections. This led her to Marnie Custom Homes, where she served as Selections Manager, helping clients choose options and finishes for a truly personalized experience.
When Steve and Matt sought to expand their team, Karen reconnected with them and found her way back to Summer Hill Custom Homes. Joining the team felt like coming home. What she loves most about her role is the collaborative spirit—whether it's during client selection meetings, business planning, marketing, construction scheduling, or walking through homes under construction, Karen thrives on the teamwork that makes every project special.
When Karen isn't busy transforming dreams into homes, she loves spending quality time with her husband and their two rescue dogs. On weekends, you'll often find her surrounded by family and friends, whipping up delicious meals in the kitchen, tending to her garden, or diving into her latest DIY project around the house. Whether it's a cozy gathering or a creative endeavor, Karen embraces every moment with joy and enthusiasm!