RoMac Builder’s Spotlight: Belac Homes and Custom Craftsmanship for Everyday Living

RoMac Media sat down with Brian Smallwood, owner of Belac Homes in Ocala, to talk about a homebuilding philosophy rooted in craftsmanship, partnership, and building homes for everyday families. Founded in 2015, Belac Homes was created to fill a gap Brian and his wife saw in the market.

“My wife and I started the company back in 2015,” Brian shared. At the time, new construction seemed to fall into two extremes. “All of the new construction was big, elaborate custom homes, and newer homes being built for the starter and move-up were very basic.”

Brian believed there was another way forward. “We believe, and we still believe that a house that’s for an everyday person, that they could have a better quality product too. So we started with that premise.”

Custom Homes at Every Level

At Belac Homes, the definition of custom goes beyond square footage. “We view all of our houses as a custom house.” The difference is not in intention, but in scale. “It’s just a difference of whether they’re large or smaller or in the middle.”

No matter where a homeowner enters the process, the approach stays the same. “Custom homes for every buyer we have. It’s a custom home, regardless of where they join us in the process.”

That philosophy is guided by personal standards. “A lot of what our philosophy has been over the years is to provide the level of craftsmanship that I would want in my own home.”

Built on Longstanding Partnerships

Consistency and quality are supported by long-term relationships. “On average, most of our partners, we’ve been side by side with them for at least seven years.” Those relationships allow standards to be shared and upheld. “Because of that, we’ve been able to ingrain what our standards are and how we like things done.”

Brian pointed to RoMac as a key partner in that process. “With RoMac in particular, it’s that partnership that has actually allowed us to thrive during the times of Covid.” He emphasized the value of that relationship. “Having a relationship like that is really priceless. Not just for building homes, but also for our customers.”

A Foundation Built on Family

Brian’s connection to homebuilding began early. “My experience with homebuilding started really early on as a child.” His father built their home by hand. “My dad actually did his own house. He did the framing, he did the walls, he did the plumbing.” It was a shared effort. “I say he, but we did it together. It was a family experience.”

That influence remains central to Belac Homes. “Everything goes back to family. We are a family business.” That sense of family extends beyond ownership. “The family is also our staff, our team, the people that we work with.”

A Team Built to Work Together

Belac Homes has assembled a team designed to complement one another. “We have put together an amazing team of people, of professionals.” Brian described how those relationships function. “Their skills align so well that we fill each other’s gaps to the point where we are synergistic.”

The team supports every stage of the process. “We have a team that will work on all of the custom designs, all of the sales, and lot procurement.” The process may vary by client. “It could look different for different customers.”

What remains consistent is communication. “For the most part, it works with several conversations of really what they’re looking for, what they want, what their dream is, what they’re aspiring to achieve.”

More Than Building a House

Belac Homes approaches each project as a partnership. “At the end of the day, our goal is to be their partner in the process.” The work goes beyond construction. “The services we provide are far more than just building a house. It’s building a home. It’s where they’re going to create their memories.”

Service plays a key role in that experience. “We want to provide the level of service that makes them feel special and makes them feel as though they’re getting the experience that they want and deserve.”

Recognition Earned Through Trust

Growth has brought unexpected opportunities. “As we’ve grown over the years, it’s allowed me to serve in ways that I never thought possible.” Brian credits that growth to those around him. “Through the hard work and dedication of our staff, our team, our trade partners, and vendors.”

In 2023, that work was formally recognized. “We were awarded the builder of the year for 2023 by the Marion County Builders Association.” The recognition reflects what Belac Homes has built over time. “We’ve built a reputation as providing a good quality product that has been able to build wonderful homes for hundreds and hundreds of families in the community, and it’s something that we’re very proud of.”

This RoMac Builder’s Spotlight highlights a builder focused on craftsmanship, partnership, and creating homes that serve real families. Watch the full video to hear Brian Smallwood share the Belac Homes story in his own words.