Homebuilding Tips

The backyard is an extension of your home, and when done right, it can be a space that the whole family will enjoy. Whether you want a safe space for the kids to play, a quiet retreat after a busy day, or a party patio for entertaining the neighbors, these tips will help you make it happen.

The exterior of your home is an opportunity to make a strong first impression. Whether it’s fitting in with the aesthetic of the neighborhood or standing out as one of the more distinct homes on the block, the exterior design and materials you choose are important considerations.

When it’s time to upgrade to a new home, there are always a lot of moving pieces to figure out. When will you sell your current home? Will you move yourself or hire movers? What time of year is best for such a big change?

Having two master bedrooms in your home gives you flexibility in how your family lives today and into the future. Dual master suites provide large bedrooms, bathrooms, and closet spaces that offer both comfort and privacy, and can be used in a variety of ways, such as:

The basement is an easily forgotten and often underutilized space in your home. If you’re just using it for laundry or storage, chances are that you are missing out on a potentially great space that your family would enjoy.

A recent analysis of apartment listing data and statistics from the Census Bureau shows that rental prices are increasing. If you are weighing your options between renting and building a custom home, consider these facts in your comparison:

Multigenerational living has become a significant trend in the U.S., and it’s probably going to be for decades to come.

An estimated 60.6 million people—or nearly 20 percent of the U.S. population—now live in homes that include two or more adult generations. Clearly, this type of living offers a variety of benefits, such as lower housing costs and simplified child care.

There’s no denying that the average American wants plenty of space. And it shows: Today’s homes are 61 percent bigger than homes that were built just 40 years ago. In 2016, the median size of a new single-family home in the U.S. was 2,467 square feet—the largest on record.

For customers who are looking to purchase land for their new custom home, finding the perfect property is one of the most exciting parts of the process. It’s the first step in crafting a home that is truly yours. But at the same time, finding your ideal land can be challenging, particularly as the local real estate market keeps heating up.

If you have decided that building a new home is the right path for you, finding land is an essential step. If you’re not yet sure where you want to live, make a list of the towns and neighborhoods that you are considering along with the pros and cons of each so you can rank them. With this information in hand, you can start your search.