Change orders almost always lead to budget increases and schedule delays, especially now. With inflation showing up in the news and at the grocery store, some homeowners are asking what they can do to keep construction costs from escalating. Part of the answer is to choose the features and products you want before the work … Read more
Building a custom home is exciting. Financing one? That part can feel a bit less straightforward. Construction loans work differently than traditional mortgages, and many buyers don’t discover those differences until they’re already deep into the design process. A little preparation upfront can help prevent surprises, delays, and tough budget decisions down the road. Here … Read more
Building a custom home is exciting, but some of the most important decisions happen long before construction begins. Buying the wrong homesite, designing before understanding the land, or underestimating site costs can quickly affect both your budget and your timeline. Here are five common mistakes we help buyers avoid. MISTAKE #1: Buying Land Before Talking … Read more
How do you identify a great custom builder and how do you choose the best one for your needs? People say that building a custom home is as much about the experience as the result. Yes and no. It’s true that you will invest more emotion into the design and construction process than with an … Read more
Optimized heating and cooling is key. Everyone wants their new home to be comfortable, healthy and energy-efficient. Professional builders satisfy these expectations with good insulation, careful air sealing and the right heating and cooling systems. But few homeowners realize that with today’s construction methods, their health and comfort depend more than ever on how the … Read more
As you explore building on your own lot, one question comes up time and again: “Should I hire an architect first?” For some homeowners, the answer is yes. But for many, the smartest path is one they never considered. The truth is, building a personalized home doesn’t always mean starting with a blank sheet of … Read more
Transparency about what you can afford is the only way to get the most house for your money. Your new custom home is a huge investment, so you need a builder you can trust. Ways to confirm trustworthiness include reading online reviews, calling references and noting the builder’s professional certifications. As important as this research … Read more
For many families, the process starts the same way. Weekend open houses. Endless online listings. Saving photos of homes, they hoped would feel right. But after months of searching, many buyers reach the same realization: they are compromising more than they expected. The kitchen is too small. The layout doesn’t support the way they live. … Read more
Why this is a great question to ask a builder? The National Association of Homebuilders estimates that it takes at least 3 to 5 years to create a sustainable building business. Most builders never get there: residential contractors have a failure rate higher than every other type of business except restaurants. Only the strongest competitors … Read more
Timberlake Homes Design/Build believes that designing a home is about more than meeting today’s needs—it’s about creating a space that adapts, evolves, and continues to deliver value for years to come. At its best, a thoughtfully designed home balances lifestyle, flexibility, and long-term return on investment. When we talk with our clients about “future proofing,” … Read more