There’s a flurry of activity on your work site this week. Your builder has called in three different subcontractors and you can barely pull in the driveway around their trucks. What is going on? Did something go wrong? Wait, is that the building inspector? Why are they here? House plan featured above is our Ambrose Boulevard (NDG 953) plan. Nothing is wrong. Everything is fine. It’s just the point in the project that you start doing the rough-in. In construction, the term “rough-in" describes t

One of the most iconic times in American history is the expansion into the West. Pioneers battling unfamiliar weather and harsh conditions to make a home for themselves far from the increasing pollution and crime of the larger cities in the East. Rustic style is homage to that, the same way that shows like Bonanza and games like The Oregon Trail are. Having a Rustic style home, however, doesn’t require you to be able to ride a horse or face the threat of dysentery. Plan featured above is ourTim

You’re finally able to see some results in your home building saga from all of your efforts. You can walk through your home and start seeing where the rooms are going to be. You’ve got walls, places for doors, spots for windows… Wait. Why is it so bright? Oh. We’ve forgotten about the roof. Let’s fix that. House plan featured above is our Corbin Manor (MEN 5199) plan. So when you are building your home, a roof is a huge investment. It is literally going to be the piece that protects all of the

Contemporary or Modern style homes are always a popular choice, especially for busy families. Clean lines and modern amenities typify these two styles and make them a great choice for anyone looking to build or buy a new home. Most people think of these as one style of home, but did you know that there are distinct differences between the two? Featured above is our Appalacian Trail (MEN 5083) plan. Modernist Movement Contemporary house plans are built on the foundation that is the modern style

Nearly one hundred years ago, a young man’s fascination with a dancing blue flame would inspire him to found what is now one of the largest companies in the world. Rinnai Corporation is a household name. By 2019, the company has sold over 30 million Tankless Water Heaters worldwide and is hailed as one of the greenest companies in the world. Humble beginnings created monumental success. Sweet Inspirations On a cold winter day in November of 1918, Hidejiro Naito stood and watched, amazed, as a

Birds singing in the trees, a warm breeze rustling their bright green leaves, the distant sound of a lawnmower and the smell of fresh cut grass: These are your surroundings as you relax on your covered and screened porch. Oh? You don’t have one, yet? Well let’s build one. Featured plan above is our Rivers Edge (MEN 5044) plan. This plan features a prominent screened in front porch giving you a lovely space to relax and unwind. Increases Home Value Building a screened in porch is hard work, but

A house frame is like the skeleton of your home. You want it to be built strong and right and with the best materials available. So if you’re a homeowner building your own home or having your first home built, how do you know if your home is getting a good set of bones? The plan featured above is our New Haven Place (MEN 5206) plan. Materials The first step to getting the best skeleton possible is to have the best materials. When we are young we drink milk and eat lots of healthy foods to make

According to the National Fire Prevention Agency, U. S. fire departments respond to an average of one home fire every 88 seconds. Another frightening statistic is that on average 7 people per day lose their lives in U. S. home fires. When you are building or remodeling your home, your family’s safety is your number 1 priority. Let’s look at making your home as fire safe as possible. Featured home above is our Willow Way (MEN 5036) plan. Preventing Home Fires While there is no sure way to prev

Your dream home is getting closer and closer. There’s already been so much done. No, really, there has. Yes, I know you’ve mainly done paperwork and dirt has been moved around. I promise this step will let you see something tangible. Not fancy, but tangible. Plan featured above is Stone Village (SMN 1030) Foundations The foundation is probably the most important structure in your home (other than the love of your family). You want to make sure that you choose the right foundation for your type

So you bit the bullet and are going to remodel your home. No, put the sledgehammer down. As with anything a remodel needs to follow a certain natural course of events. It takes a lot of work to do correctly and we want to make sure you have this in the bag. House plan featured above is Washington Cove (SMN 1034). Remodeling anything is a big undertaking. This guide is intended as a rough step by step of any project. It should help you figure out what your specific project needs. Before you get

You found the perfect spot to put your dream home. You’re ready to start building, but the site is covered in trees, tall grass and maybe a few old used tires. Well that’s easy to fix, right? Whoa, put down the chainsaw Bruce Campbell. There are a few things we need to look at before we start hacking and slashing. Image above is of one of our newest plans Blue Ridge Overlook (MEN 5051) Site Preparation Site preparation consists of clearing trees and other vegetation from the building site, doin

Don’t those remodeling shows make it look so easy? Fifteen minutes and a montage later and your home looks like it just popped off the pages of Martha Stewart Living. Remodeling takes a bit more work than those bubbly hosts would have you think. The plan featured above is our Austin Ridge (MEN 5195) plan. Should you remodel? That’s the big question. Should you remodel or should you just buy a new home? That depends entirely on you. The benefits to remodeling the home you live in are that you g

Building your dream home should be as easy as falling off a log. This article is all about the second stage in the process: Getting your construction loans and permits ready. The world runs on red tape; let’s try to make it less confusing. The house plan featured above is our Main Street Villa plan. Construction Loan Now that you have your land and your plan and you’re ready to get started, what’s next? Your next step should be a bank or credit agency. It’s time to get a loan for the construc