Upstate NY Custom Home Building Blog

One great thing about building a new custom home is that you don’t have to settle for standard features and finishes. Creating a home that’s uniquely yours is what makes a custom home special. As new 2026 custom home trends begin shaping how families live, from eco-friendly house ideas to smart home automation, many Rochester and Finger Lakes homeowners are focusing on designs that blend comfort, technology, and timeless beauty.

Gerber Homes is pleased to share our curated list that delivers the kind of comfort and convenience you really want. With that in mind, let’s look at 25 “must-have” features for your 2026 custom home.

Share this post with someone planning to build a home in NY in 2026. It is not too late to secure natural gas, but that window may close quickly.

Designing your dream home in Greater Rochester, NY, is one of the most exciting steps you’ll ever take. It's the backdrop for everything you've ever planned for your ideal future. Many homeowners can’t wait to jump right into creating floor plans, selecting finishes, and envisioning the perfect layout. But here’s a common mistake: starting with design before talking to a builder.

Too often, families invest in plans that look beautiful on paper but come with a price tag that far exceeds their budget, or that can’t be built efficiently on their chosen lot. This leads to frustrating redesigns, wasted money, and months of delays.

The smarter path is to start with a builder, and we're here today to discuss exactly why. Gerber Homes has been helping families across Greater Rochester, Ontario and Wayne Counties, and the Finger Lakes turn ideas into homes since 1981. And we know from experience that an early consultation with a builder helps you avoid budget blowouts, make smart trade-offs, and keep the entire process on track.

Table of Contents

• What Happens When You Design Without a Builder?
• How Builders Help Align Your Vision with Budget
• Why Floor Plans Should Be Based on Real Costs
• What to Expect in a Builder Consultation with Gerber Homes
• Why You Should Consult a Builder First in Greater Rochester
• Common Myths About Talking to a Builder First
• Ready to Build Your Dream Home in Greater Rochester, NY?

Having land in Upstate New York is a dream for many, especially in picturesque areas like Canandaigua, Rush, or Macedon. But how do you make the most of that piece of paradise once you have it? Many landowners ponder, "I want to build a house on my land; where do I start?" If that's you, here's a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the exciting journey of turning your raw land into a beautiful custom home.