Your Building Blog for the Rochester Area

If your current home no longer meets your family’s needs, you might be considering the best housing options. One question you might be asking yourself is, “Should I buy a spec home or build a custom home in 2020?” Let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons you’ll want to consider—and whether the coming year is a good time to make a move such as this.

Building a Custom Home

Pros: The advantages of building a custom home are fairly obvious. You get to design a floor plan that best suits your specific needs. In many cases, you have the option of choosing the lot you want. You determine what finishes you want for your flooring, your cabinets, and your countertops. Additionally, you can also create a bathroom or a kitchen that is designed to enhance your lifestyle—and your sense of design. For many custom homeowners, there is a great sense of satisfaction in knowing that the home has been designed and built specifically for their comfort and convenience. And they enjoy the knowledge that no one else has ever lived in the home before them.

Cons: Building a custom home generally costs a bit more than purchasing an existing spec home. The exact amount will vary depending on the features and material required. Over the long haul, however, the value of the home is likely to remain higher. And given the fact that higher quality building means that fewer items will need to be replaced, it may make more fiscal sense. Some people choose not to build a custom home because they don’t want to wait to move in. Others simply don't want to deal with the decisions involved in the custom home building process.

Buying a Spec Home

Photo by Gerber Homes 

Pros: One benefit of buying a spec home is that it has already been built. This means that you not have to wait for construction to be completed before you can move in. In addition, most spec homes are located in newer communities, so the infrastructure (streets, sidewalks, sewers) is new as well. You also have the advantage of knowing that everything in the house is brand new from floor to ceiling. And if there are ever any issues, they’ll most likely be covered by your warranty. From a financial perspective, you will probably pay somewhat less for a spec home than for a custom home.

Cons: Purchasing a spec home, however, still means accepting an existing floor plan. You may have to adapt your lifestyle to the layout of the home. Additionally, you won't have the same opportunity to add your own personal touches to your home as the selections have already been made. One last disadvantage is that you may have less choice when it comes to location or lot. The home you like best may not be on the lot you prefer, however building a custom home will give you the freedom to build anywhere that you'd like. 

Ultimately, the choice of buying a spec home or building a custom home depends on what best suits your needs. If you’d like to explore the idea further, we build in several great communities in the Greater Rochester area and have dozens of beautiful floor plans that can help you start your planning for a custom home that will meet your family’s needs.

Of all the rooms in your home, your master bathroom may be the most personal. It’s also a room that you use multiple times every day—and it’s one that you can creatively customize to provide comfort, convenience, and a touch or two of luxury. Let’s explore some ideas for creating a luxurious master bathroom in your Rochester custom home.

Custom Convenience

 

First and foremost, your master bathroom needs to be fully functional and offer outstanding convenience. It's important to remember that it's probably going to be a shared space, so your bathroom design should consider that.

Vanities Are About More than Vanity

Togetherness is a great thing—except in the bathroom. Nobody wants to struggle for space when getting ready for work in the morning, or when they are trying to wind down for the night. That's why dual vanities are an absolute must for any custom master bathroom. Not only is it much more convenient to have your own sink, but it's also nice to have places for all of your toiletries where they are easy for you to access. Of course, having vanities that look great is a huge plus. The great thing about a custom master bath is that you can take the design in any direction you want. You can go for a sleek, modern look that sets the tone for the whole room. Or you can opt for stand-alone vanities that are custom-made (even from antique furniture) to create a warm, inviting space. Here’s an article that takes a more in-depth look at various vanity options.

Super Showers

Today's showers have come a long way from the simple showerheads that sprayed into a conventional bathtub. Spacious showers with multiple showerheads (such as rain showerheads and body sprayers) are increasingly popular. Many homeowners are opting for barrier-free walk-in showers that have great lines and are a real benefit for maturing homeowners who are thinking ahead about aging in place. Many homeowners are adding elegant grab bars and seating options that not only look great but also add functionality and safety.

Customized Comfort

 

Your master bathroom can also offer lots of comfort. Adding features such as towel warmers may seem like a small thing, but you’ll love grabbing a warm towel when stepping out of the shower on a cold Rochester morning. You can also take that warming comfort to another level by adding radiant floor heating. Nobody enjoys stepping on a cold bathroom floor in the middle of winter. Your master bathroom isn’t just a place to get clean. It can be a great place for a solitary soak in a freestanding soaking tub at the end of the day.

Light, Bright, and Private

It's easy for homeowners to overlook the importance of great lighting in the bathroom. Of course, you'll want task lighting for applying makeup or for shaving. But you'll also want to let in as much natural light as possible to keep things bright. Adding skylights or high windows to your bathroom lets you do that without having to sacrifice privacy.

Extending the Luxury

Your bathroom itself isn’t the only area where you’ll want luxury and convenience. As you design your room, you may also want to consider an attached dressing room or a large walk-in closet that provides plenty of storage, space to get dressed, and lighting that makes it easy to pick out just the right outfit for your day.

What About Cost?

When you (or your guests) step into your kitchen, the cabinets may be the most dominant feature in the room. Your cabinets set the tone for your whole kitchen and—with today's open style architecture—your whole home. That's why you'll want to take your time when choosing the kitchen cabinets for your custom home. Your choice of cabinets is a major factor in designing the kitchen for your Rochester custom home.

What’s Your Kitchen Style?

You’ll want to choose a style that fits your personal taste—and creates the right atmosphere for how you entertain in your home. When it comes to kitchen style, there are two basic elements you’ll want to consider: Cabinet style and color.

Cabinet Style

The current style trend in kitchen cabinets is leaning more toward Shaker cabinets—especially those that feature doors with recessed panels (although flat panel and raised panel doors are also quite popular in Shaker cabinets). These clean and simple cabinets are often found in farmhouse style kitchen—but that’s not an exclusive trend. Here’s a look at a farmhouse style kitchen we recently built. And it’s worth noting that a gourmet kitchen with an over-sized island is considered a “must-have” for many people building a custom home.

Cabinet Color

You may see design posts proclaiming the death of white kitchen cabinets. And yet, according to RealSimple.com 43 percent of homeowners still prefer white cabinets. Let's face it, you can do a lot of accent colors with white cabinets. Natural wood cabinets (such as oak kitchen cabinets or maple kitchen cabinets) also remain popular. There is something warm and inviting about natural wood in the kitchen. Gray kitchen cabinets are also increasing in popularity. As a neutral color, they also lend themselves to a variety of complementary accent colors.

One trend that has changed over the last few years, however, is that designers and homeowners are embracing two-tone kitchen cabinets. They'll paint their upper cabinets one color and their lower cabinets another color. Often this combination will include one set (upper or lower) in white, with the other cabinets being blue or gray. It's a very stunning look.

It’s interesting to note that—according to the same RealSample post—approximately 40 percent of homeowners upgrading their kitchen are opting for custom cabinets and 34 percent are choosing semi-custom cabinets. It’s an area where homeowners weigh the cost versus the value of building/design decisions they make. Many homeowners are convinced that the quality and functionality that custom and semi-custom cabinets offer is worth the money they spend.

How Much Do Kitchen Cabinets Cost?

Before making your decision about what kind of cabinets to install, it’s a good idea to have a basic grasp of the cost differences. Homeadvisor.com offers some helpful information about the relative cost of stock cabinets as compared to semi-custom or custom cabinets. You'll notice a range of prices for each kind. Your exact needs or desires will impact your final costs, but these figures can be a good starting point for comparison. 

Can You Have a Custom Kitchen in Your Existing Home?

What if you already have a home you love, but would love to have a great new kitchen with custom or semi-custom cabinets? We specialize in kitchen remodeling for Rochester area homes. Click here for some ideas and images of the kind of kitchen you can have in your existing Rochester home.

Or, if you just want to talk to us about what you have in mind, please contact us and let us know what kind of information you’re interested in. We can help! We know you have lots of questions and our knowledgeable team is here to guide you through the whole process.

When you’re designing the kitchen in your custom home, think about what part of the kitchen gets the most use—and the most views. It’s probably the combination of your cabinets and your countertops. And when it comes to daily use, your countertops probably bear the burden of the most wear and tear. So, what’s the key to choosing the countertops for your Rochester custom home?

Keep in mind that your kitchen is a multi-faceted, multi-functional room. Chances are good that you use it both for food preparation and for entertaining in your home. That means your kitchen needs to look great and stand up to daily use.

Here are some things that you’ll want to consider:

Style

Your personal sense of style can be reflected in the countertop material you choose. If you're after a sleek, modern look for your kitchen, you have several choices. Granite countertops have been the “go-to” choice for upscale kitchens for a long time. They remain extremely popular because of their beauty, elegance, and unique natural patterns.  Quartz countertops, however, are hard on the heels of granite and have even surpassed granite in popularity in some areas.

Durability

All of the countertop materials mentioned here are quite durable. Granite can be somewhat susceptible to staining (from things such as red wine), but you can treat your granite counters yearly to protect them. Concrete is extremely hard and resists chipping and scratching. They’re also very heat resistant, and easy to maintain. You can expect your counters to last for decades with a minimum amount of basic maintenance. Butcher block counters will require more maintenance—and are not as heat resistant as natural stone and concrete.

Price

There is a fairly wide range of costs for various kitchen countertops. A recent (2019) homeadvisor.com post offers a quick guide to pricing. Your specific price will vary, but this provides a kind of baseline for costs.

• Granite will run you between $15-$140 per square foot
• Engineered Stone Quartz can cost between $15-$70 per square foot
• Wood/Butcher Block generally runs around $10-$38 per square foot
• Concrete costs around $50-$100 per square foot

Think About the Sink

Of course, you'll want to match your kitchen countertops with the right sink. So, keep that in mind as you choose your materials. Do you want an under-counter mounted sink (similar to the one in the picture above)? Do you prefer a single large basin or a double sink? Think about what kind of fixtures go best with the material you choose. Sleek modern faucets look great with quartz, granite, concrete, or even laminate countertops. You might want something more rustic or casual with a butcher block or other wooden countertop.

If you’re looking for more ideas and inspiration for the rest of your kitchen, we invite you to download our free Creating the Ideal Kitchen eBook. It’s packed with information about kitchen style, functionality, and how to plan for your new kitchen.

Whether you’re building a new custom home or remodeling the kitchen in your existing Rochester area home, your kitchen is one room that needs special attention. So much happens in your kitchen (food preparation, casual meals, entertaining, and more) that it’s important to get this room right. Achieving the right results, however, is about more than simply installing new kitchen elements. You need a good plan to make sure everything comes together. That's what kitchen design is all about. With that in mind, let's look at designing the kitchen in your Rochester custom home—and cover some essential kitchen design ideas.

Balancing Form and Function

There are two key elements to creating a modern kitchen that will delight you for years to come. You want to pay attention to both form and function. Homeowners want to create beautiful kitchens that are attractive and inviting—and match their sense of style. But it's equally important to end up with a kitchen that matches your lifestyle. And that means building in the features—and designing the space—that make your kitchen comfortable and convenient for the way you live and entertain.

How to Design a Kitchen Layout

So, how do you go about planning a kitchen that meets your needs? First, think about how you like to use your kitchen. What are the things that can make it convenient and enjoyable for making meals?  If you do a lot of cooking, you might want to consider a design that incorporates double ovens. That enables you to have multiple items (with differing temperatures) cooking at the same time. If you plan to use your kitchen for casual meals, or like making breads/pastries/pastas you may want to build in an over-sized island that allows you more work space (with a built-in sink, or possibly an island cook-top) while still allowing room for family and friends to eat breakfast or a snack on the other side of the island. By the way, if you’d like some additional tips about how to design a great kitchen (and other rooms in your home) for entertaining, check out this helpful article.

What About “Extra” Kitchen Features?

Once you have your basic design mapped out, you can focus on some other details that can make your kitchen more comfortable, convenient, and even fun. If you’re in the habit of having friends over for coffee, you might want to look at building in a coffee bar to add an element of fun and interest. Many Rochester homeowners love having a separate pantry in the kitchen. This extra space makes storing small appliances and dry goods so much easier—and it helps to keep your kitchen uncluttered. And don’t forget about touchless faucets that make food prep much more convenient.

Choosing the Look You Want

You have a lot of options when it comes to the visual impact of your Rochester kitchen. You can choose from contemporary, classic, modern, or farmhouse styles. But keep in mind that most kitchens today are part of an open floor plan. That means whatever style and décor you choose for your kitchen will probably be visible from other rooms in the house. That means you’ll want to make sure that the cabinets, countertops, and flooring blend well with what’s in the adjoining rooms.

How Much Does it Cost to Remodel a Kitchen?

Naturally, you’ll want to keep an eye on the budget with your new kitchen. Your builder can walk you through the design and provide you with an accurate estimate so that you’ll know what to expect. If you’re remodeling an existing kitchen, here’s a very helpful post that gives you an idea of what various levels of kitchen remodels cost in the Rochester area—and what the return on that investment will be. We want you to be able to make an informed decision about remodeling before starting. 

Next Steps

Whether you’re building a new home or remodeling the kitchen in your current home, gathering good information is essential to achieving the results you want. A great way to get started is to download our free Creating the Ideal Kitchen eBook. It’s packed with helpful information and insights. You can also contact us directly. We know you’ll have lots of questions and our knowledgeable Gerber Homes team will be delighted to guide you through the whole process.

Your master bathroom may well be the most personal room in your Rochester home. It’s definitely a room that will get plenty of use—every single day. Here are 10 “must-have” bathroom features that will make your bathroom a relaxing, comfortable, and delightful place to begin—or end—your day.

How to Design a Bathroom

There is a lot more to creating a great master bathroom than just fine fixtures and cabinets. If you’re building a new home, it’s important to understand the custom home building process as you design your bathroom.  The more time you spend thinking ahead about what you want, the better the results will be. Whether you’re building a new home or remodeling the bathroom in your current home, it’s important to begin with a good design. While the way your bathroom looks is important, your first consideration should be to design the room around what matters most to you. Here are 10 “must-have” features to keep in mind when you’re considering how to design a bathroom.

An Updated Look

Nothing ages a house more than an outdated bathroom. That’s why a modern bathroom is so important (we’re using the term “modern” here in the sense of “updated”). You’ll be much happier in a master bathroom that feels fresh and new. And should you decide to sell your home in the future, the bathroom is often one of the key rooms that buyers consider.

Double Vanities

Be sure to include adequate space for getting ready for work or bed. It’s not comfortable or relaxing if you have to jockey for sink space. That’s a big reason that dual vanities are a significant trend these days. And while stand-alone pedestals may look elegant, they may not provide you with the counter space you want or need.

Adequate Storage

This is another consideration that doesn't seem particularly sexy on the surface. On the other hand, a crowded bathroom isn't all that attractive either. Work with your builder/designer to take advantage of unused space. Built-in storage that is recessed can provide additional storage space without sacrificing valuable floor space.

Great Cabinets

Your cabinets probably do more to influence the look and feel of your bathroom than any other feature. We’ve already mentioned the importance of storage above, but you’ll want to keep that in mind for your cabinets as well. But functionality doesn’t preclude style. Think through the kind of feel you want your bathroom to have. Do you lean toward modern or traditional? Will you be happy with standard cabinets, or do you want something that’s customized to your taste—and needs?

Stunning Sinks

You have a lot of choices when it comes to the type of sink you can install. Some homeowners opt for under-the-counter sinks. Others prefer a sink that sits above the counter and has more visual impact.

Creative Countertops

Stunning sinks, of course, deserve beautiful and creative countertops to complete the bathroom “ensemble.” Marble and Quartz countertops are currently very popular because of their beautiful patterns and durability.

Fabulous Flooring

The flooring material you choose for your master bathroom also plays a huge role in both the comfort and visual appeal of the room. You’ll have a multitude of stone and tile options in a range of colors and textures from which to choose. Your builder can help you select the right flooring and advise you about durability and safety (and here’s an article that can help you get started). One thing many people in Rochester consider a "must-have" is heated flooring. And, while it is a bit more expensive than conventional flooring, if you've ever spent a winter in Rochester, you'll understand the appeal!

Lustrous Lighting

Having adequate lighting in your master bathroom is essential. You’ll want ambient lighting that sets the overall mood in the room, but you’ll also want task lighting for things such as makeup application, shaving, and other tasks.

Super Shower

Today’s showers are a far cry from the simple in-bathtub nozzles for rinsing off. Modern showers are spacious and elegant. A frameless glass shower enclosure looks elegant and takes up less visual space—making your bathroom look more spacious. Steam showers have grown dramatically in popularity. They are great in cold climates like ours because they allow you to warm up your shower before you get in—without using a lot of water. And they're great for relaxing tired or sore muscles.

Changing Personal Needs

Another thing to think about is how your personal needs may change over time. As you mature, you’ll want to keep safety in mind. That’s why features such as “stepless” showers are so popular. Not only do they look elegant, but they reduce the risk of tripping. That’s another benefit to the frameless glass showers—or even showers with no doors at all—mentioned above. Increasingly, homeowners are installing showers with built-in grab bars and seating to ensure safety. Many people also choose to have multiple showerheads (including a hand-held sprayer) that give them the option of showering while seated.

What About Costs?

If you’re wondering how much it costs to remodel a bathroom in the Rochester area, here’s a post that walks you through the typical costs for a variety of different bathroom remodeling projects (mid-range, upscale, or Universal Design) in and around Rochester.

How Can You Get Started?

Take a look at some of the bathrooms we’ve recently renovated. You just might find something that will inspire design ideas for your bathroom. If you have additional questions or want to know how you could adapt one of these bathroom remodeling ideas to better suit your needs, please contact us. We’d be delighted to help you think it through.

Webster

You’ve got to love a place where the official town motto is, “Where life is worth living.” Many homeowners are attracted to the natural beauty of the place—including great views of Lake Ontario. The town itself is committed to protecting that natural beauty and not long ago purchase more than 1,000 acres that are dedicated to outdoor activities such as hiking trails. That open space is also complemented by multiple parks within the city.

Great education is also important for parents of school-aged children. Webster has a lot to offer in that regard as well and the Webster Central School District is an outstanding public school district located in Webster, NY with more than 8,000 students in grades PK, K-12 and a student-teacher ratio of 14 to 1.

And while Webster is a quiet and comfortable town, it’s only a 15-25 minute drive down State Route 104 to downtown Rochester, and to the Greater Rochester International Airport.

Briarwood Estates is an exciting new community in Webster, located on the left side of Salt Road, just south of Lake Road.  Bordered on two sides by Webster Green Space, the community is a mix of rolling hills, mature trees, and sunny open spaces. Click here for additional information about Briarwood Estates, including images of one of our model homes and lot availability.

Canandaigua

If the idea of small-town living in the Finger Lakes Region appeals to you, you may want to check out Canandaigua. You can enjoy small-town living and lots of activities at the same time. Here’s a post that highlights some of what Canandaigua has to offer. Residents of our Fox Ridge and Old Brookside communities in Canandaigua enjoy a tranquil location that includes a mix of rolling hills, mature trees, and breathtaking views of Lake Canandaigua. Click here for available homesites in Fox Ridge or check out the last remaining homesite in Old Brookside!

Ontario

Residents of Ontario the abundant parks, above-average public schools, and access to outstanding healthcare. They are also close to numerous wineries and vineyards. And yet, downtown Rochester is only 25 minutes away.

Our Summer Lake community offers tranquil views of Lake Ontario from many of the home sites (the lots are roughly 1/2 acres in size.  sites. The community has the feel of a nature preserve with an incredible location just minutes to some of Ontario's best shopping and dining. Click here to see available lots and to view images of one of our models. There are also a number of lake-view properties available in our Centennial Village, Holly Meadows community.

Perinton

Twice, the Town of Perinton has been named one of the Best Places to Live in America. That probably has to do with this family-oriented community’s pristine environment that includes access to numerous great parks, great public schools, exceptional healthcare, and superior employment opportunities. The area also has weekly farmer's markets, seasonal festivals, and a wide variety of shopping and dining options. That’s part of the reason that there are relatively few available lots remaining in our Magnolia Manor and Copper Beech Run communities. Click here to see availability and for images of the community.

Victor

Nestled in the foothills of the Finger Lakes is the town of Victor. it offers residents, businesses, and visitors a peaceful, small-town setting within minutes of the Cities of Rochester and Canandaigua. If you’re looking for a larger lot with plenty of shade, there are still two 1-acre wooded lots available in our Scout Reserve community in Victor.

Sodus

If golf course living is something you’ve always dreamed about, you may want to check out our Fairways community in Sodus. There are home sites available along the prestigious Sodus Bay Heights Golf Course. Plus, it’s an excellent location that’s close to all of the fun at Lake Ontario.

The Town of Sodus is actually divided into two villages: The Village of Sodus and the Village of Sodus Point. Sodus offers a family-friendly atmosphere with ample public parks, excellent schools, and year-round recreational activities. Residents enjoy all of the local marinas, waterfront restaurants, as well as the breathtaking beaches of Sodus Bay. Click here for images of the community and to check out available home sites.

If you’re considering building a custom home in the Rochester area and you have kids, you’ll want to include them in your plans for the house to ensure that they feel like it’s their home, too! Let’s look at some of the areas you may want to think about when designing a kid-friendly custom home.

Bedrooms

Your home may be your castle, but your kids’ rooms are their domain. You can customize these rooms to your children’s personalities, tastes, and interests. One nice thing about building a custom home is that you don’t have to be restricted to conventional rooms. The bedroom you see here is an example of how you can take the bunk bed concept to a whole different level. You can decorate it thematically or colorfully—whatever suits your child’s preference.

Bathrooms

Providing separate bathrooms for your children allows you to have your bathroom all to yourself (Here is a look at some of the most important features for your master bathroom.). Another advantage is that you can customize the rooms to meet the needs of your kids. If you have smaller children, you can build in step stools that make it easier for them to reach the sink for washing and brushing teeth. You might think twice, however, about installing lower cabinets and counters. That’s something you’d likely have to replace as your kids get older.

Playrooms

Setting aside a special room devoted entirely to play is a great way to ensure your kids will love their new home. If you build a home with a basement, you will probably have space for a large play space that could accommodate a lot of different activities—and even sports such as soccer or basketball (on a smaller scale). Some families build in small climbing walls. If your kids are creative, you could dedicate a room to art projects or crafts.

Homework Spaces

Most parents pay close attention to the schools in the area before building a new home. But homework is a big part of education. And while your kids may not be thrilled about having a special space to do homework, it’s something you’ll probably want to think about. You can build a dedicated space into their bedroom, or you might consider allowing space for that in the kitchen in case your children need some help (or supervision).

Music Room

If you have a child that is musically inclined, you might give some thought to having a music room or practice room. Not only will it provide the necessary privacy (away from distraction), but you can also insulate the room so that the rest of the family doesn’t have to participate in practice.

Think Outside the House

Not all activities have to happen inside the home. If you think outside the house, you might want to build a tree house, or a clubhouse in the back yard. It’s a fun way for kids to be one their own—and still at home. Other things to think about are creating areas for sports—such as a small basketball court or an area where kids can practice soccer.

Kid & Adult Friendly Features

Having kids can be a dirty experience. That’s never going to change. It’s part of having kids! It is, however, one reason that features such as having a dedicated main-level laundry room and a mudroom are often considered “must-have” features for custom homeowners.

Kids remember their homes all their lives. Use your creativity to create spaces that will bring back fond memories for your kids long after they leave home.

Our homes are much more than roofs over our heads. They are places we interact with family and friends. And one big advantage of building a custom home is that you can create a space that allows you to entertain in a way that fits your specific personality and tastes. Of course, that takes some planning up front, so let’s take a look at a few things to consider when designing your custom home for entertaining.

Start with the Kitchen

For many homeowners today the kitchen is the focal point when it comes to entertaining. Today’s open design floor plans make the kitchen an integral part of hosting guests. It’s still a hard-working room, so you’ll want to make sure you design your kitchen to make food preparation convenient and comfortable. But, more often than not, guests today tend to congregate in the kitchen—even while the hosts are preparing meals or snacks.

That's one reason that over-sized kitchen islands are so popular. They provide you with plenty of work space for preparing and presenting meals and appetizers. You'll be able to visit with guests while you prepare—and they'll have room to set their drinks, and/or appetizer dishes. Nobody needs to be stuck alone in the kitchen anymore. As you think about your island, however, consider installing a separate sink in the island. It makes preparation easier—and it's a big help when it's time to clean up. You can also make your kitchen island do double duty. Include space for your family to sit at the island for breakfasts and snacks even when you’re not entertaining.

Build in a Home Bar

Another consideration is to build in a separate bar area as another gathering spot. That can take some of the traffic out of the kitchen. You may even want to include an espresso machine or other coffee/tea making station and keep a sparkling water maker (such as a SodaStream© or other brand) on hand.

Create Your Own Theater Experience

Of course, there’s more to entertaining than just eating and drinking. If you enjoy watching movies with your family and friends, you’ll want to think about adding a dedicated home theater that’s separate from your family room. Once again, planning ahead can make sure you end up with a theater/media room that you’ll really enjoy. Sure, you’ll want to pay attention to the television and sound system you install, but there’s more to the story than just the equipment. Think about the ideal location for your home theater. And take sound-insulation into account so that you can enjoy your movies or sporting events at full volume—without disrupting the rest of the household. Think about lighting as well. You’ll want area lighting and ambient lighting to set the right mood. Plus, you’ll want to make sure you can adequately cover windows to prevent glare while you’re watching.

More Fun and Games

Another fun option is to create a video arcade with “old school” style elements such as pinball machines or other arcade devices. Check out the Game Room Guys for a collection of classic arcade games that include everything from Pac-Man® to air hockey machines. Or, you may choose to create a space for younger children to play while the grownups are upstairs talking.

Customize Your Entertaining Ability

The beauty of building a custom home is that you have the ability to create spaces that fit your specific needs and desires. It’s what really sets a custom home apart. But it all comes down to figuring out what you want and taking the time to plan and design your home ahead of time. Our Custom Home Guide eBook offers a lot of help in thinking through the things you’ll need to know.

Most people who consider building a custom home already understand that a custom home generally costs more to build than a conventional “standard” home. That doesn’t mean, however, that cost doesn’t matter. So how do you go about creating a budget for your Rochester-area home—while watching out for the surprising places that can break your budget? What does a realistic budget look like, and what are the things that are most likely to cause you to overspend your budget?

What’s Realistic?

Imagine walking into a car dealership that sells everything from a Toyota Yaris sedan to a Porsche Carrara and asking the salesperson what a car is going to cost you. Your question would be met with additional questions. What brand of car would you like to buy? What specific model are you interested in? What particular features or upgrades do you want? Then there is the question of what you can realistically afford. If your budget is in the range of $35,000 to $40,000 you can expect to get more than the Yaris. But it’s also pointless to consider the Carrara.

Of course, buying a custom home is different from buying a car, but you still have to consider exactly what features you want—and what you can realistically afford. The goal here is not necessarily to get the lowest price but to get the most value for the dollars you budget. What will help you arrive at a realistic budget? Let’s look at two common errors homeowners make that can result in a budget that doesn’t match reality.

Unrealistically High Expectations

Planning a custom home can be a pretty exhilarating experience. There are all kinds of magazines, online sites, blogs, and TV programs that highlight the magnificent features you can build into your home. It’s pretty cool stuff! What the TV shows and online sites often fail to mention is what these cool features actually cost. Figure out what’s most important to you. These are your true “must-have” items. Then figure out what your “nice-to-have” features are (if they fit your budget). Then make a list of “splurges” that you can add if there’s still money in the budget. Check out what things really cost. Don’t expect to get a $750,000 home if your realistic budget is $450,000.

Unrealistically Low Budgets

The flip side of this problem is that some homeowners can actually afford a higher budget, but they set an unrealistically low budget for their home. They have high expectations, but they set a budget that’s too low to achieve what they want. The problem here is that after the home has been built, they’re dissatisfied. They’ve settled for less when they really could have afforded more. The real kicker is that if they decide to add in the features they really wanted afterward—it costs them more than it would have originally.

Having unrealistically high expectations or setting unrealistically low budgets will lead to dissatisfaction. Take an honest look at what you can really afford and what the features of your proposed home really cost. That’s why it’s a good idea to get your financial house in order and talk to a lender to see what kind of load you qualify before making building plans. Then, work with a builder who will deliver the maximum bang for your building buck.

Avoiding Unwanted Budget Surprises

Even with a realistic budget, some homeowners get blindsided during the building process. Here are a few areas that can take homeowners by surprise after they start the process.

Changes to the Plans

It’s not unusual to make some changes to your original design as your house progresses. Some changes aren’t a big deal. In fact, they are smart changes that will help you enjoy your finished home more. Other changes, however, can really hit you hard in the wallet. To be honest, it’s often when you make the changes that matter most. You may think that moving a wall a mere six inches isn't that significant, but it depends on what else may have to be moved. One thing is for sure: if you ask the builder to move it in the design/planning stage, it's a lot cheaper than having him tear out a wall he's already built. It's the same kind of situation if you want a door or a window moved. It can usually be done—but when you want to move it (and where) matters a lot. One of the problems is that these changes can kind of creep up on you before you’re even aware. Here’s a helpful article about keeping those changes under control. 

Upgrades

It’s easy to get caught up in upgrading your finishes. Let’s say you budgeted for one kind of wood flooring, but then came across another flooring material that you absolutely love. The good news is that it’s only $4 per square foot more. At first glance, $4 doesn’t seem like much. But if you’re going to cover 750 square feet with that new material, all of a sudden, you’re looking at an additional $3,000 in cost. That’s not a nice surprise. The same thing can happen with cabinets, countertops, and appliances. What seems like small changes can add up quickly. That's not to say you shouldn't upgrade—but it's an area that often catches homeowners off guard.

Property

Some homeowners like to buy their own lot and then have a builder construct the home on the lot they’ve purchased. Occasionally, a homeowner will get what seems to be a “great deal” on what appears to be a great lot—only to find that it requires a lot of extra preparation (grading, etc.) before the foundation can even be put in. All of a sudden, that “bargain” lot turns into an expensive lot.

You can avoid that by contacting your builder about the lot before you purchase a home site. At Gerber Homes, we’re happy to help you evaluate a piece of property. You don’t need to hire an outside consultant. We know the area and have years of experience in locating and evaluating land, and we can help you find the perfect location for your new home, surrounded by the amenities you desire.  There is no charge for this service, which includes locating the land, evaluating the site, and checking septic or well requirements. Here’s a quick video that highlights how we can help you with that.