Your Building Blog for the Rochester Area

Mountain breezes, scenic lakes, quaint small towns, and excellent schools make the Finger Lakes region the perfect place to put down roots or build a summer cottage. Demand for land is particularly strong, as home buyers search for the perfect spot to build their dream homes. If you’ve got some extra land you no longer need or have inherited a few acres, you can make some extra money selling your property.

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 you’re planning your home, you’re likely to come across certain features that you know you want to include in the plan. It’s not because these things are trendy or ostentatious. It’s because they deliver the kind of comfort and convenience you really want. With that in mind, let’s look at 15 “must-have” features for your custom home that you’ll probably want to consider.

Building a new home in the Rochester area is a fun and exciting experience, but it also can be a little overwhelming at times. Decisions about lots and floor plans aren’t so easy to make when you have so many options. Do you want a large lot in a secluded location or a slightly smaller lot within walking distance of town? What about bedrooms? The optimum floor plan will provide enough space for your entire family and include the features and amenities you want and need. (If you’ve been having trouble narrowing your choices, check out these tips for choosing a floor plan.)

Years ago, families used to gather around their television sets to watch “The Waltons,” a popular show that explored family life in rural Virginia during the Great Depression. Three generations of the Walton family shared a home, a custom that seemed a little strange to 1970s viewers but wasn’t unusual back in the 1930s.

With winter weather now behind us, it's time to concentrate on getting your home ready for spring. Our list of spring maintenance and cleaning tasks will help you ensure that your Finger Lakes/Rochester home and yard are in perfect condition for the warmer months ahead.

With so many popular vacation destinations close to home, there’s no need to leave the Rochester/Finger Lakes Region when you’re in the mood for a quick getaway. Here are a few places you may want to add to your list of local getaway possibilities.

Have you been thinking about remodeling your Finger Lakes/Rochester area home? Whether you want a new master bedroom suite or need to update your kitchen, a home renovation enhances the value and function of your house. Although remodeling costs vary depending on the size and scope of the project, these cost estimates will give you a general idea of what you can expect to pay for home renovations.

Price, size, features and amenities aren’t the only important considerations when buying a house. School district quality should also play a part in your home-buying decision. Top-performing school districts offer an excellent education for your kids and help your home retain its value. These Greater Rochester area school districts are among the best in our region. Scroll down to see the list and click here to see new neighborhoods in some of these districts. 

Home costs are influenced by many factors, including the floor plan, square footage, number of stories, and additional features and finishes. After considering all of the costs, homebuyers often forget about the cost to buy a lot. Unfortunately, it’s impossible to create a realistic budget for your new home if you don’t know how much land costs in Webster, Perinton, Ontario, Greece and surrounding communities.

So, what can you expect to pay for land around Rochester? As you can imagine, prices vary. Here’s a look at current pricing to give you at rough idea of land costs in our area

Choosing the features, finishes and appliances for your home is one of the most enjoyable parts of building a new home or remodeling your current home. Unfortunately, the process can also be a little overwhelming at times. Taking a look at the latest trends can provide a little inspiration and make your decisions easier. These seven trends are expected to be popular in the Rochester area in 2021.