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Greater Rochester Area Custom Home Building Blog

Upstate NY Custom Home Building Blog

How to Build a Custom Home on Your Land in Greater Rochester

Posted by John Graziose on Mon, Sep 1, 2025 @ 14:09 PM

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.

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Topics: Custom homes, Building a New Home, Selecting a Home Site

New York’s Gas Hookup Changes: How to Keep Your Options Open Before the 2025 Deadline

Posted by John Graziose on Thu, Aug 21, 2025 @ 10:08 AM

Big changes are coming to new home construction in New York, and if you’ve been picturing cozy winter nights with a gas fireplace or cooking Sunday breakfast on a gas range, now is the time to act.

Starting January 1, 2026, most new homes in New York will no longer be allowed to connect to natural gas mains or install fossil-fuel heating, hot water, stoves, fireplaces, or dryers. This is part of the New York All-Electric Buildings Act, a sweeping change that will require most new builds to go fully electric. For homeowners planning a new build in Monroe, Ontario, or Wayne County, the clock is ticking. There’s still a window to be “grandfathered in” and keep natural gas as an option, but only if your building permit is filed on time. Here's what you need to know.

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Topics: Custom homes, Building a New Home

Rochester's Finest: Top Custom Home Builders and Selection Tips

Posted by John Graziose on Fri, Aug 15, 2025 @ 10:08 AM

Choosing the right builder for your dream custom home in the Rochester area is a decision that sets the foundation for your future. You are creating a space where life’s most cherished moments will unfold. But in a sea of options, how do you ensure that you pick a builder who aligns with your vision, values, and expectations? This process is about more than comparing prices or portfolios; it’s about understanding the essence of what makes a home builder the perfect partner for your custom home project. In this blog, we delve deeper into the essential aspects to consider, guiding you through the journey of finding a builder that not only constructs houses but builds dreams on your land.

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Topics: Custom homes, Home Building Tips

How to Design a Family-Friendly Custom Home

Posted by John Graziose on Tue, Aug 5, 2025 @ 11:08 AM

What if you could give yourself the gift of a thoughtful, personalized future? Designing a family-friendly custom home means so much more than tacking on extra bedrooms or picking stain-resistant carpet. You're building a space that evolves with your lifestyle, to see you through the days of juggling toddlers to managing teens, and perhaps one day accommodating multiple generations under one roof.

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Topics: Custom homes, Building a New Home

10 Reasons to Build Your Next Home in Canandaigua

Posted by John Graziose on Thu, Jul 17, 2025 @ 12:07 PM

It's a privilege to live in the northern tip of one of the most scenic lakes in the Finger Lakes region. Canandaigua, NY offers a rare blend of natural beauty, small-town charm, and big-city accessibility. Whether you're drawn to lakeside serenity, top-tier schools, or quick access to Rochester’s thriving job market, Canandaigua delivers a lifestyle few places in Upstate New York can match.

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Topics: Custom homes, Canandaigua NY, Finger Lakes Living