Rebuilding on the lake isn’t just about replacing a cottage. It’s about maximizing the value of your property and creating a home designed for long-term lake living. In many cases, a lakefront teardown and rebuild offers greater flexibility, improved energy efficiency, and stronger resale value than attempting to renovate an outdated structure.
Read MoreUpstate NY Custom Home Building Blog
Lakefront Tear-Down & Rebuild (Finger Lakes / Greater Rochester)
Posted by John Graziose on Mon, Mar 30, 2026 @ 15:03 PM
Topics: Finger Lakes, Lakefront Homes
How Long Does It Take to Build a Custom Home in New York? (2026 Update)
Posted by John Graziose on Tue, Feb 3, 2026 @ 10:02 AM
You’re ready for something that’s entirely yours. Building a new home is an exciting journey, especially in the beautiful Greater Rochester area. At Gerber Homes, we understand that embarking on this journey involves many questions, particularly regarding the timeline. How long will it take? What steps are involved?
As a trusted custom home builder with over 40 years of experience, we’re here to guide you through every phase of the home-building process and the associated timeline for each step.
Topics: Custom homes, Building a New Home, Timelines
How Site Evaluations Work: What to Expect When You Build on Land in Upstate NY
Posted by John Graziose on Tue, Jan 20, 2026 @ 19:01 PM
Building a custom home on your own land is not as simple as picking a floor plan and digging in. Whether you're working with raw acreage in Wayne County or a tucked-away lot in Ontario County, the first and most critical step in the process is the site evaluation. A proper site evaluation looks beneath the surface, literally and figuratively. It helps you and your builder understand the unique features (and limitations) of the land so that your home can be placed, designed, and built efficiently, within budget.
Gerber Homes has walked hundreds of properties across Upstate New York. We've seen everything from dream lots with hidden challenges to tricky terrain that became the perfect homesite with the right plan. We're honored to walk you through exactly what happens during a site evaluation and how it helps set the stage for a successful build.
Table of Contents
- What Is a Site Evaluation and Why Does It Matter?
- Who Performs the Site Evaluation?
- What Gerber Homes Looks for During a Site Walk
- How the Site Evaluation Affects Your Budget and Timeline
- What Happens If the Site Isn’t Ideal?
- When Should You Schedule a Site Evaluation?
- Common Mistakes to Avoid When Building on Your Own Land
- Ready to Build on Land in Upstate NY? Start with a Site Evaluation
Topics: Custom homes, Building a New Home, Selecting a Home Site, Home Building Tips
25 Must-Have Features for Your Custom Home for 2026
Posted by John Graziose on Tue, Dec 9, 2025 @ 15:12 PM
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.
Read MoreTopics: Custom homes, Custom Home Features
Gas Ban Suspended in New York: What It Means for Homeowners Planning a 2026 Build
Posted by John Graziose on Tue, Dec 2, 2025 @ 15:12 PM
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.
Read MoreTopics: Custom homes, Building a New Home


