Upstate NY Custom Home Building Blog

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

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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.

Table of Contents

• Top Custom Home Builders in the Greater Rochester, NY Area
• Selection Tips for Finding a Custom Builder in Upstate New York
• Gerber Homes Builds Your Dream in The Greater Rochester, NY Area

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If your current home no longer meets your family’s needs, you might be ready to move to a new home. One question you might be asking yourself is, “Should I buy a spec home or build a custom home this year?” 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.

As custom home builders in upstate New York, we obviously think that custom homes are worthwhile endeavors, but we also understand that they're not for everyone. Here at Gerber Homes, we want everyone to find the perfect new home for their situation, and we're happy to use our experience to help you decide between spec and custom new residential construction by comparing the pros and cons of a custom vs. spec new home. Let's dig into the details together!

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Are you on the right level? Choosing between a ranch-style home and a two-story home is a significant early decision for custom home buyers. This decision impacts the kind of floor plans you review and the way you see yourself living in your dream home. Both offer distinct advantages and cater to lifestyles, family needs, and long-term goals. In this blog, we'll explore the pros and cons of each home type, including factors like cost and maintenance and how each fits different stages of life. Whether you're drawn to the simplicity of a ranch-style single-story home or the expansive possibilities of a two-story family home, Gerber Homes will provide you with the insider knowledge you need to feel excited and confident about your new home plans.

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The fresh paint smell won’t last, but as you settle into your new custom home in the Finger Lakes, you’ll likely become increasingly interested in preserving the feel and function of everything you just created. At Gerber Homes, we understand the excitement and pride of moving into a home tailored just for you doesn’t end when the construction does. This checklist will walk you through the essential tasks that keep your home looking beautiful and functioning efficiently.

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