The building blog
Explore layouts, learn what to consider before you build, and see how our plans come to life. A little clarity now can help you choose a home that feels right for you.
Explore the articles ↓Design ideas & practical decisions
Browse the full library or narrow it to the question on your mind.
Showing 19–27 of 47 articles
Newest first
Home styles
“Farmhouse” is doing a lot of work in current plan marketing. Some of what gets that label is genuinely in the farmhouse tradition. Some is a black-window-and-shiplap…
Read article
Home styles
Mountain house and modern vs. traditional farmhouse are different design responses to different land problems. Pick the wrong one and you’re fighting the site for every cost…
Read article
Land & foundations
Mountain and lake sites are hard on below-grade construction. Here's what a proper waterproofing system looks like and what cuts corners.
Read article
Land & foundations
The topo survey is the most important document you'll get before designing a house on a sloped lot. Here's how to read it.
Read article
Home styles
Cabin and cottage get used interchangeably, but they describe genuinely different design intentions. Here's how to tell them apart and which fits your land.
Read article
Land & foundations
Four foundation types for sloping lots — and which one actually fits your site, your plan, and your budget.
Read article
Layouts & outdoor living
A screened porch that's too small is worse than no porch at all. Here's how to size one that actually works for lake and mountain living.
Read article
Land & foundations
A walkout basement adds real living space only when the site and plan work together. Here's what it actually costs and when the math makes sense.
Read article
Land & foundations
Most stock house plans are drawn road-first. On a waterfront lot, that's a mistake. Here's how to read a floor plan for lake lot orientation — and…
Read articleFrom ideas to a home
Explore our house plans and floor layouts. If you have a question about a design or a change, our family can help you take the next step.
