Tom’s Weekly Blog

sister’s country homes Demand for custom built homes continues to be strong in Central Oregon. Pictured is one of our homes under construction in Sisters country. More small acreage lots are available on this street in Squaw Creek Canyon Estates, many with spectacular views of the mountains.

cost to build and demand continue to increase We continue to see increases in the cost of goods needed to construct homes. An example is gypsum drywall prices. As reported in the November issue of the NAHB publication “Builder” magazine drywall “prices currently are at 92.6 percent

insulation options There are many options to consider for insulating a conventionally framed home. From the basic industry standard batt insulation to spray foam systems. As different as the insulation systems are, so are the associated costs. Like most people I tend to look for a higher

Sources for construction lending It should be no surprise that construction lending is very different today from years past. The good news is that several financial institutions are lending compared to perhaps one or two in recent years. Generally lending requirements appear to be reasonable in their

current construction happenings We recently completed the pictured custom home. The home is a little over 3,000 heated square feet, and was completed in 6 months. It is an executive level home with a high level of finish and accoutrements. We have 3 new homes under contract

get construction planning started early Like most things, it’s better to start organizing a construction project early, compared to at the last minute. No matter where you are building a custom home in Bend, Sisters, Oregon or in Florida starting early not only relieves pressure through-out the project, but

home builder association as a resource to the general public Most area’s have a home builders association that provides various services and advocacy for the local construction industry. The associations are an important resource for the entire community in locating goods and services in their communities. Besides

how owners can help with a successful custom home project A successful home construction project is very much contingent on the organization and follow through of the builder. However home owners actions have allot to do with a project completing on time and on budget. With custom

Custom home design versus stock home design We currently have 3 custom homes under contract. Two are design-build contracts where we design a custom home and then build the home, and one is a “stock plan” where we are building from a designer’s stock home plan. Stock