Home Building Tips and Information

Universal design features are concepts that will become important as your family transitions through life's many stages. Safety, convenience, and adaptability are key components. You should consider them regardless of your abilities.

When it comes to designing a home, one of the most important decisions to make is choosing the perfect floor plan. Not only does the floor plan affect the function and flow of your home, but it also impacts the overall aesthetic of your space. With so many options on the market, it can be difficult to decide which floor plan is best for your needs. To make the process easier, here are five key factors to consider when choosing a floor plan.

Nowadays, when it comes to homes, people are starting to think that perhaps smaller really is better. There’s no denying that smaller homes are easier to maintain, and they’re certainly easier to heat and cool. What no one talks about is how skimping on space can cost you – not just in terms of fulfillment, but also financially.

There are two types of contracts that builders use - “fixed price” and “cost-plus.” We’ll show you the details of both so that you can make the right choice

When it comes to homeowner’s insurance, there are so many little complexities that it’s easy to overlook some of the hidden factors that will drive up your rates or leave you unprotected

A great mud room has many great features, that makes it one of the most useful rooms in a house. Check out these awesome examples, and be inspired!

There’s more to windows than just the looks. A particular window style might look great with your home’s style, but will it provide enough light or ventilation to the interior of the home? What about privacy? Before you make a final decision on the window styles for your new home, we will show you some of the most important factors to consider.

When designing the home of your dreams, you want to be absolutely sure that everything you choose and order is the exact color it should be. You spent a lot of time meticulously choosing colors that coordinate perfectly, and you deserve them to be exactly what you expect. Here's one way to help ensure you're satisfied with the final results.

In cities across the country, small home plans are being constructed on narrow lots, particularly infill properties in-between other buildings. Read on to learn more about this trend!

For homeowners of single story house plans, a deck can add usable space while bringing a respectable ROI. If you’re thinking of adding a deck to your single story house plan, keep the following tips in mind.

Once we know your preferences and needs, our staff can quickly find the house plan that’s closest to your “dream home.” With customization, our designers can turn that pre-designed home plan into the perfect house for your family.

Modern house plans come out on top when it comes to saving home owners money. Learn more about what the National Association of Home Builders reported regarding the life expectancy of housing components.

If you’re planning to build a small house plan, you should recognize that less square footage doesn’t have to feel smaller. Here are some small house plan design choices that will make any home live large.

The housing rebound means more new home plan modifications. Learn how single story ranch house plans can be altered to create an ideal home for any family.

Is it better to buy an older home or invest in a new house plan? Take a look at the many reasons building from a new home plan can provide more satisfaction and help save you money in the long run.

These days almost everything is customizable, but the ultimate in individualization may be found with contemporary home plans. When choosing a designer for your home, it’s important to find someone you can work closely with to bring your vision to life. Here we offer some tips to help you get started.

Curious about building a new home and have questions about how it can all come together seamlessly and efficiently? Join Alan Mascord Design Associates, Quail Homes and many of their top vendors at the Portland Home & Garden Show Feb. 20-24 at the Portland Expo Center.

Refer to “modern” or “contemporary” house plans, and many people envision a cold, uncomfortable atmosphere. However, with thoughtful floor plan design, contemporary home plans can be both sleek and cozy.

The pendulum of house size preference seems to be swinging back toward the smaller, more ingeniously designed house plan. Read on to learn more.