Choosing the lowest bid on a custom home might seem like a smart financial move, but cutting corners often leads to costly repairs and inefficiencies down the road. In this blog, we explore why working with a quality builder is an investment that saves you money in the long run—through expert craftsmanship, energy efficiency, and lasting value.
Estimating the cost of your remodel or custom home is like looking through binoculars. At first, the image is blurry, but as we gather more details, everything becomes crystal clear. Here’s how we work with you to go from a rough idea to a precise plan:
When it comes to new homes, especially in areas like South Bend, Indiana, and Southwest Michigan, understanding how to manage condensation is crucial for maintaining your home's health and comfort. Today’s homes are built to be airtight, which makes them energy-efficient but can also create challenges with moisture management. Let’s break it down.
Mark Scott Homes is proud to announce its recognition in the prestigious Michigan Blue Design Awards, earning honors in three categories that celebrate excellence in craftsmanship and design.
We are thrilled to share some incredible news: Mark Scott Homes has been honored with the Indiana Builders Association’s Hoosier Excellence Award for Best Home Over $1,000,000 for 2024! This prestigious award recognizes not only the quality and craftsmanship of our work but also our dedication to creating exceptional homes tailored to our clients' unique visions.
As we approach 2025, custom home design is evolving to meet the demands of modern lifestyles, technological advancements, and timeless aesthetics. At Mark Scott Homes, we’re dedicated to staying ahead of these trends to ensure your dream home not only reflects your unique style but also embraces the latest innovations. Here are the top 10 custom home trends for 2025:
When building a custom home, your budget is one of the most powerful tools you have to shape the final result. With the endless choices available, deciding where to invest and where to save can be overwhelming. Focusing your budget on areas that offer the highest long-term value and enjoyment will help you get the most out of your new home without overspending.
As we near the end of 2024, new home design trends reflect an exciting shift towards a balance of modern innovation and timeless comfort. Homeowners are looking for spaces that cater to evolving lifestyles, embrace sustainability, and offer personalized functionality. If you’re considering building a new home this year, here are the top design trends that can inspire your vision and help you stay ahead of the curve.
At Mark Scott Homes, we believe that building a home isn’t just about bricks, beams, and blueprints—it’s about relationships. This past year has been a testament to the strength of our community and the connections we’ve built, and we are beyond grateful to announce that Mark Scott Homes has been named the 2024 South Bend Community Choice Award winner for Best Home Builder!
If you’ve been exploring custom home options, you may have come across the term barndominium. While the name might sound a little unusual, barndominiums—often called barndos—are gaining popularity as a stylish, cost-effective, and flexible way to build a home. So, what exactly is a barndominium, and why are so many people choosing to build them? Let’s dive into this unique housing trend.
Choosing the right builder is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when building a custom home. At Mark Scott Homes, we go beyond just building houses—we create homes that reflect your vision, lifestyle, and dreams. Here’s how we stand apart from other builders in the Michiana area.
Building a new home is an exciting journey, but managing costs effectively is crucial to ensure you stay within your budget without compromising on quality. One of the best ways to keep costs under control is to focus on efficiencies that offer long-term value. Whether it's through energy savings, smart design choices, or material selection, here are some key cost efficiencies to consider when building your new home.
For busy professionals, building a second home can be both an exciting prospect and a daunting task. Whether you’re looking to build a vacation retreat or a future retirement residence, Mark Scott Homes understands the unique challenges you face as you juggle your busy schedule and the desire for a custom-designed, high-quality home. Here are some key considerations to keep in mind when building your second home.
In today's world, energy efficiency is no longer just a trend; it’s a necessity. At Mark Scott Homes, we believe that building energy-efficient homes is about more than just reducing your environmental footprint—it’s about maximizing comfort, ensuring long-term savings, and creating a better living experience for you and your family.
Building a new home in Southwest Michigan offers a unique opportunity to incorporate sustainable features that can significantly reduce environmental impact and increase energy efficiency. As a home builder committed to sustainability, we believe that incorporating the right elements can create a comfortable, eco-friendly living space. Here are key features that make a home sustainable in Southwest Michigan.
When it comes to enhancing the aesthetic appeal and functionality of your home, few upgrades match the impact of a modern railing system. Among the many options available, Viewrail Cable Railing stands out as a top choice for homeowners seeking a blend of elegance, durability, and ease of maintenance. In this review, we delve into the features that make Viewrail Cable Railing an excellent investment for your home.
When embarking on the exciting journey of building a new home, one of the crucial decisions you’ll make is selecting the type of contract to use. At Mark Scott Homes, serving SW Michigan and Northern Indiana, we understand that this choice can significantly impact your building experience and overall satisfaction. Two common types of contracts are Fixed Price Contracts and Cost Plus Contracts. Let's explore the differences and why a Cost Plus Contract might be more beneficial for you in the long run.
Nestled along the shores of Lake Michigan in Harbert, Michigan, this newly constructed home is a testament to refined coastal living. The striking façade, adorned in a soothing shade of blue, harmonizes beautifully with the natural surroundings, offering an inviting welcome to residents and guests alike. The architectural design seamlessly blends classic elegance with modern functionality, evident in the meticulous attention to detail and the choice of premium materials.
Building a new home is an exciting journey that allows you to create a space tailored to your unique needs and preferences. However, it also involves a significant amount of planning, decision-making, and financial investment. Before breaking ground on your dream home, here are the key things you need to know. [read more]
Deciding whether to build a new home or buy an existing one is a significant choice that depends on various factors, including your lifestyle, budget, and long-term goals. Each option has its unique advantages and potential drawbacks. This guide will help you weigh the pros and cons of building versus buying, allowing you to make an informed decision that suits your needs. [read more]
Building your dream home is an exciting journey, but it requires careful planning and budgeting to ensure you can bring your vision to life without financial stress. With 2024 introducing new trends, technologies, and economic factors, it’s essential to understand the costs and considerations involved in creating your ideal living space. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you budget for your dream home this year. [read more]
When it comes to choosing appliances for your home, reliability is key. No one wants to deal with frequent breakdowns or costly repairs, especially when it comes to essential appliances like washers and dryers. To help you make an informed decision, we’ve compiled our years of experiences and we’ve also turned to a trusted source, Family Handyman, to discover the most reliable washer and dryer brands on the market. [read more]
When it comes to building your dream home, every detail matters. From the layout of the rooms to the color of the walls, each element contributes to creating a space that reflects your style and personality. One crucial aspect of any home design is the choice of roofing material. The roof not only protects your home from the elements but also adds to its curb appeal and overall aesthetic. At Mark Scott Homes, we understand the importance of selecting the right roofing material, which is why we offer a variety of options to suit your needs and preferences. In this post, we'll explore four popular roofing materials – dimensional shingles, standing seam metal, synthetic slate or shake, and slate tile roofs – and evaluate their benefits and drawbacks. [read more]
Embarking on the journey of building your dream home is an exciting and rewarding experience. However, unexpected changes and additional costs can quickly turn your dream into a nightmare. At Mark Scott Homes, we understand the importance of a smooth and stress-free building process. In this blog post, we'll share valuable insights on how to avoid change orders and ensure a seamless construction experience with our team. [read more]
Building your dream home is an exciting journey, and effective communication with your homebuilder is key to ensuring a smooth and successful construction process. Mark Scott Homes understands the importance of clear and transparent communication to bring your vision to life. In this blog post, we'll explore the top 5 tips for fostering a strong and effective line of communication with your homebuilder. [read more]
Building your dream home is an exciting journey, and finding the right custom home builder is a crucial step in turning your vision into reality. The interview process is your opportunity to assess the builder's expertise, communication style, and compatibility with your project. To ensure a smooth and successful collaboration, here are the top questions to ask when interviewing a new custom home builder. [read more]
Building a custom home is a dream for many, allowing individuals to create their ideal living space tailored to their preferences and lifestyle. While the prospect is exciting, the process can be complex, with numerous decisions and potential pitfalls along the way. To ensure your custom home journey is smooth and successful, it's crucial to be aware of the common mistakes that can arise. Here are the five biggest mistakes to avoid when building a custom home: [read more]
Building your dream home comes with a myriad of decisions, and one choice that can significantly impact your home's ambiance and functionality is the type of fireplace you install. The debate between gas and wood-burning fireplaces is a common dilemma for homeowners. In this blog post, we'll explore the pros and cons of each, helping you make an informed decision that aligns with your lifestyle and preferences. [read more]
The precision with which your custom builder constructs your home's budget is directly indicative of their attention to detail and accuracy in managing your project. Trust in your builder's ability to be the ultimate custodian of your resources is paramount. If a builder fails to demonstrate the dedication of time, expertise, and careful diligence in crafting a budget that aligns closely with reality, it's advisable to explore other options among custom builder candidates. [read more]
When designing a custom home, most homeowners focus on aesthetics and functionality—but what about the air you breathe? Indoor air quality (IAQ) plays a crucial role in your health, comfort, and overall well-being. Poor air quality can lead to allergies, respiratory issues, and long-term health risks.
At Mark Scott Homes, we prioritize healthier homes by integrating advanced ventilation systems, HEPA filtration, low-VOC materials, and humidity control into our custom builds. In this blog, we explore the biggest air pollutants, smart design solutions, and the long-term benefits of better air quality in your home.