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. [read more]
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]
Embarking on the journey of building your dream home is an exciting venture, but it's essential to be aware of potential roadblocks along the way. Construction delays can be a challenging aspect of the home-building process, impacting timelines and testing your patience. In this blog post, we'll explore the top causes of construction delays, helping you navigate through the challenges and ensure a smoother building experience. [read more]
When it comes to turning your dream home into a reality, the choice of a home builder plays a pivotal role in shaping your vision. In the vast landscape of home builders, it's crucial to understand the distinctions between various types of builders to make an informed decision. At Mark Scott Homes, we take pride in being a custom home builder, and here's why it makes all the difference. [read more]
As we step into 2024, the world of home design continues to evolve, presenting us with exciting innovations that blend functionality with aesthetic appeal. From eco-conscious features to creative spaces for our furry friends, let's explore the top design trends shaping new homes this year. [read more]
Building a custom home is a journey filled with excitement, creativity, and the promise of a unique sanctuary tailored to your desires. At Mark Scott Homes, a leading custom home builder in Southwest Michigan and Northern Indiana, we understand that one burning question on every homeowner's mind is: [read more]
At Mark Scott Homes, we're always at the forefront of cutting-edge custom home construction, and 2023 has brought forth a wave of exciting trends that redefine the concept of modern living. From high-tech conveniences to timeless design elements making a comeback, let's delve into the remarkable features shaping the landscape of custom home building this year. [read more]
Creating a custom home is a significant endeavor, and making important decisions upfront is crucial to ensure your vision is realized. To help you get started, here's a checklist of key considerations and decisions to make before beginning the design process: [read more]
Building a new home is a monumental decision that hinges on a multitude of factors, including economic conditions. With the current landscape marked by high interest rates and escalating material costs, prospective homeowners may be grappling with the question of whether now is the opportune moment to embark on their new home construction journey. In this article, we'll delve into the intricacies of this dilemma, weighing the pros and cons to help you make an informed choice. [read more]
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.