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Building 101

The Importance of Indoor Air Quality in Custom Homes

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The Importance of Indoor Air Quality in Custom Homes

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.

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Why Working with a Quality Builder Saves You Money in the Long Run

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Why Working with a Quality Builder Saves You Money in the Long Run

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.

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Understanding Our Custom Home Estimating Process

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Understanding Our Custom Home Estimating Process

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:

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Understanding and Managing Condensation in Your New Home

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Understanding and Managing Condensation in Your New Home

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.

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A Guide to Prioritizing Your Custom Home Budget

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A Guide to Prioritizing Your Custom Home Budget

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.

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What is a Barndominium?

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What is a Barndominium?

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.

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How to Save Costs When Building a New Home

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How to Save Costs When Building a New Home

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.

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How to Build a Sustainable Home in SW Michigan

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How to Build a Sustainable Home in SW Michigan

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.

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Fixed Price vs Cost Plus Contracts

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Fixed Price vs Cost Plus Contracts

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.

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What you need to know before building a new home

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What you need to know before building a new home

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]

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Should I Build, or Should I Buy an Existing Home?

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Should I Build, or Should I Buy an Existing Home?

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]

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Budgeting for Your Dream Home: Costs and Considerations in 2024

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Budgeting for Your Dream Home: Costs and Considerations in 2024

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]

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Guide to Avoiding Change Orders while building a new home

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Guide to Avoiding Change Orders while building a new home

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]

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Unlocking Success: Top 10 questions to ask when interviewing a home builder.

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Unlocking Success: Top 10 questions to ask when interviewing a home builder.

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]

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The 5 Biggest Mistakes When Building a Custom Home

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The 5 Biggest Mistakes When Building a Custom Home

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]

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Navigating Construction Delays: Unraveling the Top Causes When Building Your New Home

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Navigating Construction Delays: Unraveling the Top Causes When Building Your New Home

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.

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Choosing the Right Path: Understanding the Different Types of Home Builders

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Choosing the Right Path: Understanding the Different Types of Home Builders

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]

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Navigating High Interest Rates and Rising Material Costs: Is Now the Right Time to Build Your New Home?

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Navigating High Interest Rates and Rising Material Costs: Is Now the Right Time to Build Your New Home?

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]

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