Here to Help You Build Content, Community, Engagement & Leads.

Homes Guide has been helping builders and businesses build brands and communities using digital marketing. Now, we have new packages & campaigns to give you more flexibility & greater value than ever before. Find, create & purchase your marketing campaign right here.

Homes knowledge helps your business achieve more.

Our dedication to the new homes sector, combined with our digital skills makes us the right people to help you engage new customers. We are are here to help you build custom digital strategies with options from website packages & remarketing to content & social media campaigns.

help builders and businesses reach new customers with marketing options that are ready to go to work for your business. Our campaigns are here to help you create better content, engage more people, gather contacts, trigger automations and gather high quality leads.

Access & Value.

We understand your challenges in changing markets & have evolved our services to give you maximum value. With us, you can start punching above your weight.

Flexible Options.

From generous discounts & website packages & from audience extensions to lead generation campaigns, we give you unrivalled value & digital flexibility.

Builders

approved builders include some of the most highly regarded national, regional, local, and custom home builders.  We show you where new single family homes, townhomes, and condos are under construction via drone video tours, photos, area maps, and neighborhood profiles.  All of the critical information is brought together to help you find the right builder.

Your new construction home the Triad is just a click away.  Check out our comprehensive, up-to-date list of new home neighborhoods and master planned communities. Our map will help you visualize the location of each neighborhood, while our filters help narrow your search.

The Neighborhood links offer information-packed profiles including general neighborhood and surrounding area info, photo galleries, drone video tours, available and move-in-ready homes, promotions and more.  The Builder’s name also directs you to the Builder’s profile.

How Much Does It Cost to Build a House?

Maybe you’ve always dreamed of owning your own home. You’ve weighed the pros and cons of whether to build or buy, and you’ve decided to build! Congrats! But inquiring minds want to know…how much does it cost to build a house these days? And what costs will you have to pay that you don’t see coming?

The average cost to build a house in 2017 was $428,000.1 That estimate is based on a 2,800 square-foot, single-family house—which makes the cost to build a house about $153 per square foot. That’s the technical answer.

But before you rush off to the bank, hang on! There are different strokes for different folks. The cost to build a house is based on changing factors like size, location, labor, materials and current real estate trends, which make it impossible to nail down a perfectly accurate, one-size-fits-all answer. So let’s break down the average cost to build a house into each stage. Put on your hard hat, and read on.

Before You Start

Okay, you want to build a house. Awesome. But the three little pigs did too. And we all know what happened to them. Two of the pigs had the dumb idea to build their houses out of straw and sticks. The other pig built a well-thought-out house of brick. When the wolf came along, the only house left standing was the one that was carefully built—brick by brick.

Buy the Property

First, this is a no-brainer, but if you haven’t already bought the property where your house will be built, find a quality real estate agent. These experts, also called buyer’s agents, will help you hunt down and negotiate a deal on land for the perfect location to build your house. A good agent will know where to find up-and-coming areas so you can plant roots in a spot that’ll make your home more valuable over time, which is what you want!

COMPLETE GUIDE TO BUYING A MODULAR HOME

Millions of people around the country have experienced the benefits that come with buying a modular home or a system-built homes. We want more people to know about this unique type of building option. This guide provides you with the information you need to get started on the modular home building journey, and what to expect along the way

WHAT IS A MODULAR HOME?

We build homes with Building Systems. Building Systems are simply a systematic approach to building homes. The term Building Systems refers to how the structure is built rather than the form that it actually ultimately takes.

All of our modular homes are constructed using this method. Inside a modular home building facility, experienced craftsmen and women construct homes in what are termed as units, sections, or modules.

Homes are built from the inside out, so to speak. First, floors are constructed. Then come the walls, doors, windows, cabinetry, plumbing, and electrical systems. At the end of the factory manufacturing process, the unit is approximately 80% complete and thoroughly inspected. All processes are documented and triple-checked for quality and consistency. Those units come together at the jobsite to create a fully functional and beautiful home. Modular units are typically 14 foot in width and can command over 60 feet in length.

WHY BUILD MODULAR?

There are countless reasons to build a modular home instead of a home built on site, but many people are unaware of all the benefits. In fact, lots of people even have negative impressions of modular homes, assuming that they’re cheaply constructed or unattractive, even though the reality is far from that misconception.

tips for choosing a quality homebuilder

Does getting a good price mean sacrificing on quality?

In our experience at New Homes, comparing different building companies and many different designs can be hard and time-consuming. To dig up the answers you really need in your search for a homebuilder, consider the list below and put builders to the test. Then weigh up their answers and get building.

Outsourced can mean out-of-pocket.

Design and drafting in-house is more efficient all round, as the designer knows the builder’s process back to front and is likely to have previously made modifications to plans similar to yours. It’ll save time too when you request changes that need designing and costing. So confirm where your builder’s services are based and how quickly changes can be made. No-one wants to wait for their stunning new home to progress. And if the build time drags on, you’ll also be paying rent longer, plus the mortgage on your new build.

Build times versus real build times: know the difference.

Consistent build time frames are a great indicator of a homebuilder’s ability to manage your build, whether it’s a busy period or not. Some builders may offer very short build times, but that may simply be because their schedule is lighter at the time. If business grows suddenly, your build time could be pushed out considerably. Reputable builders offer a consistent time frame, always. You could request to see lists of their past and current builds to review how many weeks completed builds actually took, and how well they are keeping on track with homes under construction right now.

Cheap fixtures now can be expensive later. Why?

Quality matters. So when you ask about benchtops, sinks, taps and appliances, take note if your builder lists recognisable brand names like Caroma, Dorf and Jason Windows. They should also be able to tell you about warranties that count, like Caesarstone’s 25 years on benchtops. Larger building companies may use buying power to buy cheap even more cheaply and replacement parts could be unavailable in future. An unknown tap brand can suddenly be expensive if you need a plumber to fix a leak 13 months later.

A company’s staff tells a vital story.

Talk to a builder and find out more about their company to get a feel for how they operate. Ask who would be your contact through the build. Rapport with your initial rep is important, but a well-organised building company that can manage time frames, quality and consistent communication efficiently should then pass you onto a sales administrator, pre-start consultant and a client liaison; these are experts in each stage of your experience

SIGNS THAT SHOW IT’S TIME TO CONSIDER A KITCHEN REMODEL

The two most used and most valued areas of your home are your kitchen and your bathroom, and keeping these spaces updated is crucial to the enjoyment you’ll get from the space. signs that show it’s time to think about a kitchen remodel are:

Leaks

If your sink, garbage disposal, or pipes leak, it’s high time to seriously consider what a kitchen remodel will do for you. Leaks happen when the plumbing in your kitchen begins falling to the tests of time, and this moisture will quickly lead to mold growth within one of your home’s most important areas. Having mold around food and food preparation can be hazardous to your health, but fixed simply with a kitchen remodel.

Your layout is impractical

A kitchen with an impractical layout is a kitchen that won’t be used nearly as often as needed. Homeowners with such kitchens often find that cooking and meal prep becomes more of a hassle than its worth, and they opt for going out more often than eating in. The money saved by eating in can pay for the remodel that transforms the kitchen into a functional, working, and happy space.

The appliances need replacing.

Because appliances are expensive and a hassle to replace, many homeowners continue to use the appliances they have, even if the work poorly or incorrectly. Waiting for an appliance to break down completely before replacing it may sound like the logical thing to do, but this could be a serious threat to your home! An older gas stove, for instance, could have a gas leak and pose the risk of a fire. A faulty dishwasher could cause flooding and lead to water damage or dangerous mold growth. Aside from the risks, it’s best to replace dated items in order to maintain a working and functional kitchen.

It’s difficult to host guests.

As food and beverages are the hub of every get-together, the kitchen is referred to as the heart of the home. This means that there is often more than one person in the kitchen at a time. Many older homes have floor plans in which the kitchen is separated from the dining or living room – a big offense against today’s trend of open-concept living. One of the most common remodeling requests we get is to open up the kitchen to the main part of the home. Opening the kitchen to the next room allows guests to mingle with the cook without crowding the workspace.

You Need More Space

Your kitchen may have been roomy enough when you first moved into your home. However, your family has grown over the years. These days, you always find yourself short on counter or storage space. If you keep rearranging your shelves, trying to fit everything in, a remodel can make your life easier. Talk to your contractor about adding storage options.

You Want a Change

If your kitchen is stuck in the 90s, upgrading your kitchen is one way to transform that space. If your cabinets are still in excellent condition, though, think about resurfacing them instead of buying new ones. You still get the upgrade you want while keeping your remodeling costs low.

Cabinets

Cabinets can be some of the first kitchen features to show their age. They’re used so often that it can’t be helped. Their finishes wear down, their hinges get loose, their doors warp, their shelves bow, and their hardwood suffers. Sometimes this can be improved with a paint job, but sometimes cabinets need to be replaced. This can be especially true if the cabinets have gone through grease damage near the stovetop.

Kids

Some older kitchens can be dangerous for young children. Things like sharp wooden corners, low-placed microwaves, drawers that can easily be pulled out of their cupboard, or cabinets that don’t have a way to be child-proofed are all hazards. If your kitchen has anything that could be a threat to a child, it’s time to remodel.

YOU’RE STAYING IN YOUR HOME

Taking good care of your home is one of the soundest investments you can make, but it is an investment. One of the first things to consider is how long you’ll be staying in your home. If you’re planning on moving or downsizing in the near future, this will impact the extent of which you remodel. Your design & build expert will be able to go over the details of your budget and specific returns on investment.

SIGNS OF WEAR & TEAR

Your kitchen and bathroom have seen better days. The floors look dingy, the counters are chipping, some of your cabinets or drawers don’t even work properly anymore. Maybe your windows are becoming drafty, or you have more serious structural issues. At some point, all homes begin to deteriorate and need some refreshing. Left neglected, these issues will lead to more expensive problems down the road. If you can’t look at your home without noticing all the areas that need improvement, that’s a sure sign it’s time to remodel.

Hiring a Home Remodeler for Home Repair

Put simply, hiring the right home remodeler is a big deal. It’s a decision you want to get right.

With an eye toward experience, professionalism, and expertise, let’s explore the nuts and bolts of choosing a home remodeling contractor. Finding the right remodelers probably won’t be an easy decision, and that’s okay. You should challenge yourself to identify the best talent with the greatest likelihood of success. By the time you arrive at a hiring decision, you should feel confident that the team you selected will either meet or exceed your expectations.

Determine What Type of Remodeler You Need

• Design/build contractors: These firms provide an all-in-one remodeling package. Teams consist of designers and/or architects, consultants, and builders, all of whom you can hire at once. Design/build contractors handle all sorts of projects, large and small, and some may specialize in kitchens, bathrooms, or another type of remodeling.

• Architects: Big remodeling projects – as in “reinventing your house” big – require precise construction drawings for contracts and permits. In these cases, it’s often best to hire an architect with remodeling experience. Though trained in design theory, the architect’s primary role is to ensure structural soundness and efficient use of space.

• Designers: Whereas an architect is concerned with spatial constraints, structural issues, and building compliance, a designer’s job is to create beautiful, inviting interior conditions. Colors, shapes, styles, lighting… these are the designers’ chief concerns. Designers often specialize (think kitchen, bathroom, or living area designers), so take that into account before beginning your search.

• General contractors: While general contractors usually focus on materials and methods (i.e. building), experienced practitioners can often eliminate the need to hire additional help. The more straightforward your requirements, the more likely it is that a contractor can take care of everything – no architect or designer required. General contractors can also join the remodeling effort after you approve a floor plan or design created by someone else.

Connect with your contractor

The right person for the job will be easy to talk to. Make sure you see eye to eye by hiring a contractor that understands your goals and has experience in the type of job you are looking for. Communication is key for all projects, so insist on regular contact by email, phone or text messages. Allow the work crew to manage their day-to-day work, but set up a weekly face-to-face update from the foreman.

Understand that price reflects quality

Ask your contractor for his or her recommendations on how the project should take place. In the long run, is it worth cutting corners for a temporary fix? The lowest bid is not always the best. Request a written description of the materials necessary for the job. A low bid may indicate that a contractor uses sub-par materials or is desperate for work. The more accurate bid is likely somewhere in the middle.

Ask for licensing and certification

At this point, your list should have around six to eight names. One easy way to narrow it further is to ask for contractors’ licensing and certification. The specific licenses or certifications your home improvement contractor should carry will depend on the project. Since legal requirements vary by state, call the licensing division for your community to ask for specific requirements.

In addition to making sure contractors have the correct licenses and certification to complete the job safely and legally, make sure anyone on your list has liability insurance in case they damage your home. The contractor and any other workers should also be covered by worker’s compensation. Ask for a copy of their insurance policies and check that they’re up to date.

Cross any contractors off your list who don’t have the right credentials. I also recommend marking off names of anyone who is hesitant or takes too long to get this information to you.

Hire a Trustworthy Remodeling Company Today

Do your research, call around, and find the remodeling company that suits your needs going forward. When it comes to changing up the look and aesthetic of your home, there is no room to cut corners. Invest in the care you deserve from the very start. Hire the right remodeling contractor today.

Make Plans, Get Bids

You have your short list of contractors whose track records seem clean and whose work ethic looks responsible. Now it’s time to stop looking back at past work and start looking forward to your project. A conscientious contractor will want not only a complete set of blueprints but also a sense of what homeowners want out of a project and what they plan to spend. To compare bids, ask everyone to break down the cost of materials, labor, profit margins and other expenses. Generally materials account for 40 percent of the total cost; the rest covers overhead and the typical profit margin, which is 15 to 20 percent.

Don’t Let Price Be Your Guide

Throw out the lowball bid,  This contractor is probably cutting corners or, worse, desperate for work”—hardly an encouraging sign in a healthy economy. Beyond technical competence, comfort should play an equal or greater role in your decision. The single most important factor in choosing a contractor is how well you and he communicate. All things being equal, it’s better to spend more and get someone you’re comfortable with when hiring a contractor.