The timeline for a custom home depends on the complexity of the design and the current permitting lead times at the City of Bend or Deschutes County departments. Generally, you should plan for twelve to eighteen months from the initial design phase to your move-in date. This includes several months for architectural planning and engineering, followed by eight to twelve months of active construction. We provide a detailed schedule upfront and keep you updated throughout each milestone so you always know exactly where your project stands.

Yes, we highly recommend having a builder walk a potential property with you before you close on the land. In Central Oregon, factors like rock outcroppings, steep slopes, and solar setbacks can significantly impact your building costs and where you can place the home on the lot. We can help you identify these "hidden" site development costs and determine if a specific piece of land is truly feasible for the vision you have in mind.

A semi-custom home usually starts with a pre-existing floor plan where you can choose basic finishes like paint and flooring. A true custom home, which is what we specialize in, starts with a blank slate. Every room size, window placement, and architectural detail is designed specifically for your lifestyle and the unique topography of your lot. This approach allows for higher-end features like exposed timber beams, custom cabinetry, and integrated outdoor living spaces that a standard plan simply cannot offer.

Square footage pricing can be a helpful starting point, but it rarely tells the whole story of a high-end custom build. Factors such as the complexity of the foundation on a sloped lot, the level of interior finishes, and custom exterior masonry will all influence the final investment. Because we operate as a design-build firm, we work with you to develop a realistic budget during the planning phase so that your design goals align with your financial expectations before construction begins.

While we offer in-house design services for a seamless experience, we are also happy to collaborate with outside architects. If you already have a set of plans, we can review them to provide a detailed construction estimate and offer feedback on how to optimize the build for Central Oregon’s specific climate and building codes. Our goal is to ensure the final product is a perfect execution of the vision you have already started to create.

Yes, tearing down an older home to build a custom residence is a common and effective strategy in Central Oregon, particularly in neighborhoods where land is highly valuable but the existing structure has significant issues. This approach allows you to stay in the location you love while starting with a blank canvas for your design. From a cost perspective, if your current home requires massive structural repairs, foundation reinforcement, or complete system overhauls, it can sometimes be more efficient to perform a full teardown and rebuild rather than attempting a complex renovation on an unstable base.

Before you begin, it is important to consider local regulations and the logistical steps involved. You will need a specific demolition permit from the City of Bend or Deschutes County before any work can start. Additionally, we must account for site prep factors such as safely disconnecting utilities and assessing whether the existing foundation can be reused or if a new one is required for your vision. While a total rebuild is a larger initial undertaking, it results in a high-performance home that meets modern energy codes and fits your lifestyle perfectly without the compromises of an older layout.

If you are unsure whether your current home is a candidate for a full remodel or if a teardown and rebuild is the better long-term investment, feel free to contact us for a free on-site consultation and estimate. We can evaluate the condition of your structure and help you see exactly what is possible for your lot before you begin the design phase.