
R-Value Homes Blog
Custom Home Builder Resources


How to Choose a Lot For Your Custom Home in West Michigan
Thinking about buying land in Michigan to build your dream home? That’s exciting! You probably already know that the land you pick will shape almost every decision that follows. It’s the canvas for your vision, but it’s also full of potential...

How Long Does It Take to Build a Custom Home in West Michigan?
Building a custom home in West Michigan is an exciting and deeply personal journey. When you partner with us, you’re creating a forever home for your family and a high-performance, ultra-efficient residence, and this requires careful planning,...

How Much Does a Custom Home Cost in West Michigan?
Building a custom home in Grand Rapids is an unparalleled opportunity to create a space for your family tailored to your particular needs and goals that you can cherish for many years to come. However, it’s also an investment—and likely to be one of...

What a Trip to Guatemala Taught Me About Building Homes for Health, Comfort, and Efficiency
Last month, my family and I spent a week in Guatemala building homes for families in need (see picture below). The experience made me reflect on the expectations we have for our own homes.
The families in these Guatemalan villages were overjoyed...

Free Custom Home Quotes in Grand Rapids: Are They Worth It?
"Why are you charging me for a quote when another builder gave me one for free?"
We hear this question a lot, and honestly, it’s a great one. But here’s the thing: not all home price quotes are created equal.
You might assume the free quote you got...

Why Does It Take So Long To Start Construction of a Custom Home?
One of the first questions people ask a custom home builder is: “When can you start?” or “When do you have an opening in your schedule?”. If you have ever asked some form of that question, there’s a good chance you’ve followed up with another one:...

Is A Net Zero ICF Home Really Worth It In West Michigan?
You’ve probably heard that an ICF home is more efficient than others. Here’s a quick crash-course about ICF homes. Maybe you’ve even come across figures like 32% to 44% energy savings. But how accurate are those claims? And is a net-zero home really...

The WORST Wall System For Your Lake Michigan Custom Home (it’s not what you think!)
You can’t unknow something. If you are happy with the status quo, maybe it’s best to skip this post and move on. If you read this, you may end up like me: convinced it is unethical to build a home you know will have hidden problems.
You’re...

Should I Wait For Home Prices To Drop In Grand Rapids?
Interest rates are high, and both material and labor costs are high. It’s an election year and the political climate and stock markets are unstable. Is now a horrible time to build a custom home in Michigan? Should I wait for a better market, for...