R-Value Homes Blog

If you’re exploring the idea of building an energy-efficient custom home in Michigan, chances are you’ve already asked the question nearly every homeowner asks first: “So… how much does it cost?”

It’s a fair question. But when we talk about the cost...

If you’ve spent any time scrolling Zillow lately, you’ve probably noticed: it’s slim pickings out there. Whether you’re looking in Lowell, Ada, or closer to the lakeshore, finding a home that actually meets your needs without needing a laundry list...

Building your dream home in West Michigan is one of life’s most rewarding journeys, but figuring out how to pay for it can feel like a maze. But here’s the good news: most custom home clients follow one of just a few tried-and-true financing paths....

Been paying attention to today’s housing market? How does your neck feel? Watching costs rise can cause a bit of pain and anxiety in the best of us. Mortgage rates are hovering just below 7 percent, concerns about tariffs on a wide range of...

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...

"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...

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 thinking...

You may be finding yourself asking these questions: Why do you want to move out of your existing home? Why do you want a sustainable home? Why you aren’t buying or remodeling an existing home? Why should I start looking for a custom home builder?...

I need to start by qualifying these comments. The problems below are mostly unique to custom home building. Semi-custom and Production Home Builders, or “spec” builders are structured differently, and can often achieve higher accuracy with square...

An unfortunate reality is that many folks get blindsided with the actual cost of their home. We seem to think the only things that make a home costly to build are the flooring and countertop choices. In part 1 we looked at design, in this blog we’ll...