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Start Here: Plan Your R-Value Home (Without Guesswork)

 

Not sure where to start? You’re in the right place.
This page is designed to help you quickly understand your own budget range, performance priorities, and what’s realistic for your lot and timeline.

Take the Quiz

What This Quiz Helps You Do

In 3–5 minutes, you’ll get a custom-home snapshot based on your answers, right on this page.

01 | Get a Real Ballpark on Your Budget
This quiz provides a realistic investment range based on the size of home you’re considering, the overall footprint, and the conditions of your site. Instead of guessing or relying on vague or national averages, this helps ground your expectations in real-world factors that actually influence cost in West Michigan today.
02 | See How Comfort and Performance Shape the Build
Learn how priorities like indoor comfort, air quality, and energy efficiency influence design and construction decisions. You’ll see how performance goals connect to material choices, systems, and long-term livability, alongside upfront cost.
03 | Understand the Cost Trade-Offs That Matter Most
See how specific decisions such as architectural complexity, foundation type, and rural site work can influence your ultimate investment. This helps you understand which levers have the biggest impact on your overall investment.
04 | Identify Where You Are and What Comes Next
This quiz instantly helps you clarify your current stage in the planning process and identify the most logical next step based on your timeline and goals. Whether you’re just exploring or getting close to design decisions, you’ll leave with a more refined sense of direction and some exciting momentum.

Good to know: your results are a starting range to help you plan, not a quote. If you want tighter numbers, the next step is a conversation with Jake.

Take the Quiz

Answer 10 quick questions and instantly get your custom snapshot at the end.

Is an R-Value Home Right for You? | Smart Planning Quiz
R-Value Homes · West Michigan

Is an R-Value home the right fit for you?

Answer a few quick questions to get a realistic starting range for your project and see how cost, comfort, and performance all fit together.

Smart planning, not guesswork
Step 1 of 10
Step 1 · First impressions

Which exterior feels closest to what you're picturing?

These are inspiration examples only. Pick what feels closest.

Step 2 · Size

About how big?

Heated/cooled living space only — not including basement.

Step 3 · Lot type

What kind of lot?

Step 4 · Shape

Overall footprint complexity?

Step 5 · Priorities

What matters most day-to-day?

Step 6 · Budget

How do you view cost?

Step 7 · Foundation

Foundation type?

Step 8 · Structure

ICF familiarity?

ICF = Insulated Concrete Forms. A building method using foam forms filled with concrete for superior energy efficiency, comfort, and durability.

Step 9 · Interior

Interior vibe?

Step 10 · Timing

Where are you in planning?

Your custom-home snapshot

Here's how your answers stack up

This is a starting point — not a quote.

Big picture

    Next steps

    ⓘ Cost matters — but it's not the only thing that does.

    After Your Results:

    Talk to Jake

    Set your project up for success with a short, no-pressure planning call to review your quiz results and clarify next steps.

    What you will get:

    • a realistic starting cost range

    • personalized feedback about your plans

    • guidance on the best next step

    If you are already deep into construction drawings with another builder, this conversation can still clarify key cost drivers. We'd love the opportunity to demonstrate our expertise when we speak. 

     

    Get a Planning Call (No pressure)

    Jake Vierzen headshotJake Vierzen

    Owner, R-Value Homes

    616-299-3654

     

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Is this a quote?expand_more
    No. Your results are a planning snapshot based on real cost drivers. A true estimate requires deeper project details. Connecting with us to talk through the specifics of your project is your next step after receiving this preliminary cost range. 
    Do I need to know everything about my project to take this quiz or connect with you?expand_more
    Not at all. The quiz is designed for early-stage planning, even if you’re 'just exploring.' We love getting involved with homeowners early in their planning and research process. This allows us to truly tailor every detail to their budget and goals. 
    What if my range feels higher than expected?expand_more
    That’s common and useful. Sticker shock usually points to a small set of levers (size, complexity, site work, finish level). We can often help you identify what matter most and achieve your goals through personalized value engineering. 
    I'm still 6–12 months out. Should I reach out now?expand_more
    Yes, in fact, we recommend it. Early planning affords the most valuable wins.
    R-Value Homes is rated 5★ on Google. Read our reviews!
    Living Room with Large Windows in Modern Concrete Net Zero Home in West Michigan by R Value Homes

    What Our Clients Think

    "My wife and I interviewed several builders for our ICF home that we had designed.  Ultimately we chose R-Value Homes because Jake and is employees/partners are very honest and hardworking.  They worked with us to keep the project on budget and completed it in the time frame that was estimated.  The build quality is superb.

    Also, Jake's experience and expertise in building net zero and high efficiency homes is undeniable.  The build quality and overall solid feel of the home is impressive. We couldn't be happier about how it turned out."

    James Felgner

    Custom Home

    Modern custom home facade with contrasting wood and metal siding by R Value Homes in West Michigan

    What Our Clients Think

    "Working with RValue Homes was amazing. Jake is very detail oriented and creative. He always returned our communications quickly and stayed on top of all the different people in our home. RValue Homes surrounds itself with excellent craftsman as well- from the people who worked on the interior wall framing to the final trim guys- they were very trustworthy and we enjoyed talking with them everyday we stopped by the house while it was being built. Having an ICF home for the first time, we have had a lot of questions and Jake has been thorough with his descriptions and answers to our questions.  We love our new home and would not change a thing."

    Va Nia Tjalsma

    ICF Custom Home

    Screened-in porch with natural wood ceiling, part of a West Michigan custom home by R Value Homes

    What Our Clients Think

    "Jake and his team are beyond amazing. They are honest, hard working people, and you will get exactly what they offer. Our home is beautiful, energy efficient, clean, and unique. It wouldn’t be the same home if it were built by a different company."

    Sarah McCracken

    Custom Home

    Garage entry of a custom-built West Michigan home by R-Value Homes, with sleek white doors and dark siding

    What Our Clients Think

    "Here’s why R-Value Homes is the best. We had a minor HVAC issue last night at 9:00 pm. Called Jake, who built our house over 2 years ago. He said he could be out first thing in the morning. He was at our house right when he said he would be and fixed the issue in minutes. A few hours later he sent us a follow up email with 3 different options to make sure the issue doesn’t happen again. The service and professionalism is beyond expected and so appreciated. We can’t say enough good things about R-Value Homes!"

    Michael McCracken

    Custom Home

    Exterior view of a modern custom home with unique architectural lines, built by R Value Homes in West Michigan

    What Our Clients Think

    "R-Value has done numerous concrete projects for us over the years.  The owner of the company has excellent character, is trustworthy and reliable.  This company stands behind their work, even when it cost them financially to do so."

    Jeff Sneller

    Custom Home

    Front view of a solar-panel equipped home by R-Value Homes in West Michigan

    What Our Clients Think

    "We were very pleased with the work they did.  We would highly recommend them. Quality workmanship."

    Paula Wagenaar

    Custom Home

    Talk to Jake (Owner, R-Value Homes)

    Send a quick note and include anything you already know (lot, rough timeline, target size, inspiration links). If you took the quiz, mention what you got! We’ll use that as a starting point.