15 Home Building Tips From A Team Who’s Built Dozens

Trevor Eby

Trevor Eby is the owner and principal at Ironstone Homes. Trevor handles home sales & planning from start to finish, working closely with clients to craft a plan and home that makes sense for their family. Trevor is also a licensed Realtor with Kingsway Realty, giving clients well-rounded service and insight into all facets of the housing industry.

Building a custom home is an opportunity to design a space that is uniquely yours, crafted to meet your needs and your preferences.

But there’s a lot that’s easy to overlook when planning an entire house for the first time.

As experienced custom home builders, we understand the importance of thoughtful design and detailed planning in getting a new house just right. A good general contractor will help you avoid pitfalls, of course, but as you set out on your own house project, these useful house building tips and real-life examples are one more nudge to help guide your thinking.

Building a Custom Home: Design and Planning Tips

1. Be Ready To Adapt as You Go

Even the best plans can evolve during the construction process. Material shortages or site-specific issues can sometimes call for creative solutions. The crazy dynamics of the covid-era made for some unexpected challenges, but being able to pivot to other favorite flooring or fixtures made building a whole lot easier.

Some clients even got comfortable with leaving some things unfinished until their perfect light fixture came in.

2. Storage, Storage, Storage!

Efficient storage is the unsung hero of high-end homes. We frequently include built-ins, walk-in pantries, and custom closets in our designs. One recent build featured a beautifully designed mudroom with sleek cubbies and hidden drawers, perfect for maintaining a polished, clutter-free entryway. The right storage solutions even save money over time by reducing the need for additional furniture or renovations in the future.

3. Design with Everyday Living in Mind

A well-designed home isn’t just visually stunning, it’s also practical. For those who enjoy hosting, we suggest open layouts (at least for the entertaining areas) that flow seamlessly between the dining and living areas. Families might benefit from adding a playroom near common spaces.

One home we completed featured a home office tucked behind sliding glass doors, balancing privacy and accessibility. Clients often highlight how these kinds of thoughtful floor plan choices elevate their daily routines.

4. Start with a Thoughtful Budget

Establishing a comprehensive and realistic budget is the foundation of any successful project. This should cover not just the building process but also permit fees, landscaping, and maybe even future upgrades. Always include a cushion for unforeseen costs.

Frankly, most people aren’t equipped to do this on their own, and a good home construction team goes a long way here.

5. Consider the Kitchen as a Centerpiece

For many families these days, kitchens are more than just places to cook; they’re where families gather and guests mingle.

We’ve found that oversized islands, integrated appliances, and thoughtfully designed cabinetry add both style and functionality. In one standout project, we installed dual islands – one for meal prep and the other for seating – creating a great combination of elegance and efficiency.

Custom homes allow you to incorporate must-haves like hidden appliance garages or specialized wine storage, too.

New Kitchen

6. Use Lighting to Transform Spaces

Lighting is a design element that often gets overlooked, but it has the power to upgrade any room. We try to layer natural light with carefully chosen fixtures to create depth and warmth. For example, a dining room might incorporate a sculptural chandelier paired with dimmable recessed lights – ideal for everything from intimate dinners to festive gatherings.

Window treatments also play a role, adding style while managing how much sunlight hits the room.

7. Make Acoustics Part of the Plan

Noise management is an often overlooked aspect of designing a peaceful home.

We sometimes use soundproofing techniques like double-glazed windows and acoustic paneling in areas like bedrooms and home theaters. For larger homes, planning for acoustics can improve the enjoyability of large shared spaces, too, like large open-concept living areas.

8. Build Outdoor Spaces with Purpose

Don’t skimp here from the start just to save a buck – outdoor living areas are an extension of your home and deserve just as much attention.

Features like pergolas, outdoor kitchens, and stone fireplaces can create elegant retreats. A favorite project of ours involved designing a backyard complete with a fire pit encircled by custom seating and a chef-inspired outdoor cooking area. Whether it’s for entertaining or enjoying family time, these outdoor additions really are investments in your home’s livability.

9. First Impressions Start at the Curb

The exterior of your home sets the stage for everything inside. We’ve helped clients choose landscaping, architectural details, and entryways that reflect THEIR personality.

Ask yourself: in 100 years, what will people notice about your house?

It’s the small stuff that can make a difference. Adding crown molding to exterior windows or choosing high-end finishes for your front porch can elevate curb appeal and set your home apart before anyone even walks in.

10. Plan Utilities with Precision

Practicality is key when it comes to utilities. Thoughtful placement of outlets, water lines, and switches makes daily life easier. USB outlets in bedside tables and the kitchen island are a perfect example, blending convenience with sleek design.

Proper planning for utility placement also avoids unexpected expenses after construction is complete.

11. Choose Timeless Materials

High-quality materials lay the groundwork for a home that endures beautifully. Hardwood flooring, natural stone, and custom cabinetry in your building project are some of the top options we recommend, all of which can age gracefully and add lasting value to your investment.

12. Consider Energy Efficiency In Your Own Home

Sophisticated energy-efficient features reduce costs and add comfort, and the technology is REALLY good these days.

Triple-pane windows, advanced HVAC systems, and high-performance insulation create homes that are both utility-bill-friendly and inviting.

13. Think About Aging in Place

When building your custom home, it’s worth considering features that make life easier as the years go by. Details like no-step entries, wider doorways, and first-floor bedrooms can transform your home into one that adapts to your future needs.

14. Go Beyond the Basics for Kids’ Spaces

If you’re building for a family, consider creating areas that grow with your kids and are FUN.

Built-in bunk beds, secret playrooms, or even a custom craft station can make your home extra special while keeping everyday messes contained. An under-stair nook can be a cozy reading space that delights your family’s youngest members and friends for years.

15. Consider Mudroom and Laundry Efficiency

These often-overlooked spaces can make a massive difference in your home’s functionality. A well-designed mudroom with built-in storage, cubbies, and hooks keeps things organized, while a laundry room with drying racks, counters for folding, and even a utility sink adds everyday convenience.

Ready For a Longer Conversation About Your Dream Home?

Whether you’re just starting to plan or already envisioning the details, we’re here to help turn your ideas into reality. As a Lancaster custom home builder, we work collaboratively to help families and individuals in Central PA build a custom new house, or renovate and expand their existing home.

Call today to discuss your custom home project and see how our expertise can make your vision come to life.

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