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Soft or Sturdy? What Homebuilders Need to Know about the State of Lumber

If finally building your custom home is at the top of your 2022 “to-do” list, you’ve probably wrestled with the cost. Concerns about the fluctuating economy and inflation no doubt have an impact on the cost of building a custom home. But we’re here to tell you that these concerns shouldn’t keep you up at night; in-industry folks know that the situation isn’t near as dire as the headlines might make it seem, especially when it comes to lumber. Here’s what home builders need to know today:  Lumber Prices Lumber prices have fluctuated over the past two years but currently remain steady. As the age-old saying goes, “what goes up, must come down.” Despite rising pricing and sounding alarms, current lumber futures are already down significantly from their high in May of 2021 and will continue to fluctuate and fall. So while future home builders should keep an eye on

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Building Your Custom Home with Confidence

Over the past couple of years, many who formerly wrestled with the idea of buying or building a home finally made the move to do so. It seems that being at home so often made them realize the importance of having one best suited for them and their families.  If you’ve come to this realization and you’re ready to make the next step towards building your custom home but fear ongoing issues like inflation and fluctuating interest rates, you deserve to know that doing so is still well within reach!  Here are a few reasons why you can build your custom home with confidence in 2022:  Homebuilder sentiment remains high: Homebuilders are still struggling with supply chain issues, but demand remains steady. In fact, builder confidence in single-family home construction rose last year. Despite ongoing issues, buyers continue to buy and builders continue to build–and you can, too!  The experts

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LaFollette Custom Homes - Home Builder Bryan, Texas

 Say “Hello” to LaFollette Custom Homes! 

We are so excited to officially announce our rebranding as LaFollette Custom Homes! This updated branding reflects our maturation over the past four decades as a luxury custom homebuilder. Along with our new name, we’ll adopt a new logo, website, and email addresses.  You might be wondering: why the change? It’s simple: we’re no longer building the same type of homes we built when the company was founded in 1984 as Southwest Homes. We have matured into a luxury custom homebuilder, harnessing state-of-the-art technologies to bring our clients’ dream homes to life!  Our rebranding communicates this maturation, emphasizing our technological capabilities which are integral to our work as custom-home builders. We can let you walk through your whole home before we ever touch the soil!  However, don’t expect the things that made Southwest Homes great to go anywhere with this rebranding. Our commitment to building high-quality custom homes in partnership

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Designing Your Dream Home? Here’s How to Begin

Building and designing your dream home is one of the biggest projects you’ll ever invest in and embark on in your life. It’s crucial that you do your planning carefully and with much attention to detail so that the outcome is everything you’ve dreamed it to be. If you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed and unsure where to start with your home plan design, don’t worry. Here are some steps to help you get started: Have a Brainstorming Session Grab a pencil and a piece of paper. Let your ideas pour out of your head—sketch the house you envision, make lists of the elements you want it to have. This will help your home building team get a picture of how you’d want your place to look like. Mind Your Budget The start of all the planning involves, of course, budgeting. Consult professionals to get accurate costs for your custom home.

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Top Must-Haves When Designing a Custom Home

The great thing about a custom-built home is that you have the power to decide about every bit of its design. Every detail will be according to your preferences, and the resulting project is exactly the way you pictured it. And since the possibilities for your custom home plans are endless, why not take advantage of the situation? Gather inspiration and read on to learn about some top must-haves for your custom home. Mudroom If you have an active lifestyle and your household comprises kids and pets, you must have a mudroom. It’s a great place to store items commonly brought outside, such as umbrellas, shoes, dog leashes, backpacks, and hats. You can even incorporate a small shower and drain area for hosing off muddy footwear. Walk-In Closet Haven’t we all, for at least one moment, dreamed of a beautiful walk-in master closet? This is your chance to make it

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The American Home’s Interior Design Through the Decades

Like fashion and technology, a home’s interior design is subject to changes brought about by trends, movements, and advancements. Some design elements came and went, others stayed, and there are those making a comeback as well.  Get inspiration and gather ideas for your future home’s style. Read on to learn about home interior design in America through the decades. 1920s The 1920s was largely dominated by the Art Deco style, characterized by geometric patterns and symmetrical shapes. Also present were industrial designs popularized by the German Bauhaus movement such as graphic curves and steel furniture. 1930s Simplicity was the focus of the trends in this decade, given the economic downturn brought about by the Great Depression. The streamline moderne style, defined by muted patterns, clean lines, and neutral colors, flourished during this era. 1940s World War II massively influenced 1940s interior design. Sentimental designs and cozy furniture gave a sense

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The Master Retreat

I think my husband and I were married for 8 years before we had a house that enabled us to have our own separate sinks in the master bathroom.  At the time we had to share, we didn’t think much about it, but now, after having our own space to brush our teeth without hitting elbows I’m not sure we could go back.  Well . . . we probably could, but we wouldn’t want to!   When designing the Master Retreat there are three basic spaces to consider; the bedroom, the closet and the bathroom. First, let’s consider the bedroom.  Close your eyes and imagine what you’d like to wake up to each morning when you look around your room. Do you want it light and airy and simple?  If so, a bed and nightstands may be enough with potential décor including wooden beams or a barn door.  If you

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The Heart of the Home: Kitchens

Kitchens are not just cooking spaces, they are the heart of a home. At LaFollette Custom Homes, we understand the importance of creating a kitchen that brings your family together and allows for cherished memories to be made. Designing Your Dream Kitchen When designing your kitchen with us, share your dreams and visions so we can help you create the kitchen of your dreams. Our team focuses on both style and functionality to ensure that your kitchen reflects your unique taste and meets your practical needs. The Perfect Gathering Spot It’s no wonder that family gatherings often gravitate towards the kitchen. Laughter, conversations, and snacking create an atmosphere of warmth and togetherness. That’s why we can help you create a spacious kitchen with a massive island, perfect for hosting family and friends. Imagine grandkids sitting and baking, painting, playing with playdough, and making beautiful memories. Customized Storage Solutions We understand

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Your dream home is only a phone call away

When you are ready for a builder who understands your family’s dreams and desires, talk to our family at LaFollette Custom Homes. Our team of Custom Home Consultants will guide you through the process from start to finish.