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Two people shaking hands over a desk with construction documents, a laptop, coffee cup, and safety helmet, symbolizing agreement in a building project.

Conceptual Agreements Explained: Why They’re Key in Custom Home Projects 

You have probably never given so much thought to the different varieties of oak panels for wood floors, until now. That’s the nature of building a custom home: suddenly, every detail matters. Starting the process of building your dream custom home can feel like stepping into a new world of decisions.   One of the first and most meaningful steps in our design-build process at LaFollette Custom Homes is the Conceptual Agreement. This agreement is more than paperwork; it’s the first real move from ideas to action.  What is a Conceptual Agreement?  Before you spend a dollar on your new custom home design, you will receive clarity and direction from our financial team in the form of a Conceptual Agreement.  This is a collaborative plan that outlines the general scope and vision for your custom home project to ensure we are aligned with you on your goals.  The Value of a Conceptual Agreement  Your input and feedback at this stage are

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September 26, 2025
Modern kitchen with a large island and five wooden barstools, pendant lights overhead, gray cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, and a farmhouse sink.

What Happens During a Design Meeting? 

What to Expect and How to Prepare Before she knew it, her sample board started to take on a life of its own. Oak samples, tile swatches, and cabinet finishes started coming together to form cohesive textures and tones. She felt overwhelmed by the options, but also excited by the possibilities.   At LaFollette Custom Homes, design meetings are where your home truly begins to take shape. It’s a collaborative process where your ideas and our expertise come together to create a home that’s uniquely yours. You’ve chosen your layout, now it’s time to bring it to life with color, texture, and character. Here’s what to expect in the process, and how we make it as smooth and inspiring as possible.  Start with a Style Conversation The design consultation will start with a discussion about your unique style and aesthetic preferences. Whether you are looking for a modern, rustic, transitional, or

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September 19, 2025
Modern single-story house with gray brick exterior, black roof, and a three-car garage, set against a clear blue sky and green lawn.

Your Custom Home Timeline: From First Ideas to Move-In Day 

It starts with a few boxes and arrows jotted down on a paper napkin over lunch. Before long, a rough sketch of your dream home layout starts taking form. It’s not much of a plan, but something about it feels tangible.  What if that rough sketch became a floor plan? What if you started gathering the materials, framing, and finishes? What if, before you knew it, you were standing in your dream kitchen watching sunlight pour through the windows that you once could only imagine?   At LaFollette Custom Homes, we know one of the biggest questions on your mind: how long does the custom home process take? While every custom home is unique, the timeline usually follows a reliable rhythm. In this blog, we break down what to expect at each step of the process.  Phase 1: Design and Plan Your Custom Home (≈ 3 Months)  Initial Consultation  The first

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September 12, 2025
Covered patio with dining table, outdoor ceiling fan, and brick walls, designed for year-round outdoor living.

Outdoor Living Spaces That Work Year-Round 

You are enjoying a glass of wine on the porch while the sun sinks below the horizon.  You and your husband are finally starting to feel settled in after moving into your new custom home. The fire pit keeps you both warm, and your dogs have finally settled on the patio at your feet. “This,” you think, looking out at the backyard, “is my favorite room of the house.”  Your outdoor living space is not just an extension of your home; it’s a reflection of your lifestyle. Whether you dream of al fresco summer dinners, cozy fall evenings, or peaceful winter morning coffees on the porch, your outdoor space should be designed with comfort and functionality in mind. Below are our favorite ideas to help you design an outdoor living space that you can enjoy all year round.  Covered Patios with Comfort in Mind  Imagine enjoying a glass of sweet

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September 5, 2025
Collage of a modern house interior showing different rooms in a baby blue and white color scheme, including the living room, kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom.

From Vision to Mood Board: Define Your Custom Home Style with Confidence 

It started with a Pinterest rabbit hole.  She was up late again, pinning shiplap walls, marble islands, arched doorways, and navy blue cabinets. It was all beautiful… but also overwhelming. “Do I love farmhouse style? Or is this a more coastal cottage? Or maybe transitional?”  At LaFollette Custom Homes, we talk with individuals every day who want their homes to reflect who they are – not just follow trends. The good news? You don’t need a design degree to define your style. You’re more than capable of doing it with a little guidance and a good mood board. Here’s how to turn inspiration into a clear, confident design direction for your custom home:  Start with a Mood Board (Digital or Physical)  What custom home features inspire you? What unique styles feel like a reflection of your taste? Gather images of rooms, colors, textures, and finishes you see that inspire you

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August 29, 2025
Front yard with pavement leading to one story house with white bricks.

Where to Splurge (and Where to Save) in Your Custom Home 

You are weighing your options between two chandeliers. One is three times the price of the other but undeniably perfect. “Am I being impractical,” you ask yourself, “or is this the kind of thing that makes a home feel custom?”  At LaFollette Custom Homes, we understand that you face numerous decisions and a limited budget when building your custom home. The key is knowing where to invest for long-term impact and where you can scale back without sacrificing style or function. Below is our guide to knowing where to splurge in your custom home and where to save.  Strategic Places to Splurge  Kitchen Cabinets and Countertops  The kitchen is one of the most used rooms in your home. The materials you use need to be able to withstand heat, moisture, spills, and constant use. Durable materials such as quartz or natural stone add function and value, while custom or semi-custom

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August 22, 2025
Modern kitchen with white cabinets, gray island, stainless steel appliances, and sliding glass barn doors.

12 Must-Have Features for Your Forever Home  

It started at a friend’s housewarming party.  She walked through the entryway, admiring the natural light, the gentle glide of soft-close drawers, and how everything just seemed to flow. “It’s like they thought of everything,” she said, tucking away a mental note for her future dream home.  Stories like this are familiar to us here at LaFollette Custom Homes. Most of our clients are building their “forever home,” thinking not just about today’s trends but what will make life simpler, safer, and more enjoyable 10, 20, or even 30 years from now. Here are 12 design features you’ll be glad you included for the long haul.  Main-Level Primary Suite  Planning a custom home with the future in mind means thinking ahead to a time when everyday tasks, like climbing stairs, might not be as easy as they are now. Whether you design a single-story home or place the primary suite

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August 15, 2025
Living room with tall white brick walls, beige dining chairs on a white rug, pendant lights, and a white kitchen in the background.

Do I Need a Formal Dining Room in My Custom Home? 

Modern Options for the Way You Live  It started with Thanksgiving.  She had every intention of hosting the whole family for a traditional meal of turkey and stuffing. But when the day came, everyone naturally gathered around the big island in the kitchen, with kids drifting to the cozy breakfast nook and grandparents lounging nearby with wine in hand. The formal dining room? It sat perfectly set but untouched.  At LaFollette Custom Homes, we hear stories like this frequently. Formal dining rooms used to be the heart of the home, but that has changed for many modern families. Whether you entertain often or eat from the comfort of your couch most nights, your custom home layout should support the way you live now.  Modern Dining Room Alternatives  Below are some common layout alternatives and enhancements to consider if you’re on the fence about including a formal dining room in your

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August 8, 2025

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