Home Construction Blog

My advice, tips, and recommendations for building your own custom home.

April 2019

#19 – Subcontractor Activity

Advice: -Before you make your selections for a specific flooring/tile, you'll need to make a decision on what type of flooring you will be putting in the bathrooms.

#18 – Weatherproof

#“If it is not a mess, it is not progress.” -Robin Sharma Advice: -Make sure your contractor examines all windows and other materials upon delivery. If there are

March 2019

#17 – Vertical Wood

“Progress is what happens when impossibility yields to necessity.” -Arnold H. Glasgow Advice: -If you have time to lend a hand for a couple hours here and there,

February 2019

#16 – Support Walls and Flooring System

“Adopting the right attitude can convert a negative stress into a positive one.” -Hans Selye Advice: -Take your kitchen and bathroom plans to multiple locations to get quotes

January 2019

#15 – Making the Most of Winter Delays

“Patience is bitter, but its fruit is sweet.” -Jean-Jacques Rousseau Advice: -If you are building during the winter months, factor in an additional 3-4 weeks of construction time

#14 – Basement Floor Pour

“Make measurable progress in reasonable time.” -Jim Rohn Topics of Discussion in this Article: Plumbing Rough-In Water-Proofing Basement Walls Gravel Installation Over Drainage Tile Basement Floor Pour Our

#13 – Exterior Reservoir Tank

“If the plan doesn't work, change the plan but never the goal.” -@gethealthy Advice: -Try to stick to the budget and avoid overages whenever possible; however, spend the

December 2018

#12 – Basement Walls

“A little progress each day adds up to big results.” -Author Unknown Advice: -Make sure your contractor goes over all plans for the basement walls with the concrete

#11 – Footer Time

Footer Time “The only thing you sometimes have control over is perspective. You don't always have control over your situation. But you have have a choice about how

#10 – Ground Breaking

Ground Breaking Time “Every now and then a man's mind is stretched by a new idea or sensation, and never shrinks back to its former dimensions.” -Oliver Wendell

November 2018

#9 – Printing Plans and Next Steps

Printing Plans and Next Steps “The road to success is always under construction.” -Arnold Palmer Advice: -Even if you aren't planning on finishing your basement when you build,

#8 – Plan Revisions with Cost in Mind

Plan Revisions with Cost in Mind “Coming up with a way to fix mistakes challenges your critical thinking skills. Often you end up with something better than what

#7 – Do Your Homework Early

Do Your Homework Early “Be more ambitious. Do your homework. There's no easy way around this.” -Anthony McCarten Advice: -Visit as many model homes by custom builders in

#6 – Architect vs. Drafter

Architecture Firm or Drafting Services? “Patience is the calm acceptance that things can happen in a different order than you have in your mind.” -David G. Allen Advice:

#5 – Contractor Selection

Contractor Selection is Crucial! “Lack of communication can ruin a lot of good shit.” -Author Unknown Advice: -Talk to anyone you know who has built a custom home.

October 2018

#4 – The Soil Investigation

How's My Dirt? “Everyone you meet knows something that you don't.” -Bill Nye Advice: -When a soil investigation is needed regarding the installation of a septic system, always

#3 – The Lot Offer/Purchase

The Lot Offer and Negotiations “The better you are at communicating, negotiating, and handling your fear of rejection, the easier life is.” -Robert Kiyosaki Advice: -If a septic system

#2 – The Property Search

The Property Search “Be happy with what you have while working for what you want” -Helen Keller Advice -If you are considering building a home

#1 – The Process Begins…

The Process Begins “A mind that is stretched by a new experience can never go back to its old dimensions.” -Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr. Our

“Nathan Baurley…What a great guy to work with! I would recommend him to anyone I know that’s thinking of selling or buying a home! I have used several different agents in the past from many other companies to buy and sell homes and I can tell you he will go above and beyond what other agents in the area are willing to do for you to get your home sold. I would not consider using any other agent in town at this point if I ever decide to buy or sell again. It’s that simple!”
Bill -Indianapolis, IN
“Nathan Baurley is very professional yet easy to talk about our wishes and concerns about the property. He made suggestions about upgrades to the house that were reasonable but made a big impact. We appreciate all he did for the open houses and his time. We would use Nathan again in the future and recommend him to friends and family. “
Michele B. - Indianapolis, IN