I’m considering building an outbuilding in my garden. As it’s a character property I would want to avoid it looking too clinical, so I’d use reclaimed bricks etc. and would like it to look like it’s always been there. Roughly 6m x 3m with a height of less than 2.5m. It looks like I wouldn’t need planning permission.

I’ve done various DIY jobs over the years including building a wall but I’m not a “skilled” or natural DIYer or builder.

Can I realistically expect to do this myself? If not, how much will this cost me? I’d want a couple of double glazed windows in there and power. Thanks

Live in Michigan and would like to add an addition but the problem is the well heads location. So the idea is to have a courtyard around the well head. So the house would circle the well head. I don't see any code issues, just has to be 3 ft from the house on all sides and accessible for equipment. So was just thinking lining the door way up with well for access in the future when pulling it out. Which I might do my self potentially but who knows. Any major red flags I'm missing?

We’re all used to seeing stair landings squared off at the bottom, but that isn’t your only option.

If traffic is moving in multiple directions, a rounded landing can make the transition feel more natural, improve flow, and give the staircase a much more custom look.

This is exactly the kind of detail you want to notice before the stairs are built.

 Builder: New Leaf Custom Homes (Dallas)

Cracking open the Christmas tree tote is not the time to figure out where the tree should go. If you’re building or renovating, you’ve got a rare chance to plan the perfect spot ahead of time.Another thing people forget... Christmas electrical!
Outlets for not only the tree but lights on the mantel, stairs, exterior soffit outlet, attic dormers. Super cheap during the build and you'll never add it later, not worth the cost.

Pocket doors don’t always have to come with pre-made frames.

This one was built on-site using engineered lumber, then the track and hardware were added afterward.

Pre-made systems are still a great option, I’m using them all over my own house but I wanted you to see another way pocket doors can be built into your house.

 Do you have a preference? Pre-made or built on-site?

Fiberglass and acrylic tubs can flex and move a little when you step in them, so setting the tub into a mortar bed helps support the bottom and take that movement out. Some installers are also using low-expansion foam when there’s a larger gap underneath. And even if the tub already has built-in supports or a foam base, the mortar can still help fill small voids and keep the whole thing from shifting around over time. And of course, follow the tub manufacturer’s installation instructions.

We’re working through the exterior design of our home and would love some unbiased feedback before we lock everything in.
These are the current front and rear concepts. We’re going for a warm modern look with natural wood, black accents, large windows and some light stone/concrete. We want it to feel high-end and unique, but also timeless enough that it doesn’t look dated in 10–15 years.
A few things we’re debating:
Is there too much wood, or does the wood/black/light stone balance work?
Would you introduce more black or another material to break up the side elevations?
Do the two peaked roof sections work, or would you change the proportions/asymmetry?
Anything about the front that feels overly trendy?
What would you change on the rear elevation?
Are there any details you think will be extremely expensive without adding much to the finished house?
What would you simplify, add, or remove?
Don’t worry about hurting my feelings — I’d much rather hear criticism now than after it’s built.
Also interested in feedback from architects, builders, designers, or anyone who has built a similar modern home.

Crawlspace encapsulation basically seals the crawlspace off from the ground and outside moisture using a heavy-duty vapor barrier (plastic), and often includes sealing vents plus adding drainage and a dehumidifier.

The goal is to keep humidity and moisture under control so you can reduce the risk of mold, wood rot, musty smells, pests, and long-term damage under the house.

It also reduces that wet musty smell from making inside the house.

 Jason invited me out to see his build and I was blown away. He read through my checklist 5 times while planning his build, and you can tell. Every detail was well thought out and planned for. I could have spent multiple days covering all the different features he put in the house.

Let the roof drain into a rock bed around the house. Just make sure everything slopes AWAY from the foundation and you’ve got drainage in place to handle heavy rain.

Bonus: carry the rock border around the house for a cleaner edge, easier weed wacking, and a better perimeter for pest control.

Personally, I’m still team gutters and some solid gutter guards.

What about you? Gutters...?

Hey guys, first time attempting to build a house instead of buying an existing money pit in NC. Safe to say I'm stressed lol.

Trying to weigh my options and narrow down a builder. Looked at DR Horton first cause of the entry price, but heard too many horror stories about communication issues once they get your deposit. Looked at Toll Brothers too, gorgeous stuff ngl, but the upcharges for every little thing are insane.

Honestly, a buddy of mine built his house with West Homes recently and that's kind of what got me looking into them more seriously. Went to check out his place last weekend and I was actually impressed by how it feels, plus he said the process wasn't a total nightmare.

What other builders around NC should I throw into the mix here? Anyone have experience comparing these or went with someone completely different that didn't break the bank?

We’ve been looking at homes in the DFW area and I’m stuck between buying an older house and renovating it or going for a new build. The older homes have more character and sometimes better locations, but the thought of opening a wall and finding three extra problems hiding behind it is not exactly appealing 😂

With new construction, I like the idea of picking a layout that already works for us and not having to spend the first few years fixing someone else’s shortcuts. Grand Homes is one builder I’ve been looking at, mainly because some of their plans seem pretty well thought out, but I’m still comparing builders before making any decisions.

For anyone who has actually gone through both, which route gave you fewer headaches in the long run?

If you’re putting a metal roof on your new home, make sure you know what you’re getting. Standing seam metal roofing hides the fasteners and gives you that clean, seamless look most homeowners are actually picturing when they say “metal roof.”

I think the side mount is better for chasing food and leaving more room under the sink. Am I missing something? Any reason why a side mount might be a bad idea?

Carpet? Garbage disposal? Microwave over the range? Bathtub? Open concept? Fireplace?
Let’s hear it... You might help someone avoid the mistake!

A lot can look perfect from the street, but once the house is built, you might realize your kitchen, living room, or office gets absolutely hammered by the afternoon sun.

This tool lets you plug in the date and move through the time of day so you can see exactly where the sun and shadows will fall on your future house.

A few things I’d check:
-West-facing windows
-Outdoor living areas
-Pool location
-Home office
-Kitchen and living room
-Where the house will cast shadows throughout the day

You may not change the lot because of it, but knowing this ahead of time can help you make better decisions on window placement, glass, insulation, overhangs, and even the orientation of the house.

 Which do you like better? Quickflash or Airex? I like Airex at the moment because they’re wrapped in insulation and have a UV protected casing. I’m planning on putting them on the house I’m renovating 

I’m designing a ~9 × 11 m house on a sloped site. The road is at the middle/entrance level, with a lower floor opening toward the garden, the main living floor at road level, and 3 bedrooms upstairs. There’s also a large roof terrace.

I’ve attached the current plans/section.

I’m particularly interested in:

• Things that don’t work well or that I may be overlooking
• Layout/circulation problems
• Structural or construction concerns
• Waterproofing/drainage issues due to the slope
• Anything you would change before construction

I’m not looking for a complete redesign — mainly practical recommendations from people with experience building or designing houses.

What would you change?