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Exploring Custom Home Trends: Unique Features and Design Details
TL;DR: Custom home trends that revolve around human centered design, lasting materials, and performance that supports real life over decades. Main points: How context-driven planning responds to sunlight, breezes, and daily routines in Central Austin Why durable, honest materials like plaster, natural stone, and custom millwork are replacing short-lived finishes The rise of “warm modern” design that blends clean lines with texture and indoor–outdoor living How craft-level det
Frank Farkash
May 73 min read


How Much Does It Cost to Build a Custom Home in Texas?
TL;DR: Exactly how much does it cost to build a custom home in Texas? Land costs vary widely by region priced per acre (75,000-1,000,000+ in Austin) Permits typically range from $1,000 to $7,000 Custom home cost per sq ft is $150–$400+ ($500-$1000+ in Austin) Average cost to build a home in Texas: $600K+ (2x –4x in Austin) Major expenses include materials and labor, professional fees, permits, and site prep Planning & High Team Competency = Fewer Surprises. Thinking about bui
Frank Farkash
May 49 min read


The Benefits of Hiring an Architect to Design Your Custom Home
TL;DR: Hiring an architect for your custom home in Austin ensures your investment is enhanced while bringing your vision to life. Main points: Personalized designs tailored to your lifestyle and neighborhood Expert navigation of codes, permits, and technical details Cost savings through precise planning and reduced errors Streamlined timelines with coordinated project management Creative, functional, and durable spaces with long-term value Designing a custom home is exciting.
Frank Farkash
Apr 274 min read


The Architecture of Longevity: Key Principles of Forever Home Design
TL;DR: Forever home design focuses on creating a home that performs well, adapts over time, and supports changing lifestyles through thoughtful planning and durable construction. This blog explains how intentional design decisions lead to long-term comfort, flexibility, and resilience. Main points: Defines a forever home as one built for longevity through quality assemblies, not just aesthetics Highlights aging-in-place features like no-step entries, wider doorways, and adapt
Frank Farkash
Apr 175 min read


A Step-by-Step Guide to the Custom Home Design Process
TL;DR: A Step-by-Step Guide to the Custom Home Design Process If you’re wondering how to start designing your dream home, this guide breaks down the custom home design process from initial ideas to final construction. You'll learn what to expect at each stage and how to plan with clarity. Start with a vision and consult with your architect or builder Evaluate your site and create a concept during the schematic design phase Refine layout, materials, and structure during desi
Frank Farkash
Apr 164 min read


Tips for Avoiding Common Pitfalls in Complete House Renovation
TL;DR: Start with structural and system assessments Set a clear home renovation plan before starting Budget extra for unexpected issues or get a gaurantee Avoid common kitchen and bathroom renovation mistakes Hire experienced, trustworthy professionals Stick to the plan... but stay flexible when needed :-) A complete house renovation can be exciting, but it’s also easy to make costly mistakes if you’re not careful. Whether you’re tackling a fixer-upper or refreshing a long-lo
Frank Farkash
Apr 166 min read


Root-First Design: The Challenges of Building a House Around a Tree
TL;DR: Building a house around a tree requires rethinking design priorities, where the tree becomes a central element shaping the home rather than an obstacle. This blog explains how thoughtful, site-driven planning can preserve mature trees while enhancing both architecture and livability. Main points: Why mature trees add lasting value through shade, character, and natural scale How understanding the Critical Root Zone is essential to avoid long-term tree damage Structural
Frank Farkash
Apr 153 min read


The Art of Renovating Mid-Century Modern Ranch Homes
TL;DR: Renovating mid-century modern ranch homes requires restraint and a balance of reverence with adaption. These homes were designed with clear structural logic, climate responsiveness, and strong horizontal proportions that still work today. The goal is to read the original framework and extend it thoughtfully to preserve what gives the home identity while upgrading performance for modern living. Follow original geometry (rooflines, walls, windows) Preserve proportions, e
Frank Farkash
Apr 104 min read


Cost Plus vs. Fixed Price Construction Contacts
TL;DR: Choosing between fixed price and cost-plus construction contracts affects your project's cost control, flexibility, and risk...
Frank Farkash
Jul 23, 20253 min read
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