Building vs. Buying: The Strategic Reality

Building a custom home is a monumental project. As a 30-year industry veteran with hundreds of flips under my belt, my goal is to provide you with the total clarity needed to make a high-ROI decision. While designing from scratch is rewarding, you must navigate several significant hurdles before breaking ground. Knowledge is power, and I want you to have the "insider's view" before you commit.

The Hidden Realities of New Construction

  • Decision Fatigue & Relationship Stress: Building requires thousands of choices—from floor joists to faucet finishes. The "Fatigue of 1,000 Choices," combined with budget overages and conflicting decor styles, is a documented strain on relationships. I help you navigate these pressures by setting realistic expectations from day one.

  • The Investment Gap: Dollar-for-dollar, an existing home offers significantly more value. You typically secure more square footage, mature property features, and premium finishes for a fraction of the cost of a new build. Existing homes are, quite simply, a better value "apples to apples."

  • The Time & Land Hurdle: Finding a quality lot in West Michigan is often as difficult as finding an existing home. Once you find the land, you then face a marathon of design phases, permit requirements, and the inevitable delays of the current market.

  • Escalating Costs & Regulations: Building costs have shifted drastically due to complex regulatory requirements and supply chain shifts. Everything from high-efficiency furnace compliance to the price of basic hardware has made new construction far more expensive than in years past.

  • The Contractor "War": Quality trades are in high demand and short supply. Skilled crews are often poached between builders, leading to unforeseen delays and quality concerns. If a builder is "readily available" in this market, it is often a red flag regarding their thoroughness and quality of work.

Navigating Your Next Move

Whether you choose to build from scratch or find a property with "perfect bones" to renovate, I provide the expertise you need to succeed.

  • If you decide building is not for you: Let’s find an existing property with the best potential for appreciation and customization. [Click here to view current listings.]

  • If you are ready to build: I will connect you with my "Gold List" of elite West Michigan builders who are vetted for integrity, excellence, and transparency, and help you every step of the way.