Building Your Dream Home: What to Expect When You Go Custom
Eric Harris • October 13, 2025
Building Your Dream Home: What to Expect When You Go Custom
When you decide to build a custom home, you’re not just buying a house — you’re creating a one-of-a-kind space built around your lifestyle, your priorities, and your family’s future. At Hansen Harris Construction, we believe your home should be as unique as you are, and our job is to make that process enjoyable, transparent, and rewarding.
Here’s what to expect when you partner with a local custom builder like us:
1. Dream and Design
Every great home starts with a conversation. We’ll sit down with you to understand how you live — how you cook, relax, entertain, and spend time together. From there, we’ll help you choose or design a floor plan that fits your needs and budget.
Whether you bring your own architect or work directly with our design team, this stage is about capturing your vision and setting realistic expectations for cost and timeline.
2. Budgeting with Clarity
One of the biggest advantages of working with a cost-plus builder like Hansen Harris Construction is transparency. You’ll see where every dollar goes — materials, labor, finishes, and allowances — so you stay in control.
We help you make informed choices that match your priorities, whether that’s investing in a gourmet kitchen, energy-efficient upgrades, or premium finishes.
3. Making the Selections
This is where your home starts to take shape. You’ll choose everything from flooring and countertops to siding, roof color, and lighting fixtures.
Don’t worry — we’ll guide you every step of the way with recommendations that fit your style and your budget. Our goal is to make the process exciting, not overwhelming.
4. Construction Begins
Once the design and selections are set, it’s time to break ground! This is where our craftsmanship and experience shine.
We keep you updated throughout every phase — foundation, framing, mechanicals, drywall, and finishes. You’ll always know what’s happening and when.
5. The Final Touches and Move-In
As construction wraps up, we’ll go through the final details together to make sure everything meets your expectations. Then comes the best part — handing you the keys to your brand-new custom home.
Why Build Custom with a Local Builder
Working with a local builder means you’re not just a project number — you’re a neighbor. We know the land, the permitting process, and the styles that make sense for Alachua, Gilchrist, Levy and surrounding counties. Most importantly, we take pride in building homes that stand the test of time and truly reflect the people who live in them.
If you’re ready to start planning your dream home, reach out to Hansen Harris Construction today. Let’s build something extraordinary — together.
📞 Call 352-318-8500 or visit HansenHarrisConstruction.com to schedule your free consultation.The body content of your post goes here. To edit this text, click on it and delete this default text and start typing your own or paste your own from a different source.
When building your custom home, it’s easy to get caught up in floor plans, finishes, and fixtures, but don’t forget one of the most important choices you’ll make: your appliances. The right appliances not only make daily life easier but also add comfort, efficiency, and value to your home for years to come. At Hansen Harris Construction, we’ve helped countless homeowners across Newberry, Alachua County, and surrounding areas create homes that are both beautiful and functional. Here are some key things to keep in mind when choosing the right appliances for your new home. 1. Focus on Energy Efficiency Appliances account for a big part of your home’s long-term energy use. Look for the ENERGY STAR® label when selecting refrigerators, dishwashers, washers, and dryers. These models may cost a bit more upfront, but they’ll save you money every month on your utility bills and they’re better for the environment, too. Tip: Check the estimated yearly energy cost on the yellow label. Those small numbers add up over time! 2. Match the Size to Your Layout When designing your kitchen and laundry spaces, appliance dimensions are crucial. Counter-depth refrigerators create a sleek, built-in look and prevent your fridge from sticking out into walkways. Wall ovens and cooktops offer flexibility in kitchen layouts. Compact models work well in smaller spaces or secondary kitchen areas like a butler’s pantry. Before ordering your cabinets, be sure your appliance choices are finalized — small differences in dimensions can affect your design and installation. 3. Choose Finishes That Fit Your Style Appliances should complement your overall home design. Stainless steel offers a timeless, professional look. Matte black or white finishes can create a warm, modern feel. Panel-ready options allow appliances to blend seamlessly into cabinetry for a high-end, custom look. Think about how your appliances will work with your cabinets, countertops, and lighting — they’re part of your home’s personality! 4. Explore Smart Features Modern appliances can do more than ever before. Smart technology allows you to: Control settings from your phone Receive maintenance alerts Track energy usage Get notifications when your laundry is done or your oven is preheated While not every homeowner needs these features, they can add convenience and appeal, especially for those who love connected home technology. 5. Budget for What Matters Most Appliance costs can vary widely, so it’s best to prioritize based on your lifestyle. If you love to cook, invest in a professional-grade range or double oven. If laundry day is your priority, choose a washer and dryer with high capacity and water-saving features. Remember — not every appliance needs to be top-of-the-line. Focus your budget on the ones you’ll use most. 🛠️ Building With Confidence When you build with Hansen Harris Construction, we help you plan every detail — from your home’s layout to the appliances that make it run smoothly. Whether you prefer a traditional look or the latest in smart-home innovation, our goal is to help you create a home that fits your lifestyle and your budget. If you’re building in Newberry, Gilchrist County, Alachua County, or surrounding areas, contact Hansen Harris Construction today to start your custom home journey. 📞 Call 352-318-8500 🌐 www.HansenHarrisConstruction.com HomeBuildingTips #DreamHome #KitchenDesign
Are you considering building a new home in Newberry, Florida? Look no further than a professional construction business located right here in town. This company specializes in new home construction services, remodels, and design-build projects, catering to a variety of clients including homeowners, real estate developers, and commercial property owners.
Are you a homeowner or property owner in Newberry, Florida, looking for a top-rated remodeling company to transform your space? Look no further than Hansen Harris Construction Company, LLC.
When it comes to construction projects, whether it's building a new home, renovating an existing space, or creating a custom design-build solution, having a reliable and experienced partner is key to a successful outcome. That's where Hansen Harris Construction Company, LLC comes in.
When building a custom home in Florida, choosing the right insulation is one of the most critical decisions you'll make. At Hansen Harris Construction, we prioritize creating homes that are not only beautiful but also energy-efficient and comfortable for our clients. One of the best insulation options for the Florida climate is open cell spray foam insulation. Here's why this innovative material stands out for homes in the Sunshine State. 1. Superior Energy Efficiency Florida's hot and humid climate means that cooling your home efficiently is a top priority. Open cell spray foam insulation provides an airtight seal that prevents air leaks, reducing the strain on your HVAC system. By keeping cool air inside and hot air outside, you can significantly lower your energy bills. 2. Excellent Moisture Management Humidity is a constant concern in Florida. Open cell spray foam insulation helps manage moisture by creating a barrier that resists water vapor. While it doesn’t act as a full vapor barrier like closed cell foam, its ability to fill gaps and cracks minimizes the risk of condensation and mold growth inside walls. 3. Noise Reduction In addition to its insulating properties, open cell spray foam excels at soundproofing. Its soft, spongy structure absorbs sound waves, making it ideal for reducing noise from outside and between rooms. This is particularly beneficial in bustling Florida neighborhoods or near busy streets. 4. Improved Indoor Air Quality Because open cell spray foam creates a tight seal, it helps block allergens, pollutants, and outdoor contaminants from entering your home. This contributes to healthier indoor air quality—a vital factor in a state where pollen and other allergens are prevalent. 5. Cost-Effective Installation Compared to closed cell spray foam, open cell spray foam is more affordable and expands more during application. This means less material is needed to cover the same area, making it a cost-effective option for homeowners. 6. Eco-Friendly Benefits Many open cell spray foam products are made with environmentally friendly materials and contribute to lower energy usage, reducing your home’s carbon footprint. By choosing this insulation, you're making a sustainable choice that benefits both your family and the environment. 7. Adaptability for Florida Homes Open cell spray foam works particularly well in the attic spaces of Florida homes. Its ability to expand and conform to irregular surfaces makes it ideal for sealing hard-to-reach areas, helping to keep your attic cooler and your home more comfortable year-round. Partner with Hansen Harris Construction At Hansen Harris Construction, we understand that every home is unique, and so are its insulation needs. Our team is experienced in incorporating energy-efficient solutions like open cell spray foam insulation into custom home designs that are perfectly suited for Florida’s climate. When you build with us, you're not just getting a house—you're investing in a home that will keep you comfortable, save you money, and stand the test of time. Ready to learn more about how we can make your dream home a reality? Contact Hansen Harris Construction today to discuss your project and see how we can incorporate open cell spray foam insulation into your custom home design.
