Home-building guides
Custom home guides for Middle Tennessee homeowners planning something exceptional
Plain-English advice on planning a custom home, choosing a builder, home styles, evaluating a lot, luxury kitchens and baths, additions and second stories, permits and design review, outdoor living, smart homes and lifestyle rooms, and restoring historic homes, with links to official sources.
PlanningHow to Plan a Custom Home From Lot to Move-InA calm roadmap for building a custom home: dreams and priorities, the lot, the design team, selections, permits and the build itself.Read the guide
Choosing a builderHow to Choose a Luxury Home Builder in TennesseeWhat to check before hiring a custom home builder: Tennessee licensing, finished homes, references, communication and a clear contract.Read the guide
DesignCustom Home Styles Explained: Farmhouse, Manor, Modern and MoreA plain-English tour of luxury home styles, from modern farmhouse and brick manor to contemporary, craftsman and timber-frame designs.Read the guide
LandChoosing and Evaluating a Homesite for a Custom HomeWhat to look for in a lot: slope, soil, drainage, utilities, setbacks, trees, views and the neighborhood rules that shape the house.Read the guide
InteriorsLuxury Kitchen and Bath Planning GuideHow to plan a chef's kitchen and a spa bath: layout, appliances, stone, waterproofing, lighting and the systems behind the walls.Read the guide
AdditionsPlanning a Home Addition or Second StoryHow to decide between an addition, a second story or a rebuild: structure, rooflines, matching materials, permits and living through construction.Read the guide
Rules and safetyPermits, Codes and Design Review ExplainedWhat building permits, inspections and neighborhood design review mean for a custom home, and how Tennessee 811 fits in.Read the guide
Outdoor livingOutdoor Living Guide: Pools, Pavilions and Outdoor KitchensHow to plan a pool, spa, pavilion and outdoor kitchen that work together: layout, utilities, drainage, safety and the landscape around them.Read the guide
Lifestyle roomsSmart Homes, Theaters and Lifestyle Rooms: A Planning GuideHow to plan technology and special rooms into a luxury home: structured wiring, theaters, wine cellars, gyms and elevators.Read the guide
RestorationRestoring and Renovating a Historic HomeHow to care for an older home: survey first, repair before replacing, match materials, work with review boards and add comfort quietly.Read the guide
Brands and references
Industry groups and trusted references
Explore the trade groups and agencies behind building codes, contractor licensing, permits, design, historic preservation and utilities in Middle Tennessee. Names belong to their owners, and we are not affiliated with them.
- Metro Nashville Planning DepartmentZoning and overlay information for Davidson County.
- Metro Nashville Codes DepartmentPermits and inspections for Davidson County.
- American Institute of ArchitectsProfessional organization for architects, with guidance for owners.
- National Association of Home BuildersIndustry resources for building and remodeling.
- Tennessee 811Call before you dig so underground utilities are marked.
- Tennessee Board for Licensing ContractorsState regulator for general and home improvement contractors.
- Tennessee license verificationLook up a Tennessee professional or contractor license.
- OSHA Construction IndustryFederal safety information for construction sites.
- National Trust for Historic PreservationResources on historic architecture and styles.
- APA The Engineered Wood AssociationTechnical guides on framing and engineered wood.
- International Code CouncilModel building codes that shape design.
- U.S. Green Building CouncilInformation on green building and healthy homes.
- Metro Nashville Water Services: StormwaterStormwater and erosion control information.
- FEMAFlood maps and disaster preparedness information.
- American Society of Landscape ArchitectsResources on landscape design and site planning.
- National Kitchen & Bath AssociationIndustry guidance on kitchen and bath design.
- Tile Council of North AmericaStandards and installation guidance for tile.
- Natural Stone InstituteInformation on natural stone selection and care.
- ENERGY STARGuidance on efficient appliances and lighting.
- National Fire Protection AssociationFire and electrical safety codes and standards.
- Pool SafelyFederal guidance on pool and spa safety for families.
- Pool & Hot Tub AllianceIndustry resources on pool design and safety.
- CEDIAAssociation for home technology professionals.
- ASMEEngineering society that publishes elevator safety codes.
- National Park Service: Historic Tax IncentivesInformation on federal historic rehabilitation incentives.
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: LeadLead safety guidance for older homes.
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