BrightCustom Homes

RESOURCES & FIELD GUIDES

Building Insights for Calgary Homeowners

Honest, practical field guides on land acquisition, development permits, architectural blueprints, material choices and realistic budgets — written from over a decade of building inner-city and acreage custom homes across Calgary.

All Guides & Articles (31)

Archive from previous & current editions
WINDOWS
Design & Materials·4 min read

WINDOWS

CHOOSING A TYPE OF WINDOW If you are building a new home or replacing the windows in an existing home, there are several things to consider when choosing windows. Some of the factors to consider include the material of the window frame, the type of glass, the style of the window, and the energy efficiency […]

March 2024Read
MYTHS ABOUT FINISHING YOUR BASEMENT
Guides·3 min read

MYTHS ABOUT FINISHING YOUR BASEMENT

There are several myths about finishing a basement that may deter homeowners from taking on the task. Understanding what is truly factual will help you be more prepared when starting your home improvement project. In this article, we will discuss some of the biggest misconceptions that prevent homeowners from finishing their basement. IT’S EXPENSIVE While […]

March 2024Read
FLOOR MATERIALS
Design & Materials·2 min read

FLOOR MATERIALS

There are many types of flooring materials used in residential homes, each with their own unique set of advantages and disadvantages. Here is a list of common flooring materials used in residential homes and a brief overview of their advantages, disadvantages, and cost:

March 2024Read
Navigating the New Home Warranty Process in Calgary: 4 Common Questions Answered
Permits & Legal·2 min read

Navigating the New Home Warranty Process in Calgary: 4 Common Questions Answered

Discover essential information about the Alberta New Home Warranty Program in Calgary. Learn what’s covered, how to prepare for warranty walkthroughs, and how builders rectify warrantable items. Are you a homeowner in Calgary, Alberta, navigating the new home warranty process? Here are some common questions answered to help you understand and make the most of […]

March 2024Read
CUSTOM VS. SPEC HOME
Guides·2 min read

CUSTOM VS. SPEC HOME

CUSTOM HOME The cost of building a new custom home can vary widely depending on a number of factors. This includes size and design of the home, the materials and finishes used, the location of the home, and the contractors and subcontractors hired to do the work. Other factors that can affect the cost include […]

March 2024Read
REASONS TO CHOOSE A NEW HOME OVER A PRE-OWNED HOME
Guides·3 min read

REASONS TO CHOOSE A NEW HOME OVER A PRE-OWNED HOME

The decision to purchase a home is a significant milestone in one’s life. However, prospective homeowners face a crucial choice between buying a new home or opting for a pre-owned house.

March 2024Read
6 DIFFERENT TYPES OF FIREPLACES
Design & Materials·4 min read

6 DIFFERENT TYPES OF FIREPLACES

A fireplace not only adds warmth to your home but also brings charm and character to any living space. At Bright Custom Homes, we understand that choosing the right fireplace in Calgary’s diverse housing market can be both exciting and challenging. This guide explores different types of fireplace options to help you find the one that best fits your home and lifestyle.

March 2024Read
5 WORST KITCHEN LAYOUT MISTAKES
Design & Materials·3 min read

5 WORST KITCHEN LAYOUT MISTAKES

When creating a custom home, it is important to create a kitchen layout that works. However, there are certain kitchen layouts that are generally considered less functional and efficient than others. Here are five kitchen layout mistakes that may present challenges for homeowners: POOR FLOW A kitchen with poor flow refers to a layout that […]

March 2024Read
WHEN TO SAVE AND SPLURGE ON A CUSTOM HOME
Budget·4 min read

WHEN TO SAVE AND SPLURGE ON A CUSTOM HOME

Buying a new home in Calgary’s dynamic real estate market is an exciting and life-changing experience. One of the most crucial decisions you’ll make as a homebuyer is when to save and when to splurge. With Bright Custom Homes, a trusted leader in quality construction, this decision-making process becomes a breeze. In this guide, we’ll […]

March 2024Read
SELECTING A FLOOR PLAN
Design & Materials·3 min read

SELECTING A FLOOR PLAN

CONSIDERATIONS There are a few things to consider when selecting a floor plan for your home or building project: TRENDING FLOOR PLANS There are a few trending floor plan designs that have gained popularity in recent years:

March 2024Read
WOOD VS. VINYL SIDING
Design & Materials·3 min read

WOOD VS. VINYL SIDING

WOOD SIDING Wood siding is a popular choice for residential homes because it is a natural and attractive material that can add warmth and character to a building. There are several different types of wood siding to choose from, including: Wood siding requires regular maintenance to keep it in good condition, including painting or staining […]

March 2024Read
CHOOSING A LOCATION
Guides·2 min read

CHOOSING A LOCATION

WHAT TO CONSIDER There are many factors to consider when choosing a location for your next home. Here are some things you might want to think about: It can be helpful to make a list of your priorities and weigh the pros and cons of different locations to help you make a decision. TOP NEIGHBOURHOODS […]

March 2024Read
DUPLEX VERSUS SINGLE-FAMILY HOMES
Guides·3 min read

DUPLEX VERSUS SINGLE-FAMILY HOMES

Duplex and single-family homes are both popular types of residential properties, but they have varying characteristics that are suited to different types of buyers. It is crucial for home owners to select the correct type of house to avoid problems down the road. WHAT IS A DUPLEX? A duplex is a type of residential property […]

March 2024Read
Cover of the Bright Custom Homes Calgary Custom Home Cost Guide

FREE GUIDE · VOL.01

What does a custom home cost in Calgary?

Our free guide breaks down cost per square foot, land and site costs, permit and design fees, and where custom home budgets usually go wrong.

THE NEXT STEP

Know your number
before you commit.

In thirty minutes you'll know what your home is likely to cost, what drives that number, and what to do next — whether you build with us or not.