Trying to figure out how to get started building a custom home in Dallas? Read these articles to understand what you need to do and when to do it.

Building a home can be a great opportunity to construct that home office you’ve always wanted if you work remotely. There are too many occasions where remote workers clock in from a kitchen table with stacks of paper around them. Maybe you have a makeshift desk in the living room where you work from the couch. Either way, designing and building your custom home can put an end to your less than satisfactory working conditions. 

Having a work area large enough to accommodate your needs can go a long way for people who work from home. Extra space keeps you more organized and leads to a higher quality of work in the end. Sure, you can buy expensive desks with different features, but why settle for that when you can customize your own office with extra bells and whistles? 

If you’ve been thinking about constructing a home and you work remotely, we’ve got the perfect article for you. Keep reading for seven design options for your custom home if you work remotely. 

Built-In Desk and Office Area

If you live in a home where it may not be necessary to have a private room where you can block out noise, you can take advantage of this inconspicuous design. A built-in desk and office area are perfect for a quiet home for a retiree or parents who have children that have already left the nest. 

The desk can be built directly into the wall to suit your height—select stylish and sturdy cabinets, cubbies, and shelves to house all of your supplies. Pick a color to match your home’s theme, and you’re good to go. 

Lighting the Area

Regardless of the type of office you build, we decided this had to be on the list because of its importance. The lighting in your work area is extremely important. Take advantage of new construction by building brilliant light fixtures to brighten up your remote work area. 

You can design larger, main overhead lights for nighttime work. Another idea we like is smaller, built-in desk lamp style fixtures for mid-level on the wall. 

Noise Proof

If you have a home with younger children, you know the pain of trying to do computer work with screaming toddlers. It can be nearly impossible and leaves you frustrated beyond belief. If you’re designing and building a new home, this is your chance to remedy these situations. 

Reserve an area of the home for a soundproof room. Specialty wall materials can be installed to block out noises from the inside or out. Alternatively, you can design the office in a completely different wing or area of the home. A backyard home office can be built separately or build an addition onto the garage.

Under the Stairs

Underneath the stairway is a cute, cozy place to design your home office. If the requirements of your remote job are minimal, you can easily design a small office space beneath the stairs. You can choose to leave these open or install a small sliding door to allow for more privacy. Take this idea to another level and incorporate a built-in desk like the office from idea number one. 

Attic Space

For some reason, we feel like this would be a great option for a writer. If your custom home has sufficient attic space, consider using it for a remote office instead of just storage. If your home is a higher elevation and there’s a view to take in, make sure you position the main portion of the office next to a window. Taking advantage of a breathtaking view can be a great way to inspire you to get into your work. 

Pocket Office

Pocket offices are growing in popularity. You might not need a luxurious, sprawling property to make this design come true, but they’re relaxing and stylish either way. These offices are installed in cutouts along the walls, similar to how a breakfast nook would be arranged. Position them in front of windows to get the benefits of natural lighting. 

The Style of a Study

We reserved the best for last. Add the highest levels of style and build yourself a classy study full of all the typical elements you would expect of such a design. Build custom shelves along the walls for your favorite books and literature. Pick your favorite lighting and include a luxury touch on the ceiling design. Finally, don’t forget the large oak desk. This is important. 

If you’re designing and building a custom home, one of the most important elements to consider is the exterior. Sure, you spend most of your time on the inside, and you can incorporate more gadgets and custom rooms, but the outside is your bread-and-butter. This is the area that guests and commuters will see first, and really give your house that “wow” factor that makes you proud of your home. 

It’s important to carefully pick your home’s exterior elements, especially since this can be the most expensive section of the home to remodel. When you’re designing your custom home, make sure you pick an exterior that’s going to please you and match your personality; you might be stuck with it forever. 

Maybe you’re having trouble selecting an exterior for your custom home. That’s okay because we’ve got your back. Keep reading for the latest trends in exterior designs for custom homes.

Add a Pergola

Nothing says class like a pergola. If you haven’t already designed a custom deck for your home, you should definitely consider adding a pergola into the plans. These are fantastic because they add cover and shade for homeowners that like to lounge outside, but they also add a ton of visual appeal to the front of your home. Add a stunning garden or stone walkway leading up to the pergola to take the visual element up a notch. 

What We Really Like About Them

If you have a pergola, you can use the columns to match other trim elements on the interior and exterior of your home. For example, if you have exposed wooden beams inside of your home, you can use the columns to match the beams on your home’s interior. 

Go Window Crazy

Windows are definitely in for 2021 and seem to be gaining steam going into 2022. Bright and spacious interiors go perfectly with large window setups on the front and back of the house. Nothing adds to the ambiance of your home’s main corridor or dining room/living room area than a see-through window configuration. Having a lot of windows can make your home look exceptionally modern. 

What We Really Like About Them

If your home is built in a beautifully landscaped area or has a lot of trees, see-through houses can create a stunning view of nature on either side of your home. 

Contrasting Garage Doors

This one was new when we heard of it, but apparently, it’s been gaining steam. If you have garage doors that you plan on investing a substantial amount of money into (the designer type), you should consider contrasting doors, so each design stands out. Make them two different colors to showcase your personality as a homeowner. Alternatively, you can choose garage doors with different patterns as well. The comparing and contrasting is beautiful, especially if you have a beautifully painted two-tone house

What We Really Like About Them

Like we mentioned above, having a two-tone house is a must if you choose this exterior design. One garage door can match the main color, and the other can match the trim. This really makes the exterior of your home stand out. 

Go Big on The Exterior

Don’t be afraid to go the extra mile on your home’s exterior. It isn’t all about pleasing guests and people who pass by, either. There’s nothing like the feeling you get when you pull up to your custom-built home, and the outside tells a story that reminds you of all the hard work you put in to make it a reality. A beautiful exterior can really make your custom home something to be proud of. 

One of the most significant benefits of designing a custom home is having the ability to add your own features and design elements. When they’re in the budget, luxury features are the preference for homeowners that really want their new house to stand out. 

Incorporating luxury construction elements and high-end designs in your new house has several benefits. These extravagant additions can make your home more comfortable and accommodating but can also be financially rewarding if you decide to put the house on the market. 

If you’ve been thinking about going the extra mile and adding touches of luxury to your new home, we have the top five ideas to help you make the idea come to life. 

  1. Bathroom, Kitchen, and Living Room

The main rooms of the home have excellent options for luxury upgrades. Installing things like an extravagant fireplace or a high-end home theater system can be a great way to improve your living room. You could also consider installing an electric fireplace as part of a top-of-the-line theater and smart-home system. These are also more environmentally friendly and energy-efficient than their gas and wood-burning counterparts. Ultimately, the choice is up to you. 

Installing vanities and upgraded styles of tubs or showers can be an excellent way to finish the bathroom. Extravagant lighting configurations can be added to the vanities for a professional-level makeup area. Upgraded bathtubs like whirlpools and soaker tubs can be relaxing and have medicinal benefits as well. 

Consider adding extra square footage to the kitchen with a flat-top style range and cutting board island. Large kitchens with upgraded cooking areas are the perfect way to entertain guests or family. Finishing the kitchen with luxurious stone tiles is the perfect way to add a stunning visual element to your kitchen.

  1. Additional Storage Space

When you’re building a custom home, one of the best ways to add luxury is with upgraded storage options. Custom cabinets and built-in closets are excellent for adding space that can be used as general storage or even for professional workspaces.

Custom walk-in pantries and large laundry rooms are also great places for upgrades like wine coolers and even underground cellars beneath the pantry. These additions allow homeowners to enjoy more room in their homes without sacrificing style or other important benefits.

  1. Natural Lighting Options

Lighting design choices are a great way to add a natural ambiance to the rooms of your choice. Installing skylights throughout your home can create natural light from every direction while reducing energy costs on electric lights during the daytime hours as well.

One amazing option to consider is a see-through living room. Installing entire walls of large windows on the front and back of the area makes for a stunning glass-encased room full of beautiful natural sunlight.

  1. Chandeliers and Stained-Glass

 Dramatic lighting elements like chandeliers can add a luxurious touch to your custom home. Installing the classic crystal lamps in every room is an excellent way to make each space feel plusher and give you a uniform design. Even smaller details like ceiling fans with exposed wooden beams are great options for finishing small areas like guest rooms and hallways. 

  1. Patios, Decks, and Firepits

A great way to finish the backyard of your luxury custom home is with a pool and patio area. Decks are excellent spaces for adding outdoor furniture, grills, and other amenities. These upgrades make it easy for homeowners to enjoy their backyards while hosting parties or family gatherings.

Adding gas-powered or wood-burning firepits can be an exciting upgrade to consider in any backyard space you might have. Luxury pools are always a popular way for homeowners to take advantage of the natural sunshine of their large backyard. 

Unlimited Options

The number of upscale additions you can include in your home is only limited your level of creativity.  Homeowners have the option of choosing from a wide range of upgrades to create a unique and comfortable design. The sky is truly the limit when you have the option of adding luxury upgrades.

Designing and building a custom home can be the culmination of a lifetime of hard work. Once this goal is finally realized, one of the most important elements of the project is knowing how to find and hire the right home builder. 

For many owners, designing their custom home will be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and the process of hiring a builder should be approached with the utmost care and attention to detail. Most homeowners will work with the builder for anywhere from 12 to 18 months. Like any other working relationship, trust and communication are two of the most important elements involved.

If the job is done properly, the right home builder can get you a tremendous amount of value out of your new home. They will have a plethora of tips and the ability to provide support when you need it. A good home builder will be a peer and a mentor, ensuring you can efficiently navigate the difficult process of designing and constructing your home. 

When Should You Hire a Custom Home Builder

The hiring process for a builder should begin in the initial phases of design. One of the first things you will do is hire an architect to begin drawing up the blueprints for your home. 

It’s important that the builder works closely with the architect so they can plan certain construction and design elements together. Even before the actual construction begins, having the builder at your disposal is crucial for several reasons.

Having the architect’s completed floor plan will give you an idea of the types of contractors that will need to be hired to complete specific projects during the construction phase. Your home builder can assist in placing the right bids and negotiate prices for subcontractors and different materials. 

Your builder will help you come up with an efficient budget that contains a blend of value and quality. You should be able to rely on the builder to maximize your budget and get you the end results you’re counting on for your home. 

Before you officially hire the builder, a final price should be negotiated, and you should be clear on exactly what services the builder is providing you with. The following list is a good guideline on what the builder’s responsibilities should be on the project. 

What Is the Home Builder Responsible For?

Your home builder will essentially be the leader for the construction and design team of your home. The builder will represent you in negotiations with subcontractors and help to establish a realistic budget for the home.  Below is a list of the primary responsibilities of a home builder on your custom project.

  1. Finances

The home builder will work with the homeowner on any budget elements. They will track all costs for materials and labor and submit payment requests to the homeowner to pay out contractors and material providers. They will also provide any lien waivers for all completed work and prepare estimates to submit to the homeowner for future work that needs to be subbed out. 

  1. Management

The builder should take on the position of managing all contractors regardless of what portion of the house they are working on. They will also oversee all of the designers to ensure their work meets the requirements of the homeowner. 

  1. Middle-Man

The builder will also act as a middle-man between all of the contractors, designers, and governing bodies that sign and release all permits and licenses. 

  1. Approval

Any approval on behalf of the homeowner will be given to the builder. From there, they will give the go-ahead for any design specifications that are delegated to the design and contracting teams. 

  1. Ordering

Any materials that need to be ordered that have been requested by the contractors or design team will be handled by the builder. 

  1. Review

When any section of the home is complete or a contractor has submitted their request for payment, the builder will approve any final work. If any changes need to be made, the builder will specify these changes acting on behalf of the homeowner. 

  1. Disagreements

The builder should also be prepared to handle any disputes or disagreements between the homeowner and the design team. A master list should be adhered to by the builder at all times to ensure the homeowner’s requests are constantly being met. 

Now that you have a good idea of a custom home builder’s duties on the job site, you need to know how to find the appropriate builder. On the list below, we go into detail about the best places to find the right home builder for your custom home. 

Where Do I Find the Best Custom Home Builder? 

There are many different outlets that will assist you in the search for finding the right home builder. Use the following resources to obtain feedback on different builders in your area. 

  • Local realtors. Many local realtors will have information regarding the best places to find custom home builders. These realty companies work with various builders daily and normally won’t mind pointing you in the right direction to find the best builder for the job. 
  • Local banks. This option may come as a surprise, but local banks will normally have resources regarding local builders. When you obtain your loan, the financial institution will normally have information concerning different options you can choose. If a bank gives you a loan to build a home, they want to ensure that you are satisfied with the job and the build is long-lasting and efficient. This guarantees the money they loan is going to a worthwhile cause that you will be satisfied with. 
  • Your friends. If you have friends that have recently had a custom home designed and built, you can inquire about which company they used. Most builders will leave business cards and encourage previous clients to spread the word about their work, so this is a great place to look. 
  • Google. When all else fails, turn to Google and other search engines to obtain information. Different outlets like Yelp can also be helpful when you need quality reviews and information on construction companies and custom builders. 

When you are searching for your custom home builder, it’s important to know what elements to watch out for and what type of questions to ask. Use the list below as an outline for what things to look for when you are hiring a builder. 

What to Look for When Hiring a Custom Home Builder

There are several important characteristics to look for when you hire a custom home builder. The list below contains the most relevant dynamics to keep in mind when you are conducting your search. 

  1. Past Work

You should always ask for examples of past work when you consult with any potential builder. A professional and reliable builder will have a portfolio on hand, ready to show you examples of past jobs they’ve completed. 

  1. Workload

This is an often-overlooked question when it comes to hiring a home builder. You should inquire about their current workload to get a good idea of when they can start on your project. Many times homeowners hire a builder only to find out that they are backed up. This can cause problems when it comes to your potential completion date if you’re looking to get the job done in a certain length of time. 

  1. Communication

The builder should have sufficient communication skills when you are discussing the specifics of the job. They should show a clear attention to detail and listen to all of the specifications and requests you have about your home. 

  1. References

Any reputable builder will have references available upon request. If they don’t have reviews or testimonials on their website, ask them to produce references so you can contact past clients. If they avoid this subject or fail to produce any contacts for reference, it might be a good idea to move on to a different option. 

  1. Values/Morals

The builder should clearly state their values and morals when it comes to their work. Do they make any guarantees regarding quality and completion times? Most reputable builders will adhere to some sort of standard regarding customer service. 

  1. Types of Builds

You should never overlook this inquiry when you’re meeting with a potential builder. Ask them what types of builds they have completed in the past. There should be a solid ratio of custom to speculative builds. Not every builder is well versed in custom home builds and will lean more towards the speculative end of things. You are looking for a builder on the opposite end of the spectrum that specializes in the custom building area as opposed to cookie-cutter work. 

  1. Organization

Pay attention to how organized your builder is. Do they carry folders and have clear schedules they adhere to? If the builder seems unorganized and does things like ignore phone calls or fails to write things down, this is a clear sign they are not organized. 

Many homeowners have issues with deciding how to prepare for hiring a builder. This is potentially the most important part of hiring your builder. 

How to Prepare Yourself for Hiring a Custom Home Builder

There are certain steps you should take to prepare yourself for interviewing and hiring any potential home builder. The steps below are a great guideline for how to get yourself ready for this process.

  1. Start With a Broad List

Start off by preparing a broad list of home builders in your area. You can use the list above for resources on finding potential suitors. Your search should be far and wide, making sure to add as many possible options to the hat as you can find. 

You will end up doing more in-depth research about each possible candidate, and in the end, narrow your results down to a select few options. 

  1. Extensive Research

Once you’ve scoured the internet and exhausted all your resources for finding potential building companies, you can start investigating each one further. Take your list and start looking for reviews for each builder, one by one. Use search engines, Yelp, ask friends and family, and other local resources to get the skinny on each of these companies. 

Use the following criteria to eliminate potential builders that don’t fit the description of what we are looking for. 

  • If they have a lot of unfavorable reviews, you can cross them off the list. 
  • When there isn’t a lot of information about their business online, most likely, you can eliminate them. 
  • If they don’t promptly respond to inquiries via phone or e-mail, take them off your list. You don’t want communication problems after you hire a builder. 
  1. Making Contact

After eliminating several options from your broad list, you can start making contact with potential builders. This step in the process will be used to find out whether they can cater to your specific job or not. You might find just by calling and asking a few simple questions about the scope of their work whether they are a suitable option. 

Call each business on the list, and give them a brief description of the work you would like completed. This will normally be a short “yes, we can” or a “no, we can’t.” Don’t waste much time on this step or get caught up in long conversations. 

  1. Interview the Short List

The goal is to have your list narrowed down to about three or four options by this point. From here, you can call each builder to set up an in-person interview to get more specific about your custom home build. 

The list below contains the most appropriate questions to ask the builder during the interviews you schedule. 

Interview Questions For Potential Home Builders

You will want to prepare yourself for your interview with the home builder and add more detailed questions regarding your custom home. First, you will need to answer a few questions yourself in advance to prepare for your interview.

Questions You Should Ask Yourself First

  • Do you have architect plans drawn up and a lot already purchased?
  • If you don’t have plans, what types of designs do you like? You should have these ready for the builder.
  • Are there any particular neighborhoods or areas you prefer if you haven’t already purchased a lot? 
  • Do you have an established budget for your custom home?
  • What is the timeline for beginning your build? 

When you prepare for your interview, keep in mind that you are the customer. The builder should display clear listening skills and have a concern for how you want the job done. 

Each builder should be willing to guide you but not be too assertive or attempt to sway you from your specifications. If a builder is being too pushy or trying to steer you away from specific things you want, you might want to eliminate them. Making suggestions is okay, but they should always be willing to attempt to adhere to your standards. 

Best Questions to Ask Your Potential Home Builder

  • Are you able to work with my design team and stick to the figures I have laid out for my budget?
  • What type of proposal do you offer that displays the exact cost of building my home? 
  • What type of deposit do you require? How much money do you need for preconstruction services?
  • How do you prefer to be compensated for completing my build?
  • Do you have experience in building the style of home I have laid out in my plans?
  • Who will supervise the project, and are they available to speak to me when I need them? 
  • Who will be the on-site supervisor? May I meet with them before the project begins?
  • Who do I direct my questions and concerns to once the construction phase begins?
  • Are you available at all hours via cell phone if the matter is urgent? 
  • How long have your contractors been working with you? Do you have regular suppliers that you use? 
  • When changes arise, what form of communication do you use to stay on the same page with the designer and other contractors?
  • How long will my project take?
  • How does your warranty work after my project is complete? 

Any reputable and professional builder will be able to promptly answer all of these questions and more. If you have other concerns regarding your build specifically, you should add them to the list for your interview. 

In the same way that you are looking for the correct answers to these questions, there are also red flags you should look for during the interview. The list below are the red flags you should look for when you are conducting your interview with the builder. Any sign of these red flags should warrant you cutting the interview short and moving on. 

Red Flags to Look for During the Interview

Pay close attention to how the interview goes. You want to watch out for any of the following red flags when you meet with the builder. 

  1. They don’t come prepared with a written contract, or the contract is written poorly.

When a builder shows up to meet for an interview, they should already have a contract written up. If they don’t, ask them how long it will take to have the contract. Sometimes they have a secretary waiting to draw up the exact details. If they show up with a poorly written contract, don’t sign it. Move on to the next option. 

If they do have a contract ready, examine all of the details, making sure spaces are blank to fill in your specific details. Nothing should be set in stone until you have approved it. 

  1. The proposed price is much lower than the others you have received.

This is a huge red flag when hiring a home builder. If the price is much lower than reviews you have read or other feedback you’ve received, this is a clear warning. Sometimes builders are going out of business and will shoot you a low price just to get your money. After they receive a deposit, you might not ever see them again.

Alternatively, a too-good-to-be-true price is the sign of an inexperienced builder. It’s also possible that they are using cheap material providers, which is definitely something you don’t want. 

  1. Work history is unfavorable

We covered this earlier, but it’s worth touching on again. If the builder doesn’t have proper references, or if the reviews are unfavorable, move on to your next option. It’s not worth the risk. 

  1. The builder’s price per square foot is vague or hard to understand

The builder’s price per square foot should be clear and easy to understand. If there are additional costs added to the final price that you can’t understand or they can’t clearly answer for, move on to the next potential option. At a minimum, they should be able to explain the figures on their estimate.

  1. Heavy reliance on allowances for the final bid

If there is a lot left in question in regards to the bid for allowances, this is a red flag. Regardless of how custom the build is, they should still have a clear idea of what the final price will be.

  1. They are pushy or forceful

If the builder is pushy or gives you the hard sell, this is a huge red flag. Any reputable builder will remain calm and listen to your requests during the process. They should not be forceful or pushy in any way or try to force certain design elements on you. 

  1. They have unresolved claims

An unprofessional builder will have unresolved claims left with the State Contractor’s Board. If you find a high number of these claims, run for the hills. This means they haven’t finished jobs that they have been paid for or received deposits on. 

  1. They can’t provide certificates, licenses, or insurance proof

You should always ask the builder for the appropriate license information and proof of insurance. If they don’t have this readily available, take them off your list. Dealing with a builder without the proper insurance is the worst possible situation you can put yourself in. 

  1. The builder offers discounts to use your home for marketing purposes

This is a red flag and just a weird question to ask, honestly. Most builders should ask if they can use your home for their portfolio, to begin with. If they are offering discounts for this privilege, they most likely are desperate for business. 

  1. They offer a lump sum discount

If they ask for money upfront or a discount for a lump sum payment, you are most likely dealing with a con artist or a builder behind on their work. Regardless of the situation, this isn’t a builder you want to do business with. 

  1. Poor communication

If it takes a long time for the builder to answer your calls and follow up with you, move along. Showing these habits, in the beginning, is a clear sign that communication will be an issue once the construction starts. This can pose potential deadline issues moving forward. 

The final list of questions you need to prepare are inquiries for past clients. After the builder has provided you with a list of past customers, there are certain things you need to ask them that are extremely vital. 

Questions to Ask Past Customers

Use the following list as a good starting point for questions to ask past clients. You can add or subtract from this list as you see fit. 

  1. Did the project stay on budget?

It’s important to find out if past projects stayed on budget. This can give you a glimpse into whether your project will go over budget, which is something you might not be able to afford. 

  1. Was the original estimate accurate?

Ask the clients if the original estimate received was accurate. You want to know how close to the original figure the builder got so you know what to expect moving forward. 

  1. Was the project completed on time?

This is one of the most important questions you can pose to a past client. It’s vital that the builder meets your deadline standards and won’t leave you hanging when it comes to the completion date. 

  1. Was the paperwork easy to understand?

Ask them how easy to understand the paperwork was. You don’t want any surprise figures or difficult-to-read language in any of the paperwork that is drawn up. Asking past clients can be a good indicator of how easy the builder is to do business with. 

  1. What is your overall opinion of the builder?

This is a simple but important question to ask. Find out what their general opinion was of the builder. If given another opportunity, would they use them again? Did they recommend them to any other friends or family? These are important details to note when you speak with past clients. 

  1. Were decisions or changes met in a timely manner?

If potential changes arise on the construction site, it’s important that the builder stays collected and deals with changes in a timely manner. You don’t want any potential hangups if the builder can’t come up with a remedy or agree with the other contractors and designers. 

  1. How was the communication?

Ask them how the builder did regarding communication. Did he return their calls in a timely fashion? Was he hard to get ahold of in emergency situations? Was he available most of the time via cell phone?

  1. What role did the builder play during construction?

Was the builder on-site during most of the construction phase? If the builder didn’t make themselves a presence in the field of construction, this could be a red flag that they aren’t controlling the situation properly. 

  1. Are there any other key figures you would request?

Were there any other contractors or material companies you should request specifically? Were there any highlights that stood out on the job you should know about and request for your build? 

  1. Was the worksite kept clean? How did they leave your home?

The construction site should be kept clean at all times. Once the project is finished, the site should be immaculate and ready for you to move into your brand-new home. No trash, debris, or tools should be leftover once you begin moving in. 

  1. Are there any contractors I should avoid?

Asking who they recommend is important, but finding out who to avoid can be just as important. Ask them if there are any specific contractors you should steer clear of. Are there any material providers that didn’t meet up to their standards? You should always find out what to avoid on your custom home build. This will save you any headaches moving forward with your project. 

Before you hire your builder, here are a few elements you should look for. 

  • Are they accredited by the BBB?
  • Are they licensed and bonded?
  • Do they have trade and supplier references?

Takeaways

Hiring the right home builder doesn’t have to be a difficult process. However, it should be a very careful process. Don’t rush through your list of potential candidates or overlook any important details. 

Make sure you give yourself plenty of time to prepare lists of questions and make phone calls. Don’t let any builder rush you to make a decision. If they are reputable, they will appreciate the fact that you are doing your homework. 

Additionally, many builders won’t even require you to ask for the information you are looking for. They will make things like licenses, insurance, and reviews available before you can even ask for them. Look for signs like this when conducting your interviews and research. 

Use the list of questions in the article as a good starting point for interviewing all the appropriate parties. Remember, you want to interview the builder and past clients. Sticking to these guidelines will ensure that you make the appropriate decisions and find the home builder you want! 

Resources:

https://www.homeadvisor.com/r/find-and-hire-a-home-builder/

https://www.realtor.com/advice/guide/how-to-hire-a-home-builder-costs-and-questions-to-ask/

Building a home can be a great opportunity to construct that home office you’ve always wanted if you work remotely. There are too many occasions where remote workers clock in from a kitchen table with stacks of paper around them. Maybe you have a makeshift desk in the living room where you work from the couch. Either way, designing and building your custom home can put an end to your less than satisfactory working conditions. 

Having a work area large enough to accommodate your needs can go a long way for people who work from home. Extra space keeps you more organized and leads to a higher quality of work in the end. Sure, you can buy expensive desks with different features, but why settle for that when you can customize your own office with extra bells and whistles? 

If you’ve been thinking about constructing a home and you work remotely, we’ve got the perfect article for you. Keep reading for seven design options for your custom home if you work remotely. 

  1. Built-In Desk and Office Area

If you live in a home where it may not be necessary to have a private room where you can block out noise, you can take advantage of this inconspicuous design. A built-in desk and office area are perfect for a quiet home for a retiree or parents who have children that have already left the nest. 

The desk can be built directly into the wall to suit your height—select stylish and sturdy cabinets, cubbies, and shelves to house all of your supplies. Pick a color to match your home’s theme, and you’re good to go. 

  1. Lighting the Area

Regardless of the type of office you build, we decided this had to be on the list because of its importance. The lighting in your work area is extremely important. Take advantage of new construction by building brilliant light fixtures to brighten up your remote work area. 

You can design larger, main overhead lights for nighttime work. Another idea we like is smaller, built-in desk lamp style fixtures for mid-level on the wall. 

  1. Noise Proof

If you have a home with younger children, you know the pain of trying to do computer work with screaming toddlers. It can be nearly impossible and leaves you frustrated beyond belief. If you’re designing and building a new home, this is your chance to remedy these situations. 

Reserve an area of the home for a soundproof room. Specialty wall materials can be installed to block out noises from the inside or out. Alternatively, you can design the office in a completely different wing or area of the home. A backyard home office can be built separately or build an addition onto the garage.

  1. Under the Stairs

Underneath the stairway is a cute, cozy place to design your home office. If the requirements of your remote job are minimal, you can easily design a small office space beneath the stairs. You can choose to leave these open or install a small sliding door to allow for more privacy. Take this idea to another level and incorporate a built-in desk like the office from idea number one. 

  1. Attic Space

For some reason, we feel like this would be a great option for a writer. If your custom home has sufficient attic space, consider using it for a remote office instead of just storage. If your home is a higher elevation and there’s a view to take in, make sure you position the main portion of the office next to a window. Taking advantage of a breathtaking view can be a great way to inspire you to get into your work. 

  1. Pocket Office

Pocket offices are growing in popularity. You might not need a luxurious, sprawling property to make this design come true, but they’re relaxing and stylish either way. These offices are installed in cutouts along the walls, similar to how a breakfast nook would be arranged. Position them in front of windows to get the benefits of natural lighting. 

  1. The Style of a Study

We reserved the best for last. Add the highest levels of style and build yourself a classy study full of all the typical elements you would expect of such a design. Build custom shelves along the walls for your favorite books and literature. Pick your favorite lighting and include a luxury touch on the ceiling design. Finally, don’t forget the large oak desk. This is important. 

Resources

https://www.schumacherhomes.com/custom-building/posts/today-s-home-office-4-tips-for-designing-a-productive-comfortable-workspace/

There are two levels of being a homeowner. Many people work hard to reach the point of buying a previously owned home built by someone else. There’s nothing wrong with this, and it’s certainly an achievement that anyone can be proud of. 

The next level is reserved for people who hit exceptional financial goals. The highest level of homeownership includes the owner designing the house themselves, customizing it on every level, and having a team of construction workers complete the process. 

For homeowners that have homes built, there are two main categories that this type of construction falls under. There is a custom home, and there is a spec-built home. The latter is also known as a speculative build. 

The main difference between the two is that a speculative build is designed and constructed with the goal of flipping the house for a profit. A custom-built home is normally intended to house the owner for a long period of time. This could be considered a type of dream home, with all the bells and whistles the owner drew up over time as they worked towards achieving this goal. 

Differences Between the Two

Speculative Build

A speculative build has less thought put into it by the owner. Normally, a speculative build is designed based on current home-building trends. Consumer preference is normally adhered to when these homes are constructed since the intention is to sell them as fast as possible so the owner can turn a profit.

These homes are most often built in larger developments or sub-divisions. Many of the design and layout elements of the home will be fairly generic. 

Custom Build

The custom build has a lot more planning involved. The owners take a much more hands-on approach during the planning phases of the home. Owners will plan out every element from the land the house goes on to the foundation design, the electrical and plumbing layout, all the way down to the most basic finishing touches. 

Owners normally aren’t in a hurry to sell a custom home. Years of thought and planning are put into the design. Because of this, these homes are normally resided in by the owners for a very long time. It may end up being the final home they live in. Retirees make up a large portion of the population that has custom homes built.

Pros and Cons of Each Build

Pros of Spec-Build

  • Fast construction
  • More affordable
  • It can be more appealing to buyers because of the trendy designs 
  • Builders take care of permits and all the legal details

Cons of Spec-Build

  • Not as many location choices
  • Fewer design options

Pros of a Custom-Build

  • You choose the land and area the home is built on 
  • The entire house is customed from top to bottom based on your design requests
  • You know what materials and work was put into the house 
  • If you decide to change certain elements, it’s easier to make changes or additions to your own design

Cons of a Custom-Build

  • Can be more expensive
  • Requires a lot more planning and pulling permits on your own

What’s the Best Decision for You?

If you’re planning on building a brand new home, you’ll have to make the decision between a spec-build and a custom-build. It might seem like a tough decision, but answering a few important questions can help you make your decision. 

  • Do you plan on profiting from the home immediately? Is it an investment property?
  • How long do you plan on living in the home?
  • Do you have the budget to design and finish the construction of a custom build if you plan on making the home permanent?

Custom homes can be a great decision for retirees and homeowners that plan for a more rural environment. However, spec-builds can be great for younger homeowners who want to invest and profit quickly, allowing them to build their portfolios. Take your time planning it out, and go with what suits your budget and future the best!

Building your custom home in Dallas-Fort Worth can be one of the greatest joys of your life, as you watch your dream take shape. But that dream can quickly turn into a nightmare if you go about it the wrong way. When you are this close to such a major life goal, you do not want to have any regrets.

To help you love the process just as much as the finished product, we have put together this list of the Top 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Building Your Custom DFW Home.

Not Building a Complete Team from the Very Beginning

You already know that you need an expert team of experienced professional specialists to help you shape your vague vision and turn your dreams into a custom home you can be proud of. When you bring everybody together from the very start, you can create a collaborative approach that has the entire team cooperating and communicating under the shared umbrella of a common philosophy.

Look at it another way — every time you bring someone aboard, one-by-one, later in the process, they tend to have their own individual ideas. They will want to make late-stage changes that take you farther away from your original plan and that will end up costing you more money. –

Relying on Your Builders for Inspiration

Your team is there to listen to you, advise you, and guide you as your custom Dallas home becomes a reality. They may give you choices, but it is not their job to give you ideas. The dream is yours, not theirs. In fact, the more unsure you are about what you want, the more likely they are to nudge you towards safer, more conventional options that they can build faster.

That takes the “custom” right out of it.

So where can you find inspiration?

Literally…everywhere. If you see a design feature in a magazine, a website, a television program, or another home that catches your eye, show it to your design team and open up the possibilities. 

Compromising on Location to Save a Few Bucks

We’ve said it before, and it will always bear repeating — the site on which you choose to build your Dallas custom home is the single-biggest factor that determines your ultimate long-term happiness. 

Because you or course want to save as much money as possible, it can be tempting to start with the lot, a seemingly-controllable expense. But that is actually short-sighted and does not serve your best interests.

The right property:

  • Contributes to your home’s unique character
  • Allows you to add more custom amenities and features
  • Protects your privacy
  • Gives you access to better schools, shopping, and entertainment
  • Supports a better work-life balance
  • Increases the resale value of your home

In fact, according to Realtor.com, living in a neighborhood with the wrong features can affect the resale value of your home by up to 22%.

Choosing a Standard Plan When What You Need is a Custom Design

The custom home of your dreams should truly be one-of-a-kind, designed with the unique needs of you and your family in mind. While you might think that you can save time and money by modifying a pre-existing standard floor plan, the end result often falls short of expectations.

Even worse, when you make too many modifications because you are trying to force a fit, the savings you were hoping for disappear in unnecessary delays and expenses.

Trying to Direct the Work of Subcontractors

When you visit the construction site while work is going on, you might see dozens of workers going about their jobs. It can be tempting to want to give them instruction as they work on what will ultimately be your custom home. After all, you want things to be perfect.

But here’s the most important consideration about the subcontractors hired to work on your home — leave them alone.

While it might seem counterintuitive to say that you cannot instruct someone hired to do work on your home, keep this in mind — these subcontractors were brought in by your builder to accomplish specific tasks. If you come in and start giving directions, you may actually interfere with the plans and schedule already in place.

The one person who has all the information necessary to keep everything running as smoothly as possible is the builder who is overseeing the entire construction process.  Therefore, they are the only person who should be directly communicating with the individual workers. If you have legitimate concerns, share them with your Dallas custom builder and let them address any  problems.

Building your own home is about desire…fantasy. But it’s achievable. Anyone can do it.”

~ Kevin McCloud, World-renowned design expert

When planning to build a home in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, you may wonder if it is better to go with an existing stock floor plan or choose a custom home design that was created  just for you.

If you are like most people, you probably have only a very general idea of what you want and need in your new home — the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, the inclusion of a home office, and so on.

When you meet with most builders, they will show you a huge selection of existing stock plans that meet your basic requirements. While that may sound convenient, it does have its drawbacks.

Having so many options can actually be overwhelming and frustrating. You flip through plan after plan that are close, but not exactly what you are really looking for. After looking at dozens or even hundreds of stock plans, you give up and settle for the next best thing that almost matches what you had in mind.

But what if you didn’t have to settle?

After all, shouldn’t your “dream home” match your dream?

To help that dream become a reality, here are 4 Reasons Why You Should Choose a Custom Home Design Over a Stock Floor Plan.

#1 Your Unique Needs

No one else’s lifestyle is identical to yours. A generic floor plan will almost certainly not meet the specific individual needs of you or your family. And the more unique those needs are, the more important customization becomes.

Important considerations that demonstrate why a custom home design might be the right choice for you include:

  • You have a large family — This affects more than just the number of bedrooms and bathrooms. You might also need larger living and dining areas, wider hallways, a bigger garage, expanded laundry space, a high-capacity kitchen, and more closets and storage than is typical.
  • Younger versus older children — An open floor plan that allows easy supervision might be the best option if you have young children, while older kids or young adults have a greater need for privacy. And while your younger children might like a playroom, older ones want bigger bedrooms.
  • Elderly or special-needs family members — Properly equipping a home for someone with physical challenges often requires several design modifications — wheelchair ramps, wider hallways and door openings, handrails, accessible bathrooms, lower countertops and cabinets, and special flooring, for example.
  • You entertain often — If you like to throw parties and have friends over, you might need a larger living area than would be typical for just your family. Frequent entertaining also necessitates a bigger-than-normal kitchen and more pantry space.
  • You work from home — The COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic has changed the way we work, making a private home office a greater necessity than ever. A stock floor plan might not include the features you need for your ideal workspace — soundproofing, storage, premium lighting, extra electrical outlets, etc.

With just these few examples, you can clearly see how your lifestyle is the biggest factor that should determine the design of your home

Instead of wasting time and getting frustrated  by generic floor plans that do not fit your unique lifestyle, find the right Dallas home builder who will listen and create a custom home plan with your needs in mind.

#2  You Might Save Serious Money

It is true that using a stock floor plan is generally less expensive in the beginning than having a custom home design created and constructed. But those savings start to rapidly evaporate if you need to make extensive modifications.

Matt Clancy, Director of Sales at eCommerce, says, “Oftentimes, it costs more than the plan itself.”

Making major changes to an existing floor plan may mean that your home builder has to temporarily bring in an architect on a cost-inefficient hourly basis. In general, modified ready-to-build house plans can run 1.25% of the total value of the home or more.

Then there are the risks associated with “redlining”. As the name implies, this is when modifications are made by making red marks on the plan.

Problems can arise during construction, however, because the builder — the person you mainly deal with — will typically have the main working copy of the house plan, while the subcontractors will have their own copies. If a quick redline change is made on the builder’s main copy, and it is not communicated or transcribed properly on each of the subcontractors’ copies, the result can be expensive mistakes and delays.

As Clancy warns, “(Redling) can be very costly to the homeowner.”

On the other hand, customized home plans are formally drawn up exactly to specifications. Everyone receives identical copies, reducing the likelihood of human error.

Another advantage to opting for a custom home design is you can also include the services of the architect who created the plan. While they may not normally show up on-site when frequently-used stock house plans are being used, architects often oversee custom home construction projects.

#3 You Home Can Match the Land

The land you decide to build on will largely determine the best plans for your home. The old phrase, “location, location, location” is especially apropos here in the Dallas area.

For example, if you have purchased a lot in the Belmont Conservation District, the Homeowner’s Association may place limits on the style of home you can build.

In a case like this, your best bet might be to go with an existing stock floor plan.

On the other hand, if you want to build your custom home in a more rural or scenic area, you are freer to choose a more customized home design. After all, if you own land south of Dallas along the Texas Bluebonnet Trail, or you decide to go west of Fort Worth and live among the peach trees in Weatherford, you will want a custom home that complements the natural local beauty.

#4 Your Home Can Truly Be One-of-a-Kind

Why do you want to build a home in Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington? It’s probably not because you want a house that is just like everybody else’s. And yet, that is exactly what happens in too many neighborhoods.

Many of these houses were the same, and many were completely identical to each other because they were being built by a single developer. At the time, it was criticized for wasting land and all looking the same,” says Richard Mohler, Associate Professor of Architecture at the University of Washington.

If you hate the idea of living in a boring cookie-cutter home, opting for a custom design over a stock plan gives you the opportunity to build a home that fits your personality and interests.

The Bottom Line: Custom Design versus Stock Floor Plan

At the end of the day, you build your home for yourself. While resale value will always be a consideration, the most important thing is the enjoyment you and your family get out of living there.

And because your home is an extension of your personality, you can never go wrong when you choose a custom design instead of a stock home plan.

In the past, we used to see more enclosed spaces. And (lately) people have been opening it up and doing more open floor plans in general. Now that we’re faced with the reality that we do have to use our homes as our working places as well, we have to be mindful of that and create the best of the interior, where function is just as important as the aesthetic.”

~ Oksana Kreiman, Interior Designer

One of the first steps in the process of building a custom home in Dallas is deciding on the right floor plan for your family and your lifestyle. For the past 70 years, one of the most popular styles in new home construction has been the open floor plan.

But what does that mean, exactly?

And more importantly, is an open floor plan still the best fit in 2021 and beyond?

The pandemic has changed how we view and use our homes, blurring the lines between home life and work life, aesthetics and function, and even indoors and outdoors. Now more than ever, we expect – or even DEMAND – that our homes meet all of our needs.

To that end, we are going to take a closer look at what an open floor plan is, and the Pros and Cons you should consider. This way, you will be better informed and can make your dream home a reality.

First Things First — What is an Open Floor Plan?

Prior to World War II, most rooms were single-function and separated by walls. For example, the kitchen, dining, and living areas were each individual rooms within the home, and there was little-to-no interaction between them. Even common or entertaining spaces were separate from other rooms.

Post-war improvements in materials and design made it possible to change all that. Interior load-bearing walls could be replaced with heavy-duty beams, thereby opening up the common areas and forming a “great room”.

Private areas such as bedrooms, bathrooms, and home offices still follow the traditional closed-off design. With an open floor plan, you literally get the best of both worlds.

The Benefits of an Open Floor Plan

(Open floor plans are) definitely more desirable for most buyers. I’d say about 90% of buyers want some sort of open floor plan in their house.”

~ Andrew Dellavecchia, Real Estate Professional

There are many good reasons why open floor plans are so popular among both buyers and those who are building a custom home.

PRO: More Room for the Size

With fewer partition walls, you can enjoy more room on the interior of your home without having to actually pay for a larger house. You make maximum use of the space you have.

PRO: Higher Resale Value

According to Realtor.com, a home with an open floor plan has an annual appreciation rate of 7.4%. That places it above other “premium features” such as a patio (6.8%), hardwood floors (5.7%), a fireplace (5.3%), or granite countertops (2.5%).

PRO: Flexibility

Because the kitchen flows into the dining area and because the dining area flows into the living area, there are no hard-and-fast limitations as to how you can use the interior of your home. If you want to make a change, all you have to do is rearrange your furniture and decorations.

PRO: More Interaction and Engagement

With an open floor plan, you are not cut off from family and friends just because you are in another room. For example, while you are preparing dinner in the kitchen, you can still keep an eye on your children as they play in the living room. In an open concept home, the family can be together, even when each person is busy doing their own thing.

PRO: Better Traffic Flow

Without walls and doors to get in the way, you and your family can move around your home easier. This is an especially-important consideration if you have a large family.

PRO: Shared Light

Again, the lack of walls means that light is not blocked inside your home. Instead of independently lighting an individual closed-off room, the windows in an open-floor plan home work together to increase the amount of health-boosting natural light.

PRO: Better Air Flow

With an open floor plan, the common areas of your home will not feel cramped or stuffy. Because there are no obstacles, air can circulate more freely.

The Drawbacks of an Open Floor Plan

The thought was that an open and informal plan would create a sense of ease, but people are realizing that it also means everything has to be organized, or else the house can quickly feel cluttered.”

~ Andrew Cogar, President of Historical Concepts Architectural Firm

Despite the many advantages, there are nonetheless other considerations that you should be aware of.

CON: Higher Construction Costs

Because there are fewer load-bearing walls, contractors have to use more-expensive heavy-duty beams to support the roof and any upper levels. This could make a real difference in the final cost of your custom home.

CON: More Expensive to Heat and Cool Your Home

The typical open-concept home has high ceilings and large windows, making it much harder to keep heating and cooling costs down. On the contrary, traditional floor plans let you heat or cool individual rooms as needed. This is a major consideration in the Dallas-fort Worth area, where the summers are long and hot.

CON: Less Privacy

While an open floor plan promotes greater social interaction, it does make it harder to find a quiet space for studying or reading, unless you want to retreat to your office or bedroom.

CON: Noise Control

Without walls to block and absorb sound, a home with an open floor plan tends to be much noisier. This can be a nuisance if you are trying to relax, work, or have a conversation.

CON: Less Wall Space

The lack of partition walls means you will have fewer places to hang artwork, decorations, awards, and family pictures.

CON: Fewer Electrical Outlets

In the same way, fewer walls means fewer places to install electrical outlets. This can somewhat limit where you can place your electrical devices within your home.

CON: Harder to Keep Neat

While you might think that having a large open area makes it easier to keep clean, the opposite is often true. Because you can see everything at once, the common areas can quickly appear cluttered if you do not constantly keep them clean and organized. In an open concept home, organization is a must.

The Bottom line About an Open Floor Plan in Your Custom Home

As evidenced by their enduring popularity, many home buyers and builders prefer open floor plans. Although there are drawbacks, they are generally outweighed by the many positives. The best way to maximize your options and truly have the custom home of your dreams is to discuss the available open floor plan designs with your building team.

Moving to Dallas-Fort Worth can seem like a daunting prospect, especially if you are new to Texas. Everything really IS bigger and better in Texas, including the list of reasons to live here — a rich history, a diverse community, amazing culture, fantastic career opportunities, beautiful weather, and perhaps best of all, the ability to live in a small town and still experience everything that a world-class metropolis has to offer.

(Although for some, the best part is not having to pay income tax in the State of Texas.)

To make things easier, we have put together this Guide to Moving to Dallas-Fort Worth 

Dallas-Fort Worth By the Numbers

Here are a few statistics about the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex:

  • Population: 7,573,136 (1 in Texas, #4 in the U.S.)
  • Economy: The 2020 GDP was $620.6 billion, the 20th-largest economy in the world.
  • Number of Fortune 500 companies: 22, the 4th-highest concentration in the U.S.
  • Unemployment Rate: 6.0 versus 6.1 U.S. (as of May 2021)
  • Median Household Income: $72,265 versus $65,712 U.S.
  • Median Home Sale Price: $351,750, up 11.8% over 2020 (as of June 2021)

Why Should You Move to Dallas-Fort Worth?

Several of the cities in and around Dallas are consistently included in many annual “Best of” lists:

Dallas

Fort Worth

Arlington

Plano

Garland

Irving

Frisco

McKinney

Grand Prairie

Denton

What Are the Neighborhoods Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington? 

Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington is a huge metropolitan area that sprawls across nearly 9300 square miles. There are literally hundreds of individual residential neighborhoods, each with its own unique history, culture, and amenities.

To make things much simpler, here are the major neighborhoods in the two biggest cities, Dallas and Fort Worth, and links to their respective neighborhood or homeowner’s associations. We present these with one important caveat — NOTHING beats seeing these neighborhoods for yourself. After you have narrowed down your choices as to where to buy or build a home in DFW, take some time to explore your options in person.

NOTE: Homes without homeowner or neighborhood associations are not listed.

Dallas

North Dallas

Bent Tree 75370

Devonshire 75209

Elm Thicket/Northpark 75219

Greenway Parks 75225

Preston Hollow 75230

Vickery Meadow 75231

Northeast Dallas

Chimney Hill 75243

Copperfield 75206

Country Forest-Jackson Meadows 75374

Highlands West 75231

Highland Meadows 75238

L Streets 75238

Lake Highlands Estates 75238

Lake Highlands North 75238

Merriman Park Estates 75231

Merriman Park/University Manor 75231

Moss Farm 75374

Northwood Hills 75380

Oak Highlands 75321

Oak Tree Village 75243

Pebble Creek 75231

Richland Park Estates 75081

Rolling Trails 75243

Town Creek 75243

Whispering Hills 75243

White Rock Valley 75201

Woodbridge 75243

University Terrace 75360

Urban Reserve 75243

Far North Dallas

Preston Highlands 75093

Melshire Estates 75230

Northwood Hills 75380

Oak Cliff Area

Beckley Club 75201

Elmwood 75211

Glen Oaks 75232

Kessler Park 75201

Kidd Springs 75203

Lake Cliff 75201

L.O. Daniel 75208

Stevens Park 75208

Tenth Street Freedman’s Town 75203

Winnetka Heights 75208

Wynnewood 75208

South Dallas

Bonton 75215

Parkdale 75227

Fair Park / Old South Dallas

Dolphin Heights 75223

Mill City 75210

South Boulevard Park Row 75215

Wheatley Place 75215

East Dallas

Alger Park/Ash Creek 75228

Belmont 75206

Buckner Terrace 75227

Casa Linda 75218

Casa View 75201

Claremont 75228

Eastwood 75218

Forest Hills 75218

Greenland Hills 75206

Hollywood Heights-Santa Monica 75214

Junius Heights 75214

Lake Park Estates 75218

Lakewood 75214

Lakewood Heights 75206

Lakewood Trails 75214

Little Forest Hills 75218

Lochwood 75218

Lower Greenville 75372

North Stonewall Terrace 75206

Old Lake Highland 75238

Ridgewood Park 75382

University Meadows 75214

Vickery Place 75372

White Rock 75214

Wilshire Heights 75214

Old East Dallas

Bryan Place 75204

Munger Place Historic District 75201

Peak’s Addition 75201

Swiss Avenue Historic District 75214

West Dallas

La Bajada 75212

Ledbetter Gardens 75212

Los Altos 75212

Westmoreland Heights 75212

Fort Worth

North

Crawford Farms 76244

Fossil Creek 76106

Harvest Ridge 76244

Heritage 76244

Lake Country 76179

Marine Creek Meadows 76135

Northside 76106

Park Glen 76137

River Oaks 76114

Riverside 76111

Rolling Meadows 76244

Sansom Park 76111

Summerfields 76131

Timberland Estates 76244

Woodland Springs 76244

Central

Berkeley Place 76110

Fairmount 76110

Mistletoe Heights 76110

Ryan Place 76110

South

Bluebonnet Place 76109

Hallmark-Camelot 76134

Candleridge 76133

Greenbriar 76137

Hulen Heights 76107

East

Eastern Hills 76124

Haltom City 76117

Handley 76124

Meadowbrook 76103

Stop Six 76105

Woodhaven 76112

West

Alamo Heights 76107

Arlington Heights 76107

Bomber Heights 76116

Lake Como 76185

Lake Worth 76135

Montserrat 76126

North Benbrook 76132

Ridglea 76116

Ridglea Hills 76116

Ridglea North 76116

Ridgmar 76116

Ventana 76126

Western Hills 76116

Westover Hills 76107

Westworth Village 76114

Neighborhoods in Major Suburbs

If you are considering buying or building a home in a DFW suburb, here are links to the names of the neighborhoods in the largest local cities, as listed by Neighborhoods.com:

How Is the Job Market in Dallas-Fort Worth? 

When it comes to the job market in DFW, the news is very encouraging.

As of July 2021, the unemployment rate in DFW is barely above that of the United States as a whole and significantly lower than that of the State of Texas.

Here’s where DFW cities are today, compared to a year ago:

  • Dallas: 5.4% (July 2021) versus 8.4% (August 2020)
  • Fort Worth: 6.7% versus 7.9%
  • Arlington: 6.6% versus 7.7%
  • Irving: 6.0% versus 7.9%
  • Plano: 5.0% versus 6.3%
  • Garland: 5.9% versus 7.3%
  • Frisco: 4.3% versus 5.5%
  • Grand Prairie: 6.6% versus 8.1
  • Denton: 5.5 versus 6.3

To put those numbers in comparison, the current unemployment rate in the United States is 5.4%, while that of Texas is 6.2%.

What are the Top Industries in DFW?

According to the Dallas Regional Chamber of Commerce, which supports economic development for all of North Texas, DFW has a very diverse industrial structure, meaning employment is distributed among several sectors, rather than disproportionately concentrated on a few types of industries.

In fact, the DRC notes that DFW has the third-most diverse industry among all U.S. metros.

The key DFW industry super sectors are:

  • Advanced Services — Corporate headquarters, management control, corporate support services, financial services, consulting, insurers, legal services, etc.

Nearly two dozen Fortune 500 companies have their headquarters in the Dallas area, including 3 in the top 10.

Over 52,000 advanced services establishments provide approximately 700,000 local jobs.

  • Aviation and Aerospace — Two major airlines are headquartered locally — American Airlines in Fort Worth and Southwest Airlines in Dallas. There are over 600 aerospace companies in DFW, providing more than 90,000 jobs.
  • Financial Activities — DFW is one of the major financial hubs in the country. There are over 12,000 local establishments dealing with finance, investing, credit, or insurance, providing more than 250,000 jobs.
  • Food — DFW has been a food hub for more than 100 years, and major companies such as Frito-Lay, Borden, Jamba Juice, Sysco, Anaheuser-Busch, and many others has established headquarters or significant operations locally.

In total, 15,000 establishments provide approximately 370,000 jobs.

  • Health Care — Dallas is home to national-rated institutions such as Baylor Medical Center, University of Texas Medical Center, and the burn unit at Parkland Hospital, as well as numerous other premier hospitals, health care facilities, research programs, and medical equipment manufacturers.

Over one million  people are employed in medicine or related health care fields in DFW.

  • High Tech — DFW has the sixth-highest concentration  of high-tech jobs in the United States, and is a growing center for such emerging technologies as virtual reality, artificial intelligence, next-generation wireless broadband, bioscience, and medical technology.

There are approximately 330,000 people employed in high-tech jobs in DFW.

  • Hospitality — DFW is the most-visited metro in the State of Texas and is a major hub for sporting events, concerts, conventions, and entertainment, as well as the home of the Texas State Fair.

Year-over-year, the leisure and hospitality super sector in DFW saw an employment increase of over 80%.

  • Life Sciences — This industry is dominated locally by medical device manufacturing, optical technology, and pharmaceuticals. Core strengths of the DFW life sciences industry includes research involving cancer, neurology, the brain, and dental health.

More than 1200 local establishments provide over 27,000 life science jobs in DFW.

  • Logistics — Thanks to its central location, DFW offers outstanding shipping and distribution services with easy access to rail, air, and trucking. The Alliance Global  Logistic Hub is the premier inland port in the country.

The DFW logistics industry provides more than 300,000 local jobs.

  • Manufacturing — DFW has more manufacturing activity than any other metropolitan area in the state. Local plants include Texas Instruments, Lockheed Martin, General Motors, Mary Kay, Louis Vuitton, and many others.

The nearly 7000 manufacturing establishments provide over 287,000 manufacturing jobs in DFW.

How Much Does It Cost to Live in Dallas?

Let’s compare regular expenses in Dallas, specifically to New York City and San Francisco, two cities that send thousands of people to Dallas every year.

Median household income for San Francisco is $96 265, for New York City $107,400, and for Dallas $85,982.

Dallas versus San Francisco

Overall 45% lower

Housing: 66% lower

Transportation: 30% lower

Food: 21% lower

Entertainment: 20% lower

Healthcare: 15% lower

Dallas versus New York City (Manhattan)

Overall 565% lower

Housing: 78% lower

Transportation: 23% lower

Food: 29% lower

Entertainment: 20% lower

Healthcare: 2% lower

Taxes

Dallas’ highest sales tax is 8.25%, and in some areas, is just 6.25% compared to 8.875% in New York City and 8.5% in San Francisco. 

Texas has NO state income tax, while the average in California is 7.75% — the highest in the nation. At  5.99% New York’s average is 8th-highest.

The tax climate inTexas is very attractive to businesses because there is no corporate tax. California, on the other hand, charges 8.84%, while New York State charges 7.1%.

Conversely, Texas has the highest property tax among the three — 1.81%, compared to just .74% in California and 1.35% in the State of New York.

Due primarily to special state excise taxes, a gallon of gas is only $2.83 in Texas, compared to $4.40 in California and $3.22 in New York State, while a pack of cigarettes can be as high as $6.37, $8.31, and $12.85, respectively.

Is Dallas-Fort Worth Good for Families?

Families who are new to the area will find a lot to like about Dallas-Fort Worth, especially if they choose the right neighborhood to buy or build a house.

  • Highly-ranked schools
  • Colleges — There are 48 colleges and universities in the DFW area, giving it the highest concentration of any Texas metro.
  • Religion — Among all U.S. metros, Dallas has the highest percentage of Christians.
  • Parks — There are more than 1000 public parks in DFW. In fact, Dallas has the second-most greenspace per person among major U.S. cities.
  • Culture — Dallas is ranked #19 among the “most-cultured cities” in America, with 35 museums and 248 recreational/cultural attractions.
  • Cuisine — In 2019, Dallas was named the “Top Restaurant City” in the U.S.
  • Sports — Home to six major league pro teams and multiple championships, Dallas is a past recipient of the Sporting News “Top Sports City” award.

Top DFW Attractions

Dallas-Fort Worth is home to world-class attractions suitable for every interest, including:

Is Dallas-Fort Worth a Good Place To Retire?

In February 2021, Travel + Leisure included the Dallas-Fort Worth area on its list of the 11 Best Cities to Retire. DFW was the only Texas location that made the list

Why is DFW so attractive to retirees?

With zero income tax, including on retirement income, and low city/state tax rates retirees can make their money stretch much further.

The actual climate in North Texas is also a major draw. Warm weather and mild winters encourage an active lifestyle. The Dallas Parks System maintains nearly 400 parks totalling over 20,000 acres. The Dallas Trail Plan has almost 160 miles of trails suitable for hiking or biking.

It also helps that DFW has one of the finest health care systems in America, with multiple hospitals ranked highly in both the state and nationally.

Finally, the many smaller suburbs and close-knit neighborhoods offer the feel of small-town connections with all the amenities of the nearby big city.

Pros and Cons of Living in Dallas-Fort Worth

Pros:

  • Job Market — Low unemployment, diverse industries, major corporations
  • Favorable tax climate
  • Lower Cost of Living — Especially when compared to cities in California or New York.
  • Schools that are among the best in the country.
  • Mild Winters — DFW enjoys an average of 232 sunny days.
  • DFWs central location puts it within just a few hours’ driving distance of many other major cities — .Austin 182 miles, Oklahoma City 190 miles, Houston 239 miles, San Antonio 275 miles, Little Rock 293 miles, Baton Rouge 370 miles, and Topeka 437 miles.
  • World-class medical facilities
  • Great dining
  • Diverse culture
  • Fantastic shopping experiences
  • Sporting events
  • Concerts and plays

Cons:

  • Moderately-high property taxes
  • The inventory of homes for sale is very low in some neighborhoods, especially within the City of Dallas. This is why many people buy or build a home in a DFW suburb.
  • Long, hot summers.
  • High crime in some areas.
  • Many areas are car-dependent.

Fun Facts about Dallas-Fort Worth

The Dallas-Fort Worth area has a long and rich history that gives “The Big D” a character unlike any other metro.

  • The frozen margarita was invented in Dallas. The original machine now sits in the Smithsonian Museum
  • Other Dallas inventions include the microchip, the ATM. German Chocolate Cake, and the shopping center.
  • 60% of all paper money in America is printed in Fort Worth.
  • The term “Super Bowl” was coined by Dallas native Lamar Hunt, who founded and owned the Kansas City Chiefs.
  • Hunt is also a member of THREE sport Halls of Fame — football, tennis, and soccer.
  • 7-11 — the country’s first convenience store — was founded in Dallas, way back in 1927 as “Tote-Em”.
  • More popcorn is eaten in DFW than anywhere else.
  • DFW Airport is larger than Manhattan.
  • It also contains the world’s largest parking lot.
  • The Dallas Arts District is the biggest in the country.
  • The Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders were the first professional squad.
  • During World War II, White Rock Lake was a POW camp for German soldiers. 

Famous people from DFW include:

  • Singers John Denver,  Kelly Clarkson, Selena Gomez, Norah Jones, Lisa Loeb, Demi Lovato, Meat Loaf, LeAnn Rimes, Jessica Simpson, Usher, and Vanilla Ice
  • Actors Katre Capshaw, Morgan Fairchild, Peri Gilpin, Luke and Owen Wilson, Robin Wright, and Ginger Rogers.
  • President George W. Bush and First Lady Laura Bush
  • Outlaws Clyde Barrow and Bonnie Parker
  • Assassin Lee Harvey Oswald

The Bottom Line About Moving to Dallas-Fort Worth

DFW is a sprawling and vibrant community that offers endless opportunities for newcomers and transplants from out-of-state. Considering the strong job market, the very affordable cost of living, the rich and diverse culture, the warm, sunny weather, and the friendly neighborhoods, Dallas-Fort Worth should be strongly considered as your next move.