New Home vs. Custom Home

New Home vs. Custom Home

The value of adding someone that has years of training to think through design options to provide the optimized solution for facilitating the life you want to live in that particular place is the obvious answer. (and a really long sentence)


However, there is more to the design choice when thinking about a new home vs a custom home. The results of this early choice will have compounding impacts through the process of design and construction. An architect goes through extensive education and training to learn to think design, a skill that most have not developed. A home of business that is designed by an architect has taken into consideration so much more than just how it will be built or simple aesthetics, the design process thinks through daily life, challenges that might come up, energy usage, movements, habits, views, and the particular site. Architects are doing more than just providing what you will need to get permits, they are working on a holistic solution for a home or business that is just right for you. Architects stay in touch with the latest building science thinking and trends in the industry to be able to provide clients with the options available to achieve the best value solutions. Maybe most important, the architect acts as the client’s advocate through the process to reduce stress and make the process fun.


This home perched on a mountain top with views for miles is a good example of a custom design. The homeowner found an online plan as their starting point and then we set out to manipulate the design to create the space just right for this building site. We don’t usually start with an existing design and this one changed a lot to make it work for this site, but every project we do is truly custom. We start where our client needs us to start to realize the right solution for their lifestyle goals.


As you can see from the photos, this project is all about the views. We worked with the client to develop a comprehensive design where all the details come together into a beautiful, comfortable oasis. Framing the views from as many points as possible inside and outside the home was critical for the success of the design. The building science that informed the design decisions also loomed large as this home will be impacted by strong winds and lots of snow with the high altitude. As the parts of the assembly come together we are thrilled to see the care and attention to detail the builder is taking to provide the best product possible (see the lumber sitting up off the ground, a good indication that the builder cares about his work). 


Design matters is a recurring mantra in our daily work. We take pride in listening to the goals of our clients and developing the best possible solutions to meet those goals from aesthetics, budget, to framing views. We are thrilled to see this one take shape and would love to talk to you about your dream home to come.

Massanutten Technical Center (MTC) Housing Auction

Massanutten Technical Center (MTC) Housing Auction

Each year the talented students at Massanutten Technical Center (MTC) (https://www.mtcva.com/?fbclid=IwAR33Xupl6DyJEsNhr8Hp1mz4kLpFGsq8frswPGIytk4rsPo26pbMfyZV7go)  have an opportunity to build a house. This is a wonderful way to learn all that it takes to put together a home. Massanutten Technical Center not only provides excellent hands-on education but gives students real-world experience at the same time.

Charles Hendricks has served on the MTC Foundation (https://www.mtcva.com/mtc-foundation) for a number of years and has had the opportunity to work in many ways to support the school. He loves that MTC brings so many resources to local students that want to learn a trade before going out into a career or continuing on at a University. This past summer he returned to teach in the architectural camp for middle school students. The quality of education provided at MTC makes our community better as these students have hands-on experiences that they will use for a lifetime. Charles says “I am always blown away by the quality of teachers and their passion for the students. Of course, the administration at MTC is also top-notch!”


The house this year will be sold through sealed bids. Gaines Group Architects is proud to have designed the current version of home they have been building now for a few years. It has an efficient and open floorplan, 3 bedrooms, and 2 baths. There is an optional stair for a full basement or that space could become a closet if your lot demands a crawl space.


If you are in the market for a new house, take a look at this project. The quality will be exceptional and the purchase of the house itself supports the students for years to come.

Rocktown Energy Fest: Gaines Group Panel

Rocktown Energy Fest: Gaines Group Panel

We are beyond excited for our very own Charles Hendricks to attend the first annual Rocktown Energy Fest to present his panel on, Building Science: Save Energy and Money. You can RSVP and find further details of this event here.


A home is the most complicated machine you will ever own. Humidity, water, insects, energy use, air quality, VOCs: there are so many factors that impact your health and comfort in a home, but we rarely think about them. Join Charles for a short session to talk about things you can do in your home that can reduce your monthly energy bills, saving you money while reducing your chances of getting sick.

We hope to see you there this weekend, Saturday, October 2nd at 10:00 AM. Our panel begins at 10:20 AM, and if you would like more information on saving money by going green check out our ‘At Home Energy Series’ Including Solar, Hydro, and Around the House!

Quality Design Could Save Your Life -Ductwork & Insulation

Quality Design Could Save Your Life -Ductwork & Insulation

Quality Ductwork for your heating and cooling system is a key factor when it comes to having healthy air in your home. There are many different things one can do to ensure the air you are breathing is healthy, sealed ductwork is the most important. It not only protects your home from pollen, dander, and fungi that come with unfiltered air, it can often leave your home feeling stuffy. Sealed ductwork in a properly designed HVAC system works by pushing clean filtered air throughout your home helping to keep your home safe and healthy for occupants.

Insulation that is air-tight also works to protect the air you breathe. You have probably heard you don’t want to build a house “too tight.” Well, that is correct in that you want to make sure all the gaps and cracks leading to moisture issues and bad air quality are sealed and your HVAC system is bringing in the appropriate amount of clean filtered air.

Ductwork and insulation function as not only a filter from the outside air, but helps secure the building envelope by keeping the air clean and the home warm during the cold winter months. According to Energy.gov, these two crucial elements can also save you money on your energy bills. The upkeep of these features is just as important as having them in your home. Insulation wants to stay dry and free of insects and critters. Your duct system wants to be sealed and free from furniture or other obstructions that could stop the flow of filtered air into the home.

As the pandemic progresses the need for healthy, filtered air is becoming more and more clear to homeowners. This is why it is so important for your home to be built with building science at the forefront of design.

Quality Design Could Save Your Life – Moisture & Wall Systems

Quality Design Could Save Your Life – Moisture & Wall Systems

The relationship between moisture and the walls of your home can be a complicated balance. If your home doesn’t have enough moisture it can result in dryness of your respiratory system, cracked wood, and nose bleeds, whereas too much moisture in your home can harm not only your health but the structure of your house. An overabundance of moisture in the home can bring in unwanted visitors such as mold, termites, and even cockroaches.

According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) mold can lead to a series of allergic reactions especially if a member of your family is allergy sensitive, to begin with. While the risk of mold in walls and other areas of the home can be scary, prevention is easier than you think. It is important to use air conditioners/ humidifiers, open a window, or turn on an exhaust fan when showering, and using an exhaust hood fan when cooking. And of course, consult an architect about what wall system would work best for your home, chances are we can recommend something that will not only protect your home from dangerous moisture levels but save you money on energy bills.

Quality Design could save your life – Fireplaces & Air Quality

Quality Design could save your life – Fireplaces & Air Quality

It is no surprise that amidst a pandemic people are spending much more time in their homes. Overall human beings spend a significant amount of time indoors, meaning the air we breathe is a lot less healthy and could affect our overall well-being later in life. This reason alone is enough to stress the importance of hiring a designer who understands building science- it can make the difference between a healthy home or one that has the potential to make you and your family sick.

There are certain factors that can impact the air we breathe, one of those being a fireplace. This element leaves an opening in your home that can pull dirty air into the home from the fireplace itself or the building envelope. According to the United States, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) microparticles in wood-burning fireplaces can cause bronchitis, asthma, and other respiratory issues in children and the elderly. A safe alternative for this would be using a vented gas fireplace, this eliminates the need for wood and other natural materials along with pushing out the harmful exhaust. Speaking with your architect about a ventilated fireplace in the home design process can make all the difference in the air you will breathe every day.