As Seen In: Bowling Green Home & Lifestyle
Articles & Advice
23 complete articles on building science, design strategy, and protecting your home's value — written by Design Builders president Tim Graham.
Complete web articles
February/March 2026
How 3D Design Is Changing the Way Homeowners Plan a Remodel
LIDAR scanning and 3D modeling have eliminated the biggest source of frustration in residential remodeling: the gap between what a homeowner imagines and what a builder understands.
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January/February 2026
How to Avoid Surprises, Change Orders, and Budget Creep Before Demo Day
The smoothest remodels start weeks before demo day, in a quiet planning phase most homeowners never think about. Here's what that looks like from the inside.
Read article →May/June 2024
What Happens If I Want to Change My Project After Signing?
There's no need to worry about changes after a contract is signed — but they require a well-defined process. Here's how professional builders handle change orders.
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Updated advice from Tim Graham's article archive
The Three-Bid Myth: Why Getting Three Quotes Doesn't Work the Way You Think
The age-old practice of collecting three bids assumes every builder assessed the project the same way. In reality, that assumption is almost never accurate.
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Summer 2023
What Actually Determines the Price of a Custom Home?
Builders need a lot of information to arrive at an accurate number. The variables go far beyond finishes and square footage — here's what most homeowners don't realize.
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Holiday 2022
Why Price per Square Foot Is Misleading for Custom Homes
Price per square foot is a useful metric for resale homes — but for custom construction, it can lead to serious misunderstandings. Here's what you should know.
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July/August 2022
LP SmartSide vs. James Hardie: How the Siding Options Compare
Choosing the right siding protects your investment for decades. A guide to materials, installation, and long-term performance.
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May/June 2022
Avoid Delays with Professional Project Management
How professional project management transforms the building experience from stressful to seamless.
Read article →December 2021/January 2022
Why Shower Waterproofing Is So Important
Tile and grout are not the waterproofing system. Learn what protects the structure beneath a custom-tiled shower and why it matters.
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November 2021
Planning A Luxury Outdoor Living Addition
Extending your living space outdoors requires the same precision as interior work. A guide to luxury outdoor additions.
Read article →September/October 2021
Planning and Design for Small Remodeling Projects
Even small projects benefit enormously from proper planning. How to approach renovations of any scale with the right mindset.
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July/August 2021
Choosing the Right Appliances
Appliance selection impacts your daily life and your budget. How to choose wisely for both performance and value.
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March 2021
Mitered-Edge Countertops
The elegant detail that elevates a kitchen from ordinary to extraordinary. Understanding mitered-edge craftsmanship.
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October 2020
Why Wood Rots and How to Prevent It
What happens when builders sacrifice quality for speed. A clinical case study in structural failure and how to prevent it.
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July 2020
Why Changes Are Costly
The hidden cost of 'inexpensive' — and how precision planning eliminates budget surprises that plague most construction projects.
Read article →March 2020
The Building Envelope: A Home's Main Defense
The building envelope is the boundary between conditioned and unconditioned space. Why it matters more than most homeowners realize.
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December 2019
Do I Need Help With Selections?
The selection process can be overwhelming. Learn when professional guidance pays for itself and when you can go it alone.
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November 2019
How to Keep a Crawl Space Dry and Healthy
The most overlooked area of your home may be causing the most damage. Understanding crawl space health and protection.
Read article →September 2019
Plan Features
The architectural features that define a well-designed home. Understanding what separates thoughtful design from generic plans.
Read article →July 2019
Aging In Place
Designing your home to serve you for decades. How thoughtful modifications today prevent costly changes tomorrow.
Read article →May 2019
What Is a Water-Resistive Barrier?
Your home's first line of defense against moisture damage. Understanding the critical role of water-resistant barriers.
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March 2019
Kitchen Lighting
Lighting design makes or breaks a kitchen remodel. How layered lighting creates both function and atmosphere.
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