Untitled

Building a new home is a big milestone and at Nonna Homes, we’re here to make the process as smooth and clear as possible. Whether you're building for the first time or planning your dream forever home, knowing what to expect at each step can make all the difference. This is our comprehensive guide to building a house.

1. Initial Consultation and Feasibility Check

We start by sitting down with you to understand your needs, preferences, lifestyle, and budget. If you already own a plot of land, we’ll check it to see if it’s suitable for building. If not, we can assist you in locating the appropriate one.

We listen to your goals and vision for your home

We help assess or find the right land

We look at what's possible based on your needs and the site

2. Design and Planning

Once we know what you're looking for, our designers work with you to create a home layout that fits your lifestyle. You’ll help pick materials, colors, finishes, and more. At the same time, we make sure everything meets local building rules.

3. Budget and Building Agreement

After the design is set, we give you a detailed cost estimate so you know exactly what to expect. Once you’re happy, we sign a building agreement that includes the timeline, payment stages, and what’s included.

A clear breakdown of all costs

A fixed-price contract so there are no surprises later

Easy-to-understand payment schedule and timelines

4. Getting Permits and Approvals

Before building can start, we take care of all the paperwork. We handle permits and approvals needed from local authorities so you don’t have to worry about it. We make sure everything is legal and ready to go.

5. Site Prep and Laying the Foundation

Next, we get the site ready. We create a solid foundation, level the ground, and clear the land. This step is important because it supports the entire house.

Clear and prepare the land

Excavate and build the base structure

Pour concrete and reinforce it for strength

6. Framing the Structure

Now the house starts to take shape. We build the framework—walls, floors, and the roof. This is when you can really start to see your home come to life.

7. Installing Plumbing, Wiring, and Insulation

We install the necessary systems, such as insulation, electrical wiring, and plumbing, after the structure is up. We make sure everything works perfectly and is ready for daily use.

8. Interior and Exterior Finishing

This is the exciting part! We add floors, paint, cabinets, tiles, and everything else that makes your house feel like home. Outside, we finish the roof, driveway, and landscaping.

9. Final Checks and Moving In

Before you move in, we do a full inspection to make sure everything is just right. We give you the keys to your new house once everything has been approved and finished.

Conclusion

Purchasing a home is an important life event. It can be exciting, but also stressful if you’re not fully prepared. At Nonna Homes, we’ve helped many people through this journey, and we’ve seen some common mistakes that can make things harder than they need to be. Here are some simple tips to help you avoid those mistakes and make your homebuying experience smoother.

1. Not Getting Pre-Approved First

Many people start looking at homes before talking to a lender. Getting pre-approved for a mortgage helps you understand how much you can afford. It also shows sellers that you’re serious. Without this step, you might fall in love with a home that’s out of your price range—or miss out on a good one because you weren’t ready.

Pre-approval shows how much you can borrow.

Makes it easier to focus on homes that fit your financial situation.

Makes your offer stronger in the eyes of sellers.

Saves time by focusing only on homes you can afford.

Avoids disappointment from falling for homes out of reach.

2. Forgetting About Extra Costs

There are other expenses to consider besides the home's price. There are also property taxes, insurance, repairs, and utility bills. Some homes may also need updates or maintenance. Make sure you include these in your budget so you’re not caught off guard later.

3. Skipping the Home Inspection

It might seem like a good idea to skip the home inspection to save time or money, but that’s risky. A home inspection can find problems that aren’t easy to see—like leaks, wiring issues, or roof damage. It’s better to know what you’re getting into before you buy.

4. Letting Emotions Take Over

It’s easy to get attached to a home because of how it looks or feels. But don’t let your heart make all the decisions. Consider the following facts: your budget, your long-term needs, the neighborhood, and the state of the house. Stay calm and take your time.

Don’t buy a home just because it “feels right.”

Look past the décor and imagine the long-term fit.

Review the facts: condition, location, cost, and future needs.

Stay calm and don’t rush into decisions.

Balance your heart with your head while choosing.

5. Stretching Your Budget Too Far

You shouldn't borrow a certain amount just because a bank says you can. Buying a home at the top of your budget can make it hard to handle other expenses. Choose something you can afford comfortably, so you’re not stressed every month.

6. Choosing the Wrong Agent

The correct real estate agent can have a significant impact. A good agent helps you understand the process, finds homes that match your needs, and makes sure you get a fair deal. At Nonna Homes, we always focus on what’s best for our buyers—we’re here to guide, not pressure.

7. Not Checking Out the Neighborhood

The house might be great, but what about the area around it? Spend some time in the neighborhood. Look at traffic, nearby stores, schools, and parks. Consider going at various times of day. Make sure it’s a place where you’ll feel safe and happy.

Final Thoughts

In today's fast-paced world, convenience, security, and efficacy are critical. Among the most important advancements in home design is the rise of smart home technology. At Nonna Homes, we focus on building homes that combine style, comfort, and smart features to improve the way you live. Smart homes are no longer regarded as a luxury and are quickly becoming a normal part of modern life. 

What Is a Smart Home?

A smart home is equipped with technology that allows you to control various systems—like lighting, heating, security, and appliances—using your smartphone, tablet, or voice commands. These features are connected through the internet and can be accessed from anywhere.

Nonna Homes integrates smart systems directly into the design and construction of each home. This means the technology is already installed and ready to use as soon as you move in—no extra work needed.

Key Benefits of Smart Homes

1. Convenience and Comfort

Smart home features automate everyday tasks, making your life easier. You can schedule your lights to turn on or off at specific times, adjust the room temperature from your phone, or use voice commands to control devices. For example, your home can automatically adjust the thermostat before you arrive or dim the lights when it's time to relax in the evening.

2. Enhanced Security

Because smart security systems let you keep an eye on and safeguard your house even when you're not there, they give you peace of mind. Features may include:

Smart door locks that can be locked or unlocked remotely

Video doorbells that show you who’s at the door in real time

Security cameras and motion detectors that notify your phone

Nonna Homes includes these smart safety tools to help you feel secure, whether you're at home or on the go.

3. Energy Efficiency and Savings

Smart homes can help reduce your energy usage and lower utility bills. For example, a smart thermostat can learn your daily routine and adjust heating or cooling automatically, reducing waste. Smart lighting systems use energy-efficient LED bulbs and can turn off when no one is in the room.

Over time, these small changes can lead to noticeable savings on electricity and heating costs. At Nonna Homes, energy efficiency is built into both the structure and technology of the home.

4. Remote Access and Control

The majority of features in a smart home can be operated with a smartphone or tablet. You can do these things whether you're on vacation, at work, or just running errands:

Turn lights on or off

Adjust the thermostat

Check security camera footage

Lock or unlock doors

This gives you full control over your home, no matter where you are, and helps you stay connected to your space at all times.

5. Family-Friendly Features

Smart homes are also beneficial for families. Parents can keep an eye on children arriving home from school or create voice-activated reminders. Smart speakers can help with learning, reading recipes, playing music, or answering questions—all hands-free.

Nonna Homes ensures the smart systems we install are user-friendly and accessible for all members of the household.

Future-Ready Homes

Technology is constantly evolving, and your home should be able to adapt. Nonna Homes chooses smart systems that are compatible with the latest updates and new devices. This makes it easy to expand or upgrade your home’s features in the future without needing major changes.

By building homes that are future-ready, we make sure your living space remains modern and functional for years to come.

Why Choose Nonna Homes?

At Nonna Homes, we are committed to providing more than just a beautiful home. We focus on thoughtful design, practical features, and long-term value. Our smart homes are designed with real people in mind—those who value comfort, safety, and simplicity.

Each Nonna Home is built to help you live more efficiently and enjoy more control over your environment. From the foundation to the technology, we carefully select every detail to ensure your home truly supports your lifestyle.

Conclusion

Smart homes are shaping the future of modern living by making daily life more convenient, secure, and efficient. With smart technology becoming more affordable and accessible, it’s no longer just a trend—it’s the new normal.

Nonna Homes is proud to lead this change by offering homes that include advanced smart features from day one. Whether it’s energy savings, home security, or simple comfort, smart living provides real benefits that improve your everyday routine.

One of the greatest dreams in life is to build a home. It’s more than just construction—it’s about building a place where you’ll live, grow, and create memories with your loved ones. However, a lot of people may find the process overwhelming and perplexing.

That’s why Nonna Homes is here to make it simple, smooth, and personal. We don’t just build houses—we walk with you step by step to turn your dream into a beautiful reality.

Here’s how we do it:

Step 1: We Listen to Your Dream

Everything starts with a conversation. We want to hear what you imagine for your dream home.

Do you want lots of natural light?

An open kitchen?

A quiet study area or a place where your children can play?

We take time to understand your lifestyle, needs, and vision. This helps us design a perfect home for you and your family.

Step 2: We Create the Plan Together

Once we understand your ideas, we start designing your home.

Our designers and architects collaborate closely with you to produce a stunning and useful plan. We’ll show you layouts, room placements, and even digital previews so you can picture the final home.

You’ll be involved in every decision—because this home is yours.

Step 3: We Set a Clear Budget

We know how important it is to plan within your budget. That’s why we’re completely transparent about the costs.

We explain every expense—construction, materials, and fittings—and help you make smart choices. If something feels too expensive, we offer other quality options.

With Nonna Homes, there are no hidden charges, just honest planning and advice.

Step 4: We Handle the Paperwork

Approvals, permits, and local rules can be confusing, but don’t worry, we take care of it all.

Our team handles every legal and government requirement so your project moves forward without delays. You won’t have to run around for documents—we manage it for you.

Step 5: We Build with Care and Quality

Now the construction begins!

We work with experienced builders and use trusted materials to make sure your home is strong, safe, and long-lasting. Every stage, from the foundation to the final details, is completed with care.

You’ll get regular updates and can even visit the site to see how your home is coming to life.

Step 6: We Help You Personalize Every Corner

This is where the fun begins—choosing the look and feel of your home.

From paint colors and tiles to kitchen fittings and lights, we help you pick styles that suit your taste. We help you choose between modern, comfortable, and sophisticated options.

These personal touches are what make your house feel like home.

Step 7: We Do Final Checks and Hand You the Keys

Before the handover, we do a full inspection of your home. We check everything—electrical points, plumbing, finishes—to make sure it’s exactly how you wanted it.

If anything needs fixing, we do it right away. Then comes the moment you’ve been waiting for—we hand you the keys to your brand-new home.

Why Homeowners Trust Nonna Homes

We’re more than builders. We’re partners in your journey. At Nonna Homes, we believe in:

Honest communication

Clear planning

High-quality work

Respecting your time, money, and ideas

In 2025, homeowners are looking for smart ways to get more value from their properties. One of the best options available today is building an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU). These small homes, also known as backyard homes, garage conversions, or in-law suites, are becoming very popular. At Nonna Homes, we believe ADUs are a smart and practical investment for the future. Here's why:

1. ADUs Can Earn You Extra Money Every Month

The ability to rent out an ADU and generate additional revenue is one of the main justifications for building one. You can use it as a long-term rental or even offer it as a short-term rental (like on Airbnb). In many places, homeowners who rent out their ADU earn between $1,500 and $3,000 a month. 

This extra income can help with your mortgage, bills, or savings. It's an easy way to get the most out of your property.

2. Lower Cost, Higher Value

Building a new house is expensive, but an ADU is much more affordable. You can build one for less than what it costs to buy a new home or condo. In many cases, ADUs can be built for around $100,000 to $150,000, depending on size and design.

The best part? Your property's value can rise significantly with this little investment. Many homeowners see a big return within a few years, especially when renting it out.

3. ADUs Are Flexible for Many Uses

ADUs are not just for renting. They are great for many different needs. You can use your ADU as:

A home office

A guest house

A space for aging parents or adult children

A private retreat

As your family grows or changes, your ADU can easily be used in new ways. This flexibility is a big reason more people are building them.

4. Adds Value to Your Property

Homes with ADUs are worth more on the real estate market. Buyers love the idea of having a second living space on the same property. They get more value and options as a result.

If you ever want to sell your home, an ADU can help you do it faster and for more money.

5. Good for the Environment

ADUs are usually smaller than full-sized homes, which means they use less energy. Energy-efficient systems and environmentally friendly materials are used in the design of ADUs at Nonna Homes. This is better for the environment and lowers your utility bills.

Plus, building an ADU means you’re using your land more wisely, without needing to develop new land.

6. Easier to Build Than Ever Before

In 2025, many cities and states have changed their rules to make it easier to build ADUs. There are:

Faster permit approvals

Reduced fees

New financing options

At Nonna Homes, we guide you through the whole process — from planning and permits to construction and final inspection. We make it simple and stress-free.

Conclusion

ADUs are a wise, long-term investment rather than merely a passing trend. Whether you want to earn extra income, create space for your family, or boost your property’s value, building an ADU is a smart decision in 2025.