by mallisha.barnes@20four7va.net | Aug 22, 2025 | custom home builder
Building your dream home starts long before the foundation is poured. One of the most important steps in the process is choosing the right lot for a custom home. In Bend and throughout Central Oregon, the land you select will influence not only the style and design of your home but also your comfort, lifestyle, and long-term investment. At Select Design & Build, we help clients navigate this critical decision so they can build with confidence and peace of mind.
Zoning and Permits: Know What You Can Build
The first step in selecting a lot is understanding local zoning laws and permit requirements. Zoning regulations determine what types of structures can be built, how tall they can be, and even how far your home must sit from the road. Before you buy, verify that your dream home vision aligns with the property’s zoning restrictions. Our team has experience working with zoning offices across Bend and Central Oregon, ensuring your project gets off to a smooth start without delays or costly surprises.
Soil Quality and Land Stability: The Foundation Matters
Soil conditions play a huge role in the cost and safety of your build. Poor soil quality or unstable ground can require expensive engineering solutions to make the lot suitable for building. When considering things to look for before buying land in Bend, a professional soil test should be at the top of the list. At Select Design & Build, we connect clients with trusted geotechnical experts who evaluate soil composition, drainage, and stability, giving you a clear picture of what to expect before construction begins.
Slope and Drainage: Planning for Long-Term Protection
A sloped lot in Bend can offer incredible views, but it also comes with unique building challenges. Drainage issues can lead to water pooling around your foundation, erosion, or even long-term structural problems. Our team specializes in designing homes that maximize the beauty of Central Oregon’s landscape while ensuring proper grading and water management. Whether you are drawn to hillside lots or flat parcels, understanding slope and drainage is key to protecting your investment.
Utilities Access: Essential for Everyday Living
When looking for the best lots for custom homes in Bend, utilities are a make-or-break factor. Some rural properties may not have immediate access to water, electricity, natural gas, or sewer connections. Bringing these utilities to your property can significantly increase costs and delay construction. Select Design & Build helps clients evaluate utility access during the home building site selection process so that nothing is overlooked. In some cases, we guide clients through options like private wells, septic systems, or renewable energy solutions that align with their lifestyle and budget.
Neighborhood and Lifestyle Fit: More Than Just Land
Choosing the right lot is not just about the physical property. Your future neighborhood plays a major role in how much you enjoy your home. Consider factors such as commute times, school districts, recreational access, and long-term community growth. Do you want the privacy of rural acreage or the convenience of a neighborhood close to Bend’s vibrant downtown? By discussing your lifestyle goals, we help match you with a property that enhances your daily life as much as your new home itself.
Resale Value: Thinking Ahead
Even if you plan to stay in your custom home for decades, resale value should always be part of the decision-making process. The location, neighborhood growth, and accessibility of your lot will influence how attractive your home is to future buyers. At Select Design & Build, we take a long-term view, advising clients on lot selection that not only works for today but also holds its value for the future.
Why Work with Select Design & Build?
From Bend to Redmond and across Central Oregon, our team has years of experience guiding homeowners through every stage of the building process. We know that choosing the right lot is one of the most important investments you will ever make, and we are here to simplify the process. Whether you are planning to build on your land in Bend, OR, or are still searching for the perfect site, Select Design & Build provides the local expertise you need to bring your vision to life.
Take the Next Step Toward Your Custom Home
Your dream home deserves the perfect location. At Select Design & Build, we combine local knowledge with hands-on expertise to help you select the right lot, design your custom home, and enjoy the building process from start to finish. Ready to get started? Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward your custom home in Central Oregon.
FAQ
What are the biggest factors to consider before buying land in Bend?
Key factors include zoning regulations, soil quality, slope and drainage, access to utilities, and neighborhood fit. Each of these can affect your budget, timeline, and long-term satisfaction with your custom home.
Can I build on my own land in Bend, OR?
Yes! If you already own land, Select Design & Build can help you evaluate site conditions and create a home design that maximizes the property’s potential. We also assist clients who are still searching for the best lot for their custom home.
by mallisha.barnes@20four7va.net | Aug 22, 2025 | custom home builder
When it comes to creating your dream home, nothing compares to working with a luxury custom home builder in Bend. Building a home in Central Oregon is not just about square footage and finishes. It is about blending thoughtful design with the natural beauty of the land while ensuring your home matches your lifestyle. At Select Design & Build, our team specializes in delivering livable luxury that is tailored to your vision.
Why Bend is Ideal for Luxury Custom Homes
Bend continues to be one of the most desirable places to live in Oregon. With its stunning mountain views, outdoor recreation, and vibrant community, it attracts families, retirees, and professionals alike. A modern custom home in Bend allows you to enjoy these surroundings while living in a space that is functional, energy-efficient, and personalized.
By working with a builder who understands the local environment, you can ensure that your home takes full advantage of Central Oregon’s landscapes. Whether that means maximizing natural light, incorporating outdoor living areas, or building a floor plan that fits your lot, Select Design & Build helps you achieve a seamless connection between home and land.
The Benefits of Working with a Custom Home Builder
Choosing a builder with decades of experience gives you confidence that every detail is handled with care. With Select, the process begins with design, guided by our in-house specialists who understand how to balance form, function, and luxury. Our portfolio highlights award-winning homes recognized for excellence in design and craftsmanship.
From framing to fixtures, we manage every step to ensure the highest quality standards. Our team works closely with you to create a floor plan that reflects your needs, whether you want a single-level retreat or a multi-story home with expansive living areas.
Featured Homes that Inspire
Select Design & Build has created some of the most admired homes in Central Oregon. Models like The Elise and The Trillium showcase the craftsmanship and attention to detail we bring to every project. Each plan can be customized, offering you the chance to select layouts, finishes, and features that make your home uniquely yours.
Whether you are searching for Redmond custom homes or exploring options with La Pine luxury home builders, our team brings the same commitment to quality and livable luxury across the region.
Balancing Luxury and Livability
Building a luxury home is not only about aesthetics. It is about livability. Our designs feature spacious kitchens, functional great rooms, and primary suites that serve as private sanctuaries. With our “Power to Build Better” philosophy, we ensure every home is energy-efficient, thoughtfully designed, and ready to meet the demands of modern living.
A modern custom home in Bend should fit your family’s lifestyle today while being flexible for tomorrow. Whether that means including a home office, adding bonus space for entertaining, or designing outdoor areas with fireplaces and covered patios, we make sure your home enhances your everyday life.
Why Choose Select Design & Build
As part of the Pahlisch Homes family, Select Design & Build has built its reputation on excellence, value, and trust. Our approach combines innovative design, strong trade partner relationships, and over four decades of experience. From the initial consultation to the final walkthrough, our goal is to provide a stress-free, collaborative experience.
Clients choose Select because we offer:
- Award-winning home designs
- Full in-house design and construction team
- Customization options to fit every vision
- A proven process that balances quality and efficiency
Start Your Custom Home Journey
If you are ready to bring your dream home to life, Select Design & Build is here to help. Explore our featured homes, browse our portfolio, or get a quote to see how we can design a space that reflects your vision and lifestyle. Our team is committed to delivering a luxury home that feels both timeless and uniquely yours.
Contact us today to schedule your complimentary design consultation and take the first step toward building your dream home in Central Oregon.
FAQs
What makes Select Design & Build different from other Bend home builders?
Our in-house design team, award-winning floor plans, and focus on livable luxury set us apart. We combine creativity with efficiency to deliver homes that are beautiful, functional, and lasting.
Do you build outside of Bend?
Yes. We proudly serve clients looking for Redmond custom homes, La Pine luxury home builders, and other Central Oregon communities.
Can I customize an existing floor plan?
Absolutely. Our featured homes are starting points that can be tailored to your preferences, from layout adjustments to personalized finishes.
What is the average cost to build a luxury home in Bend?
Costs vary depending on design, materials, and location. Select Design & Build offers transparent pricing and efficient project management to ensure you stay on budget without compromising quality.
by mallisha.barnes@20four7va.net | Aug 5, 2025 | custom home builder
30-year mortgage rates are the norm among mortgage rates. Most options for monthly payments involve a fixed interest rate, while there are a few that may offer an adjustable rate mortgage for homebuyers searching for interest flexibility.
However, some homeowners may want to repay their mortgage lenders faster than originally planned, while others may need more flexibility in their monthly payments.
Here’s a quick guide to paying off your 30-year mortgage:
Agreed monthly payments
The average answer to paying off your 30-year fixed mortgage is to pay your monthly payment as originally scheduled by your lender. Typically, mortgage rates are set during the preapproval process and solidified before closing.
If you have questions about your mortgage rates, monthly payments or other mortgage-related areas, it’s always a good idea to get in touch with your mortgage company to suss out the details before fully closing.
Early payoff
Your home loan will come with terms and conditions set forth by your mortgage lender. One of these terms may be a prepayment penalty, or a fee assessed for paying off your loan early.
While it could be conducive to pay off your mortgage in the first fifteen years, remember that a set amount of interest was expected to be collected during the length of your mortgage. The prepayment penalty allows lenders to recover some of their lost revenue that they won’t be receiving from the interest rates.
Not all mortgage lenders will have prepayment penalties, however. If you’d like the option to pay off your mortgage earlier than expected, even if just by a few years, have a conversation with your loan officer. They should be able to answer any questions you may have about maintaining and managing your home loan.
Trade it out
For those hoping to save a little extra and lighten their monthly load, a mortgage refinance may be a viable option. If you’ve found more competitive mortgage rates that will help you pay lower monthly payments and reduce your overall interest rate, it may be worth it to swap out your current mortgage for one that better suits your needs.
There are times when refinancing your mortgage could lead to a larger overall mortgage. If you find yourself paying more in a new monthly mortgage payment than you were originally, you may want to reconsider your options for refinancing or possibly find a different lender altogether.
Regardless of your financial situation, 30-year fixed mortgage rates can be adjusted to help you out. To ensure your success in finding your ideal monthly payment, be sure to review your financial responsibilities and roadmap. This will help you make the best selection for your home’s mortgage loan.
by mallisha.barnes@20four7va.net | Jul 30, 2025 | custom home builder
At Select Design & Build, we’ve always believed that a home should reflect your lifestyle, your land, and your values. In Bend, Oregon, where high desert beauty meets a strong sense of independence and innovation, we’re seeing more homeowners turn to a modern solution that blends all of these qualities: the barndominium.
Barndominiums, or “barndos” for short, combine the charm of a classic barn with the comfort and function of a custom home. These structures, often built with steel frames and wide-open interiors, are growing in popularity across the Pacific Northwest. In Central Oregon, they make perfect sense for people looking to build a durable, energy-efficient home with plenty of space and a connection to the outdoors.
In this blog, we’ll explore why barndominiums are booming in Bend, what makes them a smart choice for today’s homeowners, and how Select Design & Build can help you create one that’s fully customized to your vision.
What Is a Barndominium?
A barndominium is a hybrid structure that blends traditional barn architecture with the features of a modern home. Most are constructed with metal or steel frames, which offer strength, longevity, and cost efficiency. Inside, these homes can be fully finished with all the comforts of a traditional residence, hardwood floors, designer kitchens, spa-style bathrooms, and large open living spaces.
Barndominiums appeal to a wide range of homeowners, from those who want a full-time rural residence to clients looking to create rental properties, hobby farms, or vacation retreats. The flexibility of this building style makes it an ideal solution for Bend’s growing population and expanding housing needs.
Why Bend Is the Perfect Place for Barndos
Central Oregon’s wide-open spaces and natural beauty make it an excellent fit for the barndominium lifestyle. Many landowners in the area want to build something functional, affordable, and efficient without sacrificing style. Barndominiums allow you to maximize your square footage while keeping construction costs in check.
The Bend area also offers the kind of setting where these homes thrive. Imagine waking up to views of the Cascade Mountains or stargazing from your wraparound porch. The open landscapes and laid-back pace of life make a barndominium feel right at home.
In addition, many of our clients appreciate that a barndo can be built faster than a traditional home, often using prefabricated components. This allows for more control over budget and timeline without cutting corners on craftsmanship.
The Benefits of Building a Barndominium
- Cost Efficiency
Barndominiums typically cost less per square foot to build than standard homes. With fewer structural materials and more efficient construction methods, you get more house for your investment.
- Durability
Steel-framed barndominiums are highly resistant to fire, pests, and severe weather. In an area like Bend, where climate conditions vary dramatically throughout the year, durability is key.
- Custom Design Flexibility
The open floor plans of barndos allow for highly flexible layouts. Whether you want a gourmet kitchen, a lofted bedroom, a home office, or a workshop under the same roof, the design is fully customizable.
- Energy Efficiency
Insulated steel buildings are highly efficient and can be designed to meet or exceed local energy codes. We often incorporate energy-saving features like radiant floor heating, solar-ready roofs, and smart ventilation systems.
- Low Maintenance
With fewer exterior materials to paint, treat, or replace, barndominiums are easier and more cost-effective to maintain over the years.
What to Consider Before Building
Before you jump into a barndominium build, it’s important to consider a few local factors:
- Zoning and Permits: Not every plot of land is approved for residential metal structures. Our team can help you navigate local zoning laws and secure the right permits.
- Utilities and Access: Remote properties in Central Oregon may require additional planning for wells, septic systems, and electricity.
- Design Choices: Just because it’s a barn-style home doesn’t mean it has to look rustic. We work with you to create a polished, design-forward space that fits your aesthetic, whether that’s farmhouse chic or ultra-modern.
How Select Design & Build Can Help
At Select Design & Build, we understand the nuances of building barndominiums in Bend and the surrounding high desert. We approach every project with the same thoughtful process:
- Site Evaluation: We help assess your property to determine the best orientation, layout, and build strategy.
- Custom Design: Our in-house design team creates a layout that matches your lifestyle and makes the most of your space.
- Full Build Services: From foundations to finishes, our construction team brings your vision to life with quality craftsmanship and attention to detail.
- Permitting and Logistics: We handle all the behind-the-scenes work so you can focus on planning your future home.
Whether you’re building your first home, downsizing to something simpler, or creating a multi-use structure for work and play, our team brings experience, creativity, and Central Oregon know-how to every build.
Ready to Build Your Barndominium?
If you’re dreaming of wide-open spaces, panoramic views, and a home that’s as rugged and refined as Central Oregon itself, a barndominium might be the perfect fit.
Contact Select Design & Build today to schedule a consultation and explore what’s possible with a custom barndominium in Bend, Oregon.
by mallisha.barnes@20four7va.net | Jul 30, 2025 | custom home builder
At Select Design & Build, we approach home design as an opportunity to connect your indoor living experience with the beauty of the natural world. Nowhere is this more impactful than in mountain and high desert environments, where sunlight, views, and surroundings play such an important role in how your home feels and functions. Whether you’re building on a ridge, a canyon lot, or open desert land, maximizing natural light isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about energy efficiency, comfort, and well-being.
In this blog, we’ll explore how intentional design choices can help bring in more daylight, elevate your space, and keep your home comfortable year-round.
Start with Site Orientation
Every property has its unique characteristics. The angle of the sun, surrounding terrain, and views should all influence how your home is positioned on the lot. One of the best ways to increase natural light is to orient your main living areas, such as the kitchen, great room, and primary suite, toward the south or southwest. These areas receive the most consistent and desirable sunlight throughout the day, especially during cooler months.
On the other hand, minimizing large west-facing windows can reduce glare and overheating during summer afternoons, which is particularly important in high desert climates. Strategic orientation is one of the first steps we take when designing a home that naturally captures light while staying efficient and livable.
Go Big with Windows and Glass Doors
One of the most transformative ways to bring natural light into your home is by incorporating large-scale glass elements. Floor-to-ceiling windows or expansive picture windows can turn an ordinary room into a light-filled retreat. In mountain and high desert regions, glass also serves a dual purpose, offering sweeping views of surrounding landscapes while illuminating the interiors with daylight.
Multi-panel sliding doors or folding glass wall systems are also popular in modern desert homes. These allow light to pour in while creating seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor spaces. Whether you’re entertaining on the patio or enjoying a quiet morning indoors, natural light plays a key role in how you experience your home.
Add Skylights and Clerestory Windows
In spaces where traditional windows aren’t possible, skylights and clerestory windows offer another way to invite daylight inside. Skylights are ideal for interior rooms like hallways, bathrooms, and closets that might otherwise feel dim or enclosed. Clerestory windows placed high above eye level introduce consistent light while maintaining privacy and usable wall space below.
These high windows are especially effective in homes with vaulted or tall ceilings, helping draw light deeper into the room while reducing the need for artificial lighting during the day.
Choose Reflective Finishes and Light Colors
The materials and colors you use inside your home can have a big impact on how natural light behaves. Light-colored walls, ceilings, and flooring will reflect more sunlight and brighten up the entire space. Soft neutrals like sand, white oak, warm grays, and linen tones are ideal choices in desert environments and work beautifully with the natural surroundings.
Reflective surfaces like quartz countertops, polished concrete, and satin finishes on cabinetry can also help amplify incoming light. Even small details, like metallic hardware or a glass-tiled backsplash can subtly enhance the overall brightness in your home.
Embrace Open Floor Plans
Homes with open layouts naturally allow light to move more freely between rooms. By minimizing unnecessary walls or barriers, sunlight can reach further into the home and brighten multiple spaces at once. This is especially helpful in larger floor plans where interior rooms might otherwise feel closed off.
At Select Design & Build, we often incorporate open-concept living areas that combine the kitchen, dining, and great room into one cohesive space. This not only maximizes natural light but also creates a more social, connected experience for families and guests alike.
Invest in High-Performance Windows
Bringing in more light doesn’t mean sacrificing comfort or energy efficiency. Choosing the right windows is critical in desert and mountain climates where temperature extremes are common. We recommend double- or triple-pane windows with low-E coatings, which reflect heat and harmful UV rays while allowing visible light to pass through.
These high-performance windows help regulate your indoor temperature, lower energy bills, and prevent furnishings and finishes from fading over time. In certain areas, smart-tinting glass or thermochromic windows may also be used for advanced control over privacy and glare.
Design for Indoor-Outdoor Living
Natural light and outdoor living go hand-in-hand. By extending your living space to the outdoors, you can make the most of your property while increasing light access throughout the home. Covered patios, courtyards, and pergolas can be placed just outside main living areas to act as transitional spaces filled with filtered light.
Using the same materials such as tile, wood, or stone between indoor and outdoor spaces also helps create a continuous flow and a sense of expansion. We often design homes where exterior doors align with sight lines and window placements to capture light from multiple angles throughout the day.
Build with Purpose and Possibility
Maximizing natural light is more than a trend, it’s a lifestyle choice that improves how you feel in your space every day. It’s about waking up to soft morning light in your bedroom, cooking in a kitchen that feels vibrant, and enjoying golden hour as it streams across your living room floor.
At Select Design & Build, we carefully consider every element from site selection to final finishes to help you design a home that lives beautifully in its environment. Whether you’re dreaming of a mountainside retreat or a high desert escape, our design process ensures your home is bright, efficient, and always in harmony with the landscape.
Ready to get started?
Let’s design a space that brings the outdoors in and makes the most of the natural light where you live. Contact Select Design & Build today to schedule a consultation.
