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.
by mallisha.barnes@20four7va.net | Jul 30, 2025 | custom home builder
Making your home more energy-efficient doesn’t have to mean sacrificing style. In fact, with the right upgrades, you can create a beautiful and eco-friendly home that reduces energy consumption, lowers utility bills, and enhances comfort. At Select Design & Build, we specialize in crafting homes that combine modern aesthetics with sustainable features, creating spaces that are both energy-efficient and visually appealing. Here’s how to make your home energy-efficient without compromising on design.
1. Upgrade Your Insulation and Windows
One of the most effective ways to improve energy efficiency in your home is by upgrading your insulation and windows. Insulation plays a vital role in keeping your home comfortable year-round, reducing the need for excessive heating or cooling. Modern insulation materials are more efficient than ever, ensuring that your home remains well-regulated and energy-efficient.
Similarly, replacing old windows with energy-efficient models can drastically reduce heat loss during the winter and keep your home cool in the summer. Look for windows with a high energy efficiency rating and a stylish frame design that complements your home’s overall aesthetic. Today’s windows come in a variety of designs that can match any interior style, from sleek and modern to traditional and cozy.
2. Choose Energy-Efficient Lighting
Lighting can have a significant impact on both your energy consumption and the overall look of your home. Switching to LED bulbs can reduce your electricity usage by up to 75%, while providing bright, warm light that enhances your home’s ambiance. You can choose from a variety of LED styles to complement your home’s design, from chic pendant lights in the kitchen to stylish sconces in the living room.
Smart lighting systems also add convenience and energy savings. With smart bulbs, you can control the brightness and schedule lights to turn off when not in use, further reducing unnecessary energy consumption. These systems offer endless design possibilities, allowing you to incorporate both beauty and functionality into your home’s lighting setup.
3. Invest in Energy-Efficient Appliances
When designing or upgrading your home, it’s important to consider the long-term savings that come with choosing energy-efficient appliances. Appliances like refrigerators, dishwashers, washers, and dryers now come with Energy Star ratings that indicate their energy-saving capabilities. These modern appliances are built to perform at the highest level while using less energy, ultimately reducing your household’s carbon footprint.
Additionally, many energy-efficient appliances are designed with sleek, modern aesthetics that seamlessly fit into any style of kitchen, bathroom, or laundry room. The key is to find products that balance both style and sustainability. Many appliance manufacturers offer a wide range of finishes, such as stainless steel, matte black, and custom panels, allowing you to choose designs that match your home’s decor.
4. Incorporate Smart Home Technology
Smart home technology can dramatically improve the energy efficiency of your home while adding convenience and modern flair. By integrating smart thermostats, smart lighting, and other connected devices, you can control your home’s temperature and lighting remotely, ensuring that you’re only using energy when needed.
Smart thermostats, for example, learn your daily schedule and adjust the temperature based on your preferences, helping to conserve energy without compromising comfort. You can also set timers for lights, ensuring they turn off automatically when you’re not home. These upgrades not only enhance the energy efficiency of your home but also give you the ability to monitor and adjust your energy consumption effortlessly.
5. Use Sustainable Materials in Your Design
When designing your home, consider incorporating sustainable building materials that are both eco-friendly and stylish. Bamboo flooring, for instance, is a renewable resource that provides a modern, elegant look while being highly durable and energy-efficient. Other eco-friendly materials like recycled glass, natural stone, and low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) paints can improve your home’s air quality while minimizing its environmental impact.
Additionally, green roofs and rainwater harvesting systems can enhance your home’s energy efficiency by improving insulation and reducing water usage. These sustainable features can be seamlessly integrated into your home’s design, giving it a unique and stylish flair while helping the environment.
6. Outdoor Energy Efficiency: Landscaping for Cooling
Your home’s outdoor space can also play a significant role in maintaining energy efficiency. By strategically placing trees and shrubs around your property, you can naturally cool your home during the hot summer months. Planting shade trees on the west side of your house can block the sun’s intense rays, reducing the need for air conditioning.
Incorporating hardscapes like stone pathways or using permeable materials for patios can also improve your home’s environmental impact by allowing rainwater to filter into the ground rather than running off into storm drains.
Build a Beautiful, Energy-Efficient Home with Select Design & Build
Making your home energy-efficient doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style. By focusing on smart upgrades and sustainable materials, you can create a home that is both eco-friendly and beautifully designed. At Select Design & Build, we work with you to incorporate energy-saving features into every aspect of your home, ensuring that it reflects your personal style while providing long-term energy efficiency.
If you’re ready to transform your home into an energy-efficient oasis without compromising on design, contact Select Design & Build today. Our expert team is here to guide you through every step of the process, from choosing the right materials to ensuring your home is built to last. Let’s create a home that is as beautiful as it is sustainable.
Reach out to Select Design & Build today to get started on making your home more energy-efficient and stylish. Together, we’ll design a home that works for you and the environment.
by mallisha.barnes@20four7va.net | Jul 30, 2025 | custom home builder
When it comes to building your dream home, one of the first and most important decisions you’ll face is whether to go with a custom home or a production home. Each option offers unique advantages depending on your goals, timeline, and budget. At Select Design & Build, we understand that this decision can shape everything from your lifestyle to your long-term investment, so we’re here to help you make an informed choice.
What’s the Difference Between Custom and Production Homes?
Custom homes are built from the ground up based on your unique vision. You work directly with a builder (like Select Design & Build) to create a floor plan, choose finishes, and ensure every detail reflects your needs and personality. No two custom homes are the same, which makes them ideal for homeowners who value personalization and craftsmanship.
Production homes, on the other hand, are built by large-volume builders using pre-designed plans. While you may have some say in finishes or minor upgrades, the overall structure and layout are set in stone. These homes are typically built in new developments and can offer faster move-in timelines.
Pros and Cons of Each Option
Custom Homes
Pros:
- Tailored to your exact preferences and lifestyle
- Greater flexibility in materials, design, and layout
- Ideal for unique lots or non-standard home sizes
- Higher potential for resale value with quality design
Cons:
- Longer planning and construction timeline
- Requires more decisions and involvement from the homeowner
- Can be more expensive upfront, depending on materials and scope
Production Homes
Pros:
- Faster build time and move-in ready options
- Streamlined process with fewer decisions to make
- Typically more affordable due to standardized materials and layouts
- Great for first-time buyers or investment properties
Cons:
- Limited customization options
- Less control over materials and floor plans
- May lack character or premium craftsmanship
How to Decide Which Is Right for You
Start by asking yourself a few key questions:
- How important is personalization to me?
- Do I have a specific lot or location in mind?
- What is my timeline and budget?
- Am I building my forever home or an investment property?
If you have a clear vision, want a one-of-a-kind home, or need something that fits a specific piece of land, a custom home is likely the best fit. On the other hand, if you’re looking to move quickly or want a low-maintenance option with predictable pricing, a production home might be the smarter choice.
What Makes Select Design & Build Different?
At Select, we specialize in custom new construction designed to bring your ideas to life while making the process as smooth and stress-free as possible. Whether you’re building a luxury residence, a vacation property, or a multi-unit investment, we treat each project with the same level of attention, care, and quality craftsmanship.
We don’t believe in cookie-cutter solutions. Our team partners with you from the early stages of plan design and consultation through construction management and finishing touches. We also offer strategic planning and education for investment projects, making us a true one-stop-shop for your building needs.
Our promise:
- A personal touch: We create homes that reflect your style and priorities.
- A true partner: From first meeting to final walk-through, we’re with you every step.
- Unmatched quality: We use only top-tier materials and skilled professionals to deliver lasting value.
Build Your Dream the Right Way
Choosing between a custom and production home isn’t always easy, but when you have the right team behind you, the path becomes clear. At Select Design & Build, we make the difficult process of homebuilding simple, strategic, and satisfying.
Ready to start building your future?
Contact Select Design & Build today for a consultation and let us help you discover the home that’s right for you.
by mallisha.barnes@20four7va.net | Jun 26, 2025 | custom home builder
If you’ve been dreaming about building a custom home in Bend, Oregon, one of the first and most important steps is buying the right piece of land. With its stunning views, outdoor lifestyle, and growing real estate market, Bend is an ideal place to put down roots. But buying land isn’t as simple as choosing a lot with a nice view. From zoning laws to utility access, there are several key factors to consider before you make a purchase.
At Select Design & Build, we help clients navigate the land-buying process with ease. Our team brings deep knowledge of Central Oregon’s landscape, building codes, and lifestyle needs to every custom home project. If you’re planning to build in Bend, here’s what you should know before you buy land.
1. Location Matters More Than You Think
Not all land in Bend is created equal. While some areas are closer to town, schools, and amenities, others offer more space, privacy, or mountain views. Think about how your location will impact your day-to-day life. Do you want to be close to biking trails or have quick access to downtown? Are you looking for a quiet retreat or a neighborhood with families and kids?
2. Understand Zoning and Land Use Regulations
Before buying land, it’s essential to check the zoning. Zoning laws dictate what you can build, how big it can be, and what your future neighbors might be allowed to do. A piece of land may seem perfect, but if it’s zoned agricultural or commercial, it may not allow residential construction.
Also, consider building restrictions or CC&Rs (covenants, conditions, and restrictions) that come with certain developments. These can affect everything from your home’s design to the types of materials you can use.
3. Make Sure the Lot is Buildable
Just because land is for sale doesn’t mean it’s ready to build on. Some lots may require significant grading, tree removal, or septic installation before construction can begin. A thorough site evaluation will help you determine what’s possible.
Things to check:
- Soil quality and drainage
- Slope and elevation
- Setbacks and easements
- Environmental protections (wetlands, wildlife zones, etc.)
Pro tip: At Select Design & Build, we assist clients with site evaluations before they commit to a purchase. This saves time, money, and future headaches.
4. Check for Utility Access
Before you fall in love with a lot, find out if it has access to basic utilities. Water, sewer, electricity, and internet access are not always guaranteed, especially for rural or undeveloped land in Central Oregon.
In some cases, you may need to install a well or septic system. Bringing in utilities can add significant costs to your project, so it’s important to factor that into your budget.
5. Think Long-Term: Resale, Views, and Value
While it’s exciting to plan a custom home that suits your lifestyle now, it’s wise to also think ahead. Does the land offer long-term value? Will surrounding development change your views or privacy? Could your home appeal to future buyers if you ever decide to sell?
Choosing land with good resale potential adds peace of mind and future flexibility.
6. Work With Local Experts
Buying land for a custom home isn’t something you have to do alone. Partnering with a trusted builder early in the process gives you an edge. At Select Design & Build, we offer expert guidance every step of the way from helping you find and evaluate land to designing and building your dream home.
Our local knowledge and 8-step building process are designed to take the stress out of custom homebuilding, so you can focus on what matters most, creating a home that reflects your lifestyle, needs, and vision.
Buying land in Bend for a custom home is an exciting milestone, but it also comes with big decisions. By considering zoning, buildability, utility access, and long-term goals, you can choose a lot that supports your dream home today and for years to come.
Ready to Build Your Dream Home?
If you’re thinking about building a home in Bend, let Select Design & Build be your guide. We specialize in helping Central Oregon homeowners find the perfect land and create custom homes with lasting value, style, and functionality.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward building the home you’ve always wanted the smart way.
by mallisha.barnes@20four7va.net | Jun 26, 2025 | custom home builder
Living in Central Oregon offers mountain views, high desert climate, and year-round outdoor adventures, this region attracts homeowners who want more than just a house.. At Select Design & Build, we specialize in creating custom homes that reflect the pace, priorities, and beauty of life in Bend and the surrounding areas.
What Makes Central Oregon Living Unique?
Central Oregon’s natural setting encourages an active, outdoor lifestyle. Whether you spend your weekends hiking, skiing, paddleboarding, or biking, your home should support these activities. The region’s climate is another factor to consider. With cold, snowy winters and dry, sunny summers, designing a home here means thinking ahead about insulation, sun exposure, and energy efficiency.
Add to that the increasing demand for flexible living spaces and sustainability, and it becomes clear that a cookie-cutter floor plan just won’t cut it. A thoughtfully designed home makes the most of every square foot while helping you stay comfortable, efficient, and connected to the outdoors.
Smart Design Tips for Central Oregon Homes
At Select Design & Build, we guide our clients through an eight-step custom home building process that ensures your space works with your lifestyle and the environment. Here are a few design tips we often recommend when planning a Central Oregon home:
1. Embrace Indoor-Outdoor Living
Homes in this region benefit from layouts that blend indoor comfort with outdoor living. Covered patios, folding glass doors, and outdoor kitchens help you enjoy the fresh air year-round. Consider heated patios or fire pits to extend your outdoor season well into the cooler months.
2. Choose Materials That Stand Up to the Climate
Durable, low-maintenance materials are a must. Metal roofing, fiber cement siding, and energy-efficient windows are all great choices for handling Bend’s temperature swings and dry summers. We also recommend quality insulation and energy-smart HVAC systems to keep your home efficient no matter the season.
3. Build in Room for Gear and Hobbies
With so many outdoor activities nearby, having storage for your gear is essential. Mudrooms with built-in benches, ski storage, and extra garage space make life easier and more organized. Whether you need a spot to wax your skis, store your mountain bike, or dry out your paddleboard gear, we can help design those practical touches.
4. Opt for an Open Floor Plan with Cozy Touches
Open floor plans are popular for a reason, they make entertaining easy and keep families connected. But that doesn’t mean your home has to feel cold or cavernous. Warm wood finishes, stone fireplaces, and natural textures help create a cozy, grounded feel even in a large space.
5. Think Long-Term with Energy Efficiency
With over 300 days of sun per year, solar energy is a smart investment in Central Oregon. Energy-efficient appliances, smart thermostats, and strategically placed windows can also help reduce your monthly bills and environmental impact. We work with you to choose green building options that suit your goals and budget.
Tailored to Fit Your Lifestyle
The beauty of working with Select Design & Build is the personal attention you receive from start to finish. Whether you’re building a full-time residence, a vacation home, or a multi-unit investment property, we’ll help you design a space that fits your lifestyle.
Our team helps with everything from land assessment and permitting to finish selections and project management. With decades of experience in custom building across Central Oregon, we know what works here and what doesn’t. We don’t just build houses. We build homes you’ll love for years to come.
Ready to Build Your Central Oregon Dream Home?
If you’re thinking about designing a home in Bend or the surrounding areas, now is a great time to start the conversation. At Select Design & Build, we make the process clear, creative, and enjoyable.
Let’s bring your vision to life on time, on budget, and with the highest quality craftsmanship. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and discover how we can help create a home that fits your Central Oregon lifestyle perfectly.
by mallisha.barnes@20four7va.net | Jun 26, 2025 | custom home builder
When it comes to building a custom home in Bend, one of the best ways to ensure long-term sustainability and energy efficiency is by choosing eco-friendly building materials. With the high desert climate, featuring cold winters and warm, sunny summers, selecting the right materials is essential for comfort, durability, and reducing your environmental footprint. At Select Design & Build, we specialize in creating homes that are not only beautifully crafted but also environmentally conscious. Below, we’ll dive into some of the best eco-friendly building materials that are perfectly suited for Bend’s climate.
Why Eco-Friendly Materials Matter in Bend
Bend’s climate presents unique challenges and opportunities for construction. The area experiences wide temperature fluctuations, with harsh winters and sunny summers. Choosing the right materials can make a big difference in how efficiently your home performs year-round. Eco-friendly materials help regulate temperature, reduce energy consumption, and improve the overall comfort of your living space.
Sustainable materials also reduce waste and energy consumption during construction and throughout the life of your home. By opting for materials that are locally sourced and have minimal environmental impact, you contribute to the preservation of Bend’s natural beauty and minimize your carbon footprint.
Top Eco-Friendly Building Materials for Bend’s Climate
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Sustainable Wood and Timber
Wood is one of the most versatile and eco-friendly building materials available. Using responsibly sourced timber helps ensure that forests are sustainably managed. In Bend, wood is an ideal material for both structural framing and interior finishes, such as flooring and cabinetry. For extra durability, choose wood that has been treated with non-toxic finishes to protect it from wear and tear while keeping your home environmentally friendly.
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Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs)
When building a home that needs to handle temperature extremes, Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs) are a great choice. ICFs combine the thermal efficiency of concrete with the insulation of foam, making them perfect for Bend’s chilly winters and hot summers. Homes built with ICFs are highly energy-efficient and require less energy to heat and cool, which lowers utility bills and reduces environmental impact. ICFs are also fire-resistant and durable, making them a long-lasting option for eco-conscious homeowners.
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Recycled Steel
Steel is an incredibly strong material, and when used in construction, it can last for decades. Recycled steel is a highly sustainable option because it reduces the need for raw materials and energy-intensive mining processes. It’s perfect for framing and structural elements, as well as roofing. In Bend, where snow and wind can cause strain on a home’s structure, steel offers added durability and resistance to harsh weather conditions.
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Cork Flooring
Cork flooring is an excellent eco-friendly material for homes in Bend. Made from the bark of cork oak trees, cork is a renewable and biodegradable material. It provides natural insulation, reducing the amount of energy needed to keep your home comfortable. Cork is also naturally resistant to moisture, making it an ideal option for areas that experience seasonal humidity or temperature changes.
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Bamboo
Bamboo is one of the fastest-growing plants on earth, making it an incredibly renewable resource. It’s stronger than many hardwoods and is perfect for flooring, cabinetry, and other interior finishes. Bamboo is also highly versatile and can be treated to mimic the look of other materials like hardwood or even stone. For homes in Bend, bamboo can help create a stylish yet sustainable interior.
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Solar Panels
While not a building material in the traditional sense, solar panels are an essential eco-friendly addition to any home in Bend. With plenty of sunshine throughout the year, Bend is an ideal place to take advantage of solar energy. Installing solar panels can drastically reduce your reliance on traditional electricity, lower your energy bills, and reduce your carbon footprint. In addition, solar panels can increase the overall value of your home, making it a wise investment for homeowners.
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Green Insulation Materials
Insulation is crucial for maintaining energy efficiency in homes, especially in areas with extreme temperature variations like Bend. Traditional insulation materials like fiberglass can be harmful to both your health and the environment. Opting for greener alternatives such as cellulose, cotton, or spray foam insulation made from renewable resources can help keep your home well-insulated and energy-efficient without harming the environment.
Why Choose Select Design & Build for Your Eco-Friendly Home
At Select Design & Build, we understand the importance of building a home that’s not only beautiful but also kind to the planet. With years of experience and a commitment to quality craftsmanship, our team can help you select the best eco-friendly materials that suit your needs and budget. From sustainable wood to energy-efficient systems, we ensure that every aspect of your home is optimized for both performance and sustainability.
Building an eco-friendly custom home in Bend doesn’t have to be complicated. Our team guides you through every step of the process ensuring that your home is built with materials that promote energy efficiency, reduce waste, and create a comfortable living space for you and your family.
Ready to Build Your Dream Eco-Friendly Home?
If you’re ready to start your journey towards a sustainable custom home in Bend, Select Design & Build is here to help. We specialize in eco-friendly construction and can assist you in making smart, environmentally conscious decisions that will benefit both your family and the planet. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and begin building your dream home, the sustainable way.
