Sims Luxury Builders

Renovating an existing home or building a new custom home is not always an easy decision.

Sometimes the home you already own has the location, history, and character you love. With the right updates, it may be possible to create a floor plan that works better for your family, refresh the rooms that feel dated, and bring new life to a place that already holds meaningful memories.

Other times, the changes needed may be more extensive than they first appear. Structural limitations, outdated systems, building-code requirements, or the cost of adapting an existing layout can make building new the more practical path.

A new custom home offers something different: the opportunity to begin with a clean slate and design each space around the way you want to live, from the floor plan and finishes to the views, technology, and long-term needs of your family.

There is no single right answer. The best choice depends on your home, your goals, your budget, and the future you are planning for.



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Renovating Your Existing Home vs. Building a New Custom Home Learn what you can expect from renovation and building new, the advantages and disadvantages of each, and how to choose what's best for you. 

This home is a beautiful example of what thoughtful renovation can accomplish.

The outdoor spaces feel like a private garden retreat, with a reflective pool, carefully layered landscaping, and a timber pergola supported by pale stone columns. A rugged stone fireplace anchors the seating area, creating a place that feels just as inviting for a quiet evening as it does for entertaining.

Inside, each room brings its own sense of character. The dining room feels polished but warm, with tall windows, oversized lanterns, herringbone wood floors, and a carved stone fireplace. The kitchen takes a more relaxed approach, pairing natural wood cabinetry and exposed beams with open shelving and a generous island made for everyday gathering.

One of the most charming spaces may be the attic bedroom addition. Beneath its vaulted white ceiling, the room feels bright, calm, and wonderfully tucked away.

This is the kind of home that feels substantial without ever feeling showy. Every detail supports the way the spaces are meant to be lived in.

Architecture: Robert Dame Designs
Interior Design: Sandra Moon
Photography: Jonathan Calvert

Tile may be one of the most exciting finishes to select for a custom home, but the details matter just as much as the overall look.

The right tile needs to suit the space, the way the room will be used, and the level of maintenance the homeowner is comfortable taking on. Scale and layout also matter. A beautiful tile can lose its impact if the proportions feel off, the cuts are awkward, or the transition between materials was not carefully planned.

Even smaller choices, such as grout color, grout thickness, shower niche dimensions, and the amount of extra material ordered, can make a noticeable difference once the installation is complete.

The best results come from thinking through those decisions early and working closely with an experienced builder and interior designer.



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7 Common Tile Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them!) Avoid these 7 common tile mistakes with expert tips on layout, grout, maintenance, scale, and ordering the right material for your custom home.