Bay Building Company

09/05/2026

09/05/2026

Introducing!!! Wrapping up a floating porch deck over living space.

08/17/2026

Government regulations now account for more than 26% of the final cost of a new single-family home, according to a recent study by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB).

Key takeaways from the NAHB's August 2026 report:

$131,734 per home: Federal, state, and local regulations now add over $131K to the average $499,500 new-home sales price—up sharply from $93,870 in 2021.

Building codes lead the increase: Updated building code compliance is the single largest driver, now adding $40,288 per home (a 66.9% jump since 2021).

Construction vs. Land Development: While land development regulatory costs grew by 13.2% to $46,795, construction-related regulatory expenses surged by 61.7% to $84,939.

Time delays add hidden costs: Moving from a zoning application to a finished lot takes an average of 26.6 months, driving up financing and carrying costs for builders.

Context Note: While the NAHB (a trade association representing homebuilders) highlights these figures as a major affordability barrier, industry analysts note that many of these regulations fund critical public infrastructure (water, roads, schools) and aim to improve structural safety and energy efficiency.

(Source: National Association of Home Builders / ResiClub, reporting by Meghan Malas)

07/29/2026

Why are new homes getting so expensive before construction even starts?

It’s not just material costs or design upgrades—it’s government red tape.

According to a recent study by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), regulatory compliance now adds an average of $131,734 to the cost of a new single-family home. That’s roughly 26% of the total sales price spent on zoning, environmental reviews, permitting fees, and updated codes before ground is even broken—a 40% jump since 2021.

To fight these rising upfront costs, large production builders are shrinking footprints, simplifying floor plans, and cutting standard finishes down to the bare minimum to post lower "base prices."

This is where custom building shines.

Instead of settling for a cookie-cutter spec layout or paying crazy markups at a design center just to get decent finishes, custom building gives you full control from day one:

Dollar-for-Dollar Value: You allocate your budget where it actually matters to you—whether that’s structural quality, custom kitchens, or energy-efficient envelope design.

No Rigid Limits: You aren't boxed into pre-selected options or restricted by production builder caps.

Long-Term Savings: Modern building standards mean higher efficiency and fewer repairs—saving owners an average of $25,000 over the first 10 years compared to an older existing home.

Regulations are squeezing the housing market, but starting with a custom plan ensures every dollar of your investment goes directly into building a home tailored specifically to your life—not a mass-produced compromise.

07/29/2026

Waterproofing an outdoor living space over an indoor living space

05/28/2026

Off the cuff!

05/05/2026

Bay Building Company is a Nappie Finalist again... This is our year!!

04/08/2026

Most often asked question! "How much to build ...?"