--- title: Home Building & Remodeling Tips – Middle Tennessee | Tips + Ideas description: Tips + Ideas | Expert insights on custom homes, remodeling, and design in Middle Tennessee. Explore resources to plan your dream home with Doxa Custom Homes. image: https://doxacustomhomes.com/hubfs/Foundation%20Images/2000px/Double%20vanity%20with%20quartz%20counters%20and%20custom%20cabinetry%20by%20Doxa%20Custom%20Homes%20in%20Crossville%2c%20TN.jpg --- [Skip to content](https://doxacustomhomes.com/blog/tag/tips-ideas/page/1#main-content) [![Doxa Linear Logotype in White](https://doxacustomhomes.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Foundation%20Images/Foundation%20Assets/Doxa%20Linear%20Logotype%20in%20White.png?width=250&height=58&name=Doxa%20Linear%20Logotype%20in%20White.png)](https://doxacustomhomes.com) menu close - [Services +](https://doxacustomhomes.com/services) Show submenu for Services + add - [Custom Homes](https://doxacustomhomes.com/services/custom-homes) - [Whole Home Remodeling](https://doxacustomhomes.com/services/whole-home-remodeling) - [Home Additions](https://doxacustomhomes.com/services/home-additions) - [Kitchen Remodeling](https://doxacustomhomes.com/services/kitchen-remodeling) - [Portfolio](https://doxacustomhomes.com/portfolio) - [Process](https://doxacustomhomes.com/our-process) - [About Us +](https://doxacustomhomes.com/about) Show submenu for About Us + add - [Communities we Serve](https://doxacustomhomes.com/areas-served) - [Careers](https://doxacustomhomes.com/careers) - Resources + Show submenu for Resources + add - [Cost Guide](https://doxacustomhomes.com/cost-guide-middle-tennessee) - [Home Design Checklist](https://doxacustomhomes.com/custom-home-design-checklist-middle-tennessee) - [Blog](https://doxacustomhomes.com/blog) - [Start Your Build](https://cta-service-cms2.hubspot.com/web-interactives/public/v1/track/click?encryptedPayload=AVxigLKhXzE%2FQRQOui9jVMoYNFX8jPmVbj2ekroL6B56jTox0Elg1uyZAe2XIz4eQjOq1qt3Viz6ouM%2B4Ii6eRrROyOvNFpkQL1X%2BSwpwdLZ9yNGJ9gV%2BxMHonsws3f9JMLePoLbVcIhqHrU4Lmwsl3N9NNZ7RvoBcSbQU5Q9vfeQ1BCQqJoAoTDgf4%3D&portalId=50450166) - [Services +](https://doxacustomhomes.com/services) Show submenu for Services + add - [Custom Homes](https://doxacustomhomes.com/services/custom-homes) - [Whole Home Remodeling](https://doxacustomhomes.com/services/whole-home-remodeling) - [Home Additions](https://doxacustomhomes.com/services/home-additions) - [Kitchen Remodeling](https://doxacustomhomes.com/services/kitchen-remodeling) - [Portfolio](https://doxacustomhomes.com/portfolio) - [Process](https://doxacustomhomes.com/our-process) - [About Us +](https://doxacustomhomes.com/about) Show submenu for About Us + add - [Communities we Serve](https://doxacustomhomes.com/areas-served) - [Careers](https://doxacustomhomes.com/careers) - Resources + Show submenu for Resources + add - [Cost Guide](https://doxacustomhomes.com/cost-guide-middle-tennessee) - [Home Design Checklist](https://doxacustomhomes.com/custom-home-design-checklist-middle-tennessee) - [Blog](https://doxacustomhomes.com/blog) - [Start Your Build](https://cta-service-cms2.hubspot.com/web-interactives/public/v1/track/click?encryptedPayload=AVxigLKhXzE%2FQRQOui9jVMoYNFX8jPmVbj2ekroL6B56jTox0Elg1uyZAe2XIz4eQjOq1qt3Viz6ouM%2B4Ii6eRrROyOvNFpkQL1X%2BSwpwdLZ9yNGJ9gV%2BxMHonsws3f9JMLePoLbVcIhqHrU4Lmwsl3N9NNZ7RvoBcSbQU5Q9vfeQ1BCQqJoAoTDgf4%3D&portalId=50450166) # Explore Home Building & Remodeling Insights #### Your Home-Building Resource Across Middle Tennessee ## Posts about Tips + Ideas: [![Design Build Custom Homes in Murfreesboro TN](https://doxacustomhomes.com/hs-fs/hubfs/How%20Long%20Does%20it%20Take%20To%20Design%20a%20Custom%20Home%20in%20Tennessee.png?width=365&name=How%20Long%20Does%20it%20Take%20To%20Design%20a%20Custom%20Home%20in%20Tennessee.png)](https://doxacustomhomes.com/blog/how-long-does-it-take-to-design-a-custom-home-in-tennessee) ## [How Long Does it Take to Design a Custom Home in Tennessee?](https://doxacustomhomes.com/blog/how-long-does-it-take-to-design-a-custom-home-in-tennessee) Apr. 15, 2026 | [Tips + Ideas](https://doxacustomhomes.com/blog/tag/tips-ideas), [Design Build](https://doxacustomhomes.com/blog/tag/design-build), [Custom Home Building](https://doxacustomhomes.com/blog/tag/custom-home-building), [Architecture](https://doxacustomhomes.com/blog/tag/architecture) How long does it take a Design Build Firm to design a truly custom home from scratch? In this article, we explain the custom home design process and go through how long it takes to design a truly custom home. Our goal in this article is to equip... [Read More double\_arrow](https://doxacustomhomes.com/blog/how-long-does-it-take-to-design-a-custom-home-in-tennessee) [![Design Build Custom Homes in Murfreesboro TN](https://doxacustomhomes.com/hs-fs/hubfs/ChatGPT%20Image%20Jan%2029%2c%202026%2c%2008_26_46%20AM.png?width=365&name=ChatGPT%20Image%20Jan%2029%2c%202026%2c%2008_26_46%20AM.png)](https://doxacustomhomes.com/blog/custom-home-design-build-what-to-look-for) ## [What Should I Look for in a Custom Home Designer or Design-Build Firm?](https://doxacustomhomes.com/blog/custom-home-design-build-what-to-look-for) Jan. 30, 2026 | [Tips + Ideas](https://doxacustomhomes.com/blog/tag/tips-ideas), [Design Build](https://doxacustomhomes.com/blog/tag/design-build), [Custom Home Building](https://doxacustomhomes.com/blog/tag/custom-home-building), [Architecture](https://doxacustomhomes.com/blog/tag/architecture) What should you look for in a Custom Home Designer or a Design - Build Firm when building your custom home? In this article, we will guide you through what it looks like to find a good home designer or even better, a design + build firm. Our goal... [Read More double\_arrow](https://doxacustomhomes.com/blog/custom-home-design-build-what-to-look-for) [![](https://doxacustomhomes.com/hs-fs/hubfs/297344cd-20e7-4c93-8294-38c78a4802b8.png?width=365&name=297344cd-20e7-4c93-8294-38c78a4802b8.png)](https://doxacustomhomes.com/blog/how-to-choose-the-right-architectural-style-for-your-custom-home-build) ## [How to Choose the Right Architectural Style for Your Custom Home Build](https://doxacustomhomes.com/blog/how-to-choose-the-right-architectural-style-for-your-custom-home-build) Jan. 20, 2026 | [Custom Projects](https://doxacustomhomes.com/blog/tag/custom-projects), [Tips + Ideas](https://doxacustomhomes.com/blog/tag/tips-ideas), [Design Build](https://doxacustomhomes.com/blog/tag/design-build), [Custom Home Building](https://doxacustomhomes.com/blog/tag/custom-home-building), [Architecture](https://doxacustomhomes.com/blog/tag/architecture) In a world where information flows it can be overwhelming to decide which style of house to build. In this article, we will help you decide which architectural style is best for your custom home build. The different American architectural styles... [Read More double\_arrow](https://doxacustomhomes.com/blog/how-to-choose-the-right-architectural-style-for-your-custom-home-build) [![Custom Home Features for your middle Tennessee home by Doxa Custom Homes](https://doxacustomhomes.com/hs-fs/hubfs/ChatGPT%20Image%20Jan%207%2c%202026%2c%2010_22_21%20AM.png?width=365&name=ChatGPT%20Image%20Jan%207%2c%202026%2c%2010_22_21%20AM.png)](https://doxacustomhomes.com/blog/how-many-square-feet-should-a-custom-home-be-why-bigger-isnt-better) ## [How Many Square Feet Should a Custom Home Be? Why Bigger Isn't Better](https://doxacustomhomes.com/blog/how-many-square-feet-should-a-custom-home-be-why-bigger-isnt-better) Jan. 13, 2026 | [Trends](https://doxacustomhomes.com/blog/tag/trends), [Custom Projects](https://doxacustomhomes.com/blog/tag/custom-projects), [Tips + Ideas](https://doxacustomhomes.com/blog/tag/tips-ideas), [Design Build](https://doxacustomhomes.com/blog/tag/design-build), [Custom Home Building](https://doxacustomhomes.com/blog/tag/custom-home-building) “How many square feet should a custom home be?”It seems like a simple question but it’s one of the **most expensive mistakes people make when building a custom home**. Most builders will answer it the easy way: *“As big as you can afford.”*What they... [Read More double\_arrow](https://doxacustomhomes.com/blog/how-many-square-feet-should-a-custom-home-be-why-bigger-isnt-better) [![Custom Home Features for your middle Tennessee home by Doxa Custom Homes](https://doxacustomhomes.com/hs-fs/hubfs/pexels-ivan-s-8962801.png?width=365&name=pexels-ivan-s-8962801.png)](https://doxacustomhomes.com/blog/the-first-step-to-designing-a-custom-home-most-people-get-this-wrong) ## [The First Step to Designing a Custom Home (Most People Get This Wrong)](https://doxacustomhomes.com/blog/the-first-step-to-designing-a-custom-home-most-people-get-this-wrong) Dec. 29, 2025 | [Trends](https://doxacustomhomes.com/blog/tag/trends), [Custom Projects](https://doxacustomhomes.com/blog/tag/custom-projects), [Tips + Ideas](https://doxacustomhomes.com/blog/tag/tips-ideas), [Design Build](https://doxacustomhomes.com/blog/tag/design-build), [Custom Home Building](https://doxacustomhomes.com/blog/tag/custom-home-building) What is the first step to designing your dream home? Many people who are about to build a custom home get this wrong, and we understand why. Most people start their search online by looking at house plans and Pinterest boards for inspiration and... [Read More double\_arrow](https://doxacustomhomes.com/blog/the-first-step-to-designing-a-custom-home-most-people-get-this-wrong) [![Custom Home Features for your middle Tennessee home by Doxa Custom Homes](https://doxacustomhomes.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog%20Images/NOV%2025/NOV%2025%20Content%202%20-%20How%20Much%20Does%20a%20Luxury%20Remodel%20Cost%20in%20Middle%20Tennessee/Design-Build%20for%20your%20home%20remodeling%20needs%20by%20Doxa%20Custom%20Homes.jpg?width=365&name=Design-Build%20for%20your%20home%20remodeling%20needs%20by%20Doxa%20Custom%20Homes.jpg)](https://doxacustomhomes.com/blog/you-might-not-need-an-architect-to-design-your-custom-home-build) ## [You Might Not Need an Architect to Design Your Custom Home Build](https://doxacustomhomes.com/blog/you-might-not-need-an-architect-to-design-your-custom-home-build) Dec. 19, 2025 | [Trends](https://doxacustomhomes.com/blog/tag/trends), [Custom Projects](https://doxacustomhomes.com/blog/tag/custom-projects), [Tips + Ideas](https://doxacustomhomes.com/blog/tag/tips-ideas), [Design Build](https://doxacustomhomes.com/blog/tag/design-build), [Custom Home Building](https://doxacustomhomes.com/blog/tag/custom-home-building) If you are looking to build a custom home for your family, you might have wondered if you need an architect or designer to make plans for your house. This is a fair question, and one we will address in this article. We crafted [Our Design Build...](https://doxacustomhomes.com/our-process) [Read More double\_arrow](https://doxacustomhomes.com/blog/you-might-not-need-an-architect-to-design-your-custom-home-build) [![Professional Kitchen Remodel Lebanon TN](https://doxacustomhomes.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Kitchen-Mood-B-1024x683-2.webp?width=365&name=Kitchen-Mood-B-1024x683-2.webp)](https://doxacustomhomes.com/blog/how-to-prepare-for-a-kitchen-remodel-while-staying-in-your-home) ## [How to Prepare for a Kitchen Remodel While Staying in Your Home](https://doxacustomhomes.com/blog/how-to-prepare-for-a-kitchen-remodel-while-staying-in-your-home) Mar. 18, 2025 | [Kitchens](https://doxacustomhomes.com/blog/tag/kitchens), [Tips + Ideas](https://doxacustomhomes.com/blog/tag/tips-ideas), [General Contractor](https://doxacustomhomes.com/blog/tag/general-contractor) A kitchen remodel is an exciting yet challenging process. For homeowners embarking on a renovation, one of the biggest concerns is whether they can stay in their home during the project. The short answer is yes, but it requires careful planning and... [Read More double\_arrow](https://doxacustomhomes.com/blog/how-to-prepare-for-a-kitchen-remodel-while-staying-in-your-home) [![Natural Wood Flooring Cookeville](https://doxacustomhomes.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Kitchen-hardwood-floors.webp?width=365&name=Kitchen-hardwood-floors.webp)](https://doxacustomhomes.com/blog/best-sustainable-flooring-types-for-your-home) ## [Best Sustainable Flooring Types for Your Home](https://doxacustomhomes.com/blog/best-sustainable-flooring-types-for-your-home) Oct. 11, 2024 | [Tips + Ideas](https://doxacustomhomes.com/blog/tag/tips-ideas), [Comparisons](https://doxacustomhomes.com/blog/tag/comparisons), [General Contractor](https://doxacustomhomes.com/blog/tag/general-contractor) As homeowners become increasingly aware of their environmental impact, sustainable flooring options are gaining popularity. Sustainable flooring not only helps reduce your carbon footprint but also adds beauty and functionality to your home. This... [Read More double\_arrow](https://doxacustomhomes.com/blog/best-sustainable-flooring-types-for-your-home) [![Pet Safety Home Remodeling](https://doxacustomhomes.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/PEt-Safe-Remodel.webp?width=365&name=PEt-Safe-Remodel.webp)](https://doxacustomhomes.com/blog/how-to-keep-your-pets-safe-during-your-remodel) ## [How to Keep Your Pets Safe During Your Remodel](https://doxacustomhomes.com/blog/how-to-keep-your-pets-safe-during-your-remodel) Oct. 2, 2024 | [Tips + Ideas](https://doxacustomhomes.com/blog/tag/tips-ideas), [General Contractor](https://doxacustomhomes.com/blog/tag/general-contractor) Remodeling your home can be an exciting yet disruptive process, and ensuring the safety and well-being of your pets during this time is crucial. Pets can be particularly sensitive to changes in their environment, and construction activities can pose... [Read More double\_arrow](https://doxacustomhomes.com/blog/how-to-keep-your-pets-safe-during-your-remodel) [![Farmhouse Shiplap Bathroom Remodel Lebanon TN](https://doxacustomhomes.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Screen-Shot-2023-10-31-at-1_17_23-PM-1024x682.png?width=365&name=Screen-Shot-2023-10-31-at-1_17_23-PM-1024x682.png)](https://doxacustomhomes.com/blog/how-long-does-it-take-to-remodel-a-bathroom-in-cookeville) ## [How Long Does it Take to Remodel a Bathroom in Middle Tennessee?](https://doxacustomhomes.com/blog/how-long-does-it-take-to-remodel-a-bathroom-in-cookeville) Sep. 25, 2024 | [Tips + Ideas](https://doxacustomhomes.com/blog/tag/tips-ideas), [Bathrooms](https://doxacustomhomes.com/blog/tag/bathrooms), [General Contractor](https://doxacustomhomes.com/blog/tag/general-contractor) Remodeling a bathroom can be an exciting and transformative project, but understanding the timeline is crucial for planning and setting expectations. Whether you’re updating an outdated space, expanding your bathroom, or making it more... [Read More double\_arrow](https://doxacustomhomes.com/blog/how-long-does-it-take-to-remodel-a-bathroom-in-cookeville) double\_arrow First chevron\_left Prev [1](https://doxacustomhomes.com/blog) [2](https://doxacustomhomes.com/blog/tag/tips-ideas/page/2) [Next chevron\_right](https://doxacustomhomes.com/blog/tag/tips-ideas/page/2) [Last double\_arrow](https://doxacustomhomes.com/blog/tag/tips-ideas/page/2) [![Doxa\_Logos\_BNW-08](https://doxacustomhomes.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Foundation%20Images/Foundation%20Assets/Doxa_Logos_BNW-08.png?width=300&height=150&name=Doxa_Logos_BNW-08.png)](https://doxacustomhomes.com) ## Services - [Custom Homes](https://doxacustomhomes.com/services/custom-homes) - [Whole Home Remodeling](https://doxacustomhomes.com/services/whole-home-remodeling) - [Home Additions](https://doxacustomhomes.com/services/home-additions) - [Kitchen Remodeling](https://doxacustomhomes.com/services/kitchen-remodeling) ## Helpful Links - [Cost Guide](https://doxacustomhomes.com/cost-guide-middle-tennessee) - [Process](https://doxacustomhomes.com/our-process) - [About](https://doxacustomhomes.com/about) - [Careers](https://doxacustomhomes.com/careers) - [Communities Served](https://doxacustomhomes.com/areas-served) - [Contact](https://doxacustomhomes.com/contact) ## Contact Us [931-349-6639](tel:+19313496639) 114 N Cedar Ave Suite HH  Cookeville, TN 38501 ![Association of Professional Builders ](https://doxacustomhomes.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Foundation%20Images/Foundation%20Assets/Association%20of%20Professional%20Builders%20.png?width=200&height=78&name=Association%20of%20Professional%20Builders%20.png) [Follow us on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/doxacustomhomes) [Follow us on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/doxacustomhomes/) [Follow us on Pinterest](https://www.pinterest.com/doxacustomhomes/) [Follow us on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@Doxacustomhomes) ©2026 Doxa Custom Homes// - [Privacy Policy](https://doxacustomhomes.com/privacy-policy-terms) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@id" : "https://doxacustomhomes.com/#doxacustomhomes", "@type" : [ "LocalBusiness", "HomeAndConstructionBusiness" ], "areaServed" : [ "Cookeville", "Crossville", "Lebanon", "Murfreesboro", "Gordonsville", "Sparta", "Smithville", "Livingston", "Algood", "Hartsville", "Gainesboro", "Carthage", "Monterey", "Baxter", "Mt. Juliet" ], "image" : [ "https://50450166.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/50450166/Foundation%20Images/About/Team%20Photos/The%20Doxa%20Custom%20Homes%20owners%20family%20pictured%20at%20a%20custom%20home%20site%20in%20Cookeville%2c%20TN.jpg" ], "logo" : "https://doxacustomhomes.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Foundation%20Images/Foundation%20Assets/Doxa_Logos_BNW-08.png?width=600&height=300&name=Doxa_Logos_BNW-08.png", "name" : "Doxa Custom Homes", "sameAs" : [ "https://www.facebook.com/p/Doxa-Contracting-Company-100095058694570/", "https://www.instagram.com/doxacustomhomes/", "https://www.pinterest.com/doxacustomhomes/", "https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCykWFGPzNZ1P_EPAXIjYJRQ" ], "telephone" : "931-349-6639", "url" : "https://doxacustomhomes.com/" } ```