Designing a custom, build-to-sell home, is one of my favorite things to do. I love to imagine how a family would use the space. I am always drawn to a clean and classic design style. I love the craftsman/coastal design with clean lines and a light and airy feel, but also adding in something special you don’t find in any other build to sell home.
I take something from each of our past builds and grow from that. Whether its a style I loved from a past build, and I’ll use it in the next one, or something that I know I could make better, and I’m able to improve on it for the current build. Each house we do I say, “This one is my Favorite!” My daughter reminds me that I make that comment on every house. That is always my goal, to make each one the best one yet!
This all brings me to our most recent built, the Mabel Two Story being built at 7732 Country Hills Drive in NE Bismarck. This home is completed with framing, windows, doors and shingles! I smile every time I walk into this house. It is so spacious and open! This floor plan is inspired from our personal home. I love how our home functions, and I used the best parts of our home and put it into this plan!


Now that the house is framed, we all get to sigh a big sigh of relief! SO much work goes into this point of a build. Roger is great at managing our projects. Everything has to line up (almost perfectly) with sub contractors, and supply houses, and sometimes it doesn’t always go as planned, but often it does! We’ve learned to adapt, and that is just part of building. Seeing a house standing, fully framed, sheeted with a roof, is such a reward! You finally get to see the plan on paper finally come to life!
Up to this point, most of the interior finishes have been selected. The cabinets, flooring, and shower tile are all chosen. This makes the project run smoother by having everything selected. I always like to bring the materials to the project to see it in the natural lighting before ordering. I may make minor adjustments, but most of the time, its good to go.

I’ve also chosen the exterior materials and colors. This seems to be the hardest for me when designing a built to sell home. It needs to have great curb appeal in order for a potential family to want to come see what’s inside!

The plumber, electrician, and HVAC will be roughing in next, and then the insulators will come. Once that is all complete, the drywall will go up and its time to pick out paint colors! I like to do this once the drywall is up and I can take the paint deck to the house. I always choose the paint color at the build. Paint can look so different, so its important to see it in the home with the natural lighting.
Once we get to the point of a home with drywall and paint, I will keep you posted as to what is next! Stay tuned! You can also follow along on our Instagram @grendahldesignco
This house is for sale! If you are interested in viewing it you can follow the link. https://www.bismarckmandanhomes.com/Listing/7732-Country-Hills-Drive/20200811043412159518000000