Master Suite Renovation: Transforming an Older Home into a Luxurious Retreat

Some remodeling projects are about updating finishes to refresh a space. Others require rethinking an entire space to make it work better for the homeowners and the way they live. This master suite renovation was definitely the latter. Completed about two years ago, this project was actually our second renovation for the Piekos family. We had previously transformed their basement kitchen into a much more functional kitchen and bar area. When they were ready to tackle their master suite, they came back to Custom Homes by Modern Structure for help.

From Outdated to One-of-a-Kind: A Whole-Home Renovation Journey

When Virginia purchased her home on Evansville’s far west side in June 2025, she knew she had a project on her hands.
The older home needed much more than a fresh coat of paint. Virginia wanted to gut the house and transform it into a home that better reflected her style, needs, and vision for the future, including creating a storm shelter underneath the home.
What she needed was a contractor who could take her ideas, understand the big picture, and turn them into reality without making the process more complicated (or longer) than it needed to be.
That’s where Custom Homes by Modern Structure came in.

What Actually Happens During a Typical Week of Home Construction?

If you’re in the midst of building a new home, you’ve probably wondered what your builder actually does all day. Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at what a typical week really looks like.

How to Design the Most Energy-Efficient Home

With energy costs continuing to rise, homeowners are placing more value on homes that are comfortable, affordable to operate, and built to last. You can make a small impact by installing solar panels and high-end appliances: but a true energy-efficient home starts from the ground up; with thoughtful design.
At Custom Homes by Modern Structure, we believe energy efficiency starts long before construction begins. Every decision, from the home’s layout to its insulation and mechanical systems, plays a role in reducing energy consumption while creating a healthier, more comfortable living space.

Building a New Custom Home vs Purchasing an Existing Home

When it’s time to move to a new area, get a larger home to accommodate a growing family, or move into a new home that’s more suitable to your lifestyle, you have some decisions to make. For many; one of the biggest decisions in the home-buying process is whether to build a brand-new custom home or purchase an older existing home.
Both options come with their own advantages, challenges, and long-term considerations, but the right choice often depends on your lifestyle, priorities, timeline, and budget.
If you’re weighing the pros and cons of new construction versus a home that already exists, here’s what you should know before making your decision.

Designed for Real Life: Exploring the Flexible Floorplan of 1310 Mockingbird Lane

Tucked into the welcoming community of Mount Vernon, Indiana, 1310 Mockingbird Lane is more than just a new home, it’s a thoughtfully designed space built for the way people actually live today.

From the moment you step inside, the floorplan reveals a seamless blend of comfort, flexibility, and modern functionality, offering spaces that can easily adapt to your lifestyle.

Whether you’re working from home, hosting friends and family, or simply looking for a layout that grows with you, this home delivers. Every square foot has been carefully considered, creating a balance between open-concept living and multi-use areas that make everyday life feel both effortless. What truly sets this home apart is how the layout guides your daily routine with a natural flow between spaces, smart separation where you need it, and open connectivity where you want it.

Before You Build: Understanding Today’s Home Construction Costs

Since 2020, the cost of building a new home has climbed at an unprecedented pace, reshaping expectations for homeowners and home builders.

Before 2020, budgeting for materials, labor, and timelines was a relatively predictable process. Today, this same process has become more complicated and complex due to global supply chain disruptions, labor shortages, and fluctuating material prices.

From the price of lumber spiking during the early pandemic to ongoing increases in concrete, steel, and skilled labor, nearly every component of residential construction has been affected.

As demand for housing remains strong, these rising costs continue to influence not only how homes are built, but also what buyers can afford and how projects are planned.

In this blog, we’re walking you through these price increases to help you get into the best and most educated mindset before starting the process of building a new home. By having a good understanding of how homes are priced in today’s market, you can make more informed decisions.

Where Memories Happen: Designing a Home for Entertaining

Picture this: You’re in your living room, imagining a house full of friends and family for Thanksgiving dinner, Christmas morning, and Sunday Night Football. The table is overflowing with food, music hums in the background, and laughter carries from room to room. It’s the kind of home that brings people together effortlessly. There’s just one problem…your current space isn’t built for it.

Do Affordable Starter Homes Still Exist?

If you’ve ever wondered why today’s “starter homes” in the Evansville area look nothing like the ones your parents or grandparents bought, you’re not alone. What was once a small affordable first home, has evolved into something very different. 

How Appraisals Work for New Construction Homes

When you’re building a new home, there’s a lot happening behind the scenes beyond choosing floor plans and finishes. One important step that often raises questions is the appraisal.

New construction appraisals work a bit differently than appraisals for existing homes, and understanding how they’re done can help you feel more confident as you move through the building process.

In this article, we’ll break down how new construction appraisals work, why they’re so important, what factors appraisers look at, and what homeowners can expect along the wa