![Construction phase - foundation sealant and drainage membranes for basement protection for custom homes built by Rick Bernard.](http://bernardcustom.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/construction-phase-foundation-sealant-and-drainage-membranes-for-basement-protection-470x140.jpg)
Foundation sealing is very important in the Pacific Northwest with our occasional drenching rains. You have one chance to get this aspect right in your…
![Construction phase - cantilevered foundation wall awaiting soil to protect wall - custom home built by Rick Bernard.](http://bernardcustom.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/construction-phase-cantilevered-foundation-wall-awaiting-soil-to-protect-wall-470x140.jpg)
This extended flooring is what we refer to as a cantilevered footing. This is a relatively new concept in the Pacific Northwest. You can see…
![Copyright Getty Images - two-story home in Syzmbark, Polard.](http://bernardcustom.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/buzz-houses-upsidedown-gettyrmperpetuity-470x140.jpg)
As a long time builder, the worst outcome I have witnessed over all my years is when I see the bad judgement calls of a…
![Forest of rebar and concret foundation forms - custom homes by Rick Bernard.](http://bernardcustom.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/forest-of-rebar-and-concret-foundation-forms-custom-homes-by-Rick-Bernard-470x140.jpg)
The fabric of woven rebar is almost unbelievable. This is an example of engineering that is not going to take a chance on anything when…
![Custom home during the construction phase, stepped ceilings in a living space with a fireplace - custom home by Rick Bernard.](http://bernardcustom.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/construction-phase-stepped-ceilings-room-with-fireplace-and-three-section-window-470x140.jpg)
Stepped ceilings are custom home construction details that are one of the greatest “bang for the buck” techniques available today. The materials are virtually supplied…
![The Award-winning 20-20 Custom Home by Rick Bernard of Bernard Custom Homes featured on cover of Street of Dreams magazine 2013.](http://bernardcustom.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Rick-Bernard-2012-Custom-Home-featured-on-cover-of-Street-of-Dreams-2013-467x140.jpg)
Bernard Custom Homes and Rick Bernard are proud to announce that last’s year’s Street of Dreams “Best of Show” custom home is currently featured on…
![Rick Bernard - Custom Home Builder with over 35 years of experience with Bernard Custom Homes.](http://bernardcustom.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/rick-bernard-2011-in-front-of-tree-featured-470x140.jpg)
Does a younger builder help you build your custom home better than a more experienced builder? I might have answered this differently 30 years ago,…
![Concord V - front view - Bernard Custom Homes - 1985 Street of Dreams.](http://bernardcustom.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/concord-v-front-view-bernard-custom-homes-1985-street-of-dreams-470x140.jpg)
I can easily remember garage doors greeting visitors to our homes in the early 80’s. Having 3 separate garage doors that dominated the front elevation…
![Oregon Fir 2001 front entrance landscape - Street of Dreams custom home by Rick Bernard Custom Homes.](http://bernardcustom.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/oregon-fir-2001-front-entrance-landscape-street-of-dreams-custom-home-by-rick-bernard-custom-homes-470x140.jpg)
Welcome to evolution. Europeans, especially Germans and Swiss, think a home should last 100 years at a minimum and their materials and costs reflect this:…