Journal

What we have learned, written down

Cost, how long a home lasts, what a clean jobsite tells you. Written by the people doing the building, not by a marketing department.

Devine District

The posts

In date order

A bridge faucet in polished nickel on a marble counter, the range behind it

August 9, 2026 · The Build Process

How Much Does It Cost to Build a Custom Home in Columbia, SC?

How much does it cost to build a custom home in Columbia, SC? There is no universal price per square foot, but that does not mean your budget should be uncertain. Learn how thoughtful pre-construction planning can establish clear pricing before your custom home build begins.

More

Ported; it became the What it costs page.

The rear of a large house, two levels of porches under a tall chimney

June 30, 2026 · The Build Process

How Long Does a Custom Home Last? The Difference Between a House Built for Today and a Home Built for Generations

For over a century, the Lafaye name has been woven into the architectural fabric of South Carolina. When my family first began building structures that would stand the test of time, the philosophy was simple: a home is not merely a shelter; it is a legacy.

Ported; it keeps its own URL and became its own page.

Interior framing with the stair taking shape and the subfloor swept clean

June 3, 2026 · The Build Process

The Clean Difference: Why Jobsite Organization is the Foundation of Craftsmanship

When you walk onto a construction site, what do you see? For many, the image is one of controlled chaos: stacks of lumber leaning at precarious angles, sawdust swirling in the wind, and a general sense of "we'll clean it up when we're done." But at Lafaye Homes, we view the jobsite differently.

More

Ported; it keeps its own URL and became its own page.

A paved terrace with wicker chairs above a long stretch of open water

April 8, 2026 · Design

Living the Lake Murray Life: Why Your Waterfront Custom Home Should Be Built for Every Stage of Life

There is a specific kind of magic that happens when the sun begins to rise over Lake Murray. The mist sits low on the water, the herons take flight from the reeds, and the world feels, for a moment, perfectly still.

Ported; it keeps its own URL and became its own page.

Credentials

Certified Master Builder and CAPS

Both certifications are held through the National Association of Home Builders, both are renewed every year, and the certificates are posted in the office.

  1. 01Certified Master BuilderThrough the National Association of Home Builders.
  2. 02Certified Aging‑in‑Place SpecialistThe CAPS designation, also through the NAHB.

Have a question a post should answer?

The posts here started as questions families asked on site. Ask yours and it may be the next one.

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