Echelon 1 Construction

09/25/2026

Thinking about buying land because you’d eventually like to build? Please talk to your builder before you fall in love with the property. Things like zoning, setbacks, utilities, soil conditions, grading, wetlands and permitting can dramatically change what you can build—and what it will cost. A gorgeous lot isn’t necessarily a buildable lot.
This is exactly the kind of thing we cover in our complimentary "Home Building Strategy Sessions.” Grand Rapids’ permitting guidance, for example, requires plans and may involve additional land-use requirements depending on the site.
https://www.grandrapidsmi.gov/grow-and-thrive/development-center/permits/residential-building-permits/new-residential-building-or-addition-building-permit/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

09/23/2026

You’re building a custom home and I give you ONE place to blow the budget. Where is the money going? A) Giant hidden pantry B) Dream primary shower C) Oversized garage D) Covered outdoor living E) Something else entirely. I’m curious because I know exactly where I’d spend it…

09/21/2026

West Michigan is still building!!
I’m a little bit of a housing-data nerd, and this is one resource I keep an eye on. The Home Builders Association of Michigan tracks new single-family permits, market values, and square footage by area. If you’re considering building in West Michigan in the next few years, this is a great way to see where new construction activity is happening. And if you want help figuring out what those trends mean for your plans, that’s the part we love helping with!

HBA of Michigan / Frankenmuth Insurance Housing Permit Dashboard HBAM collects and compiles statewide residential building permit data to help members, industry partners and policymakers better understand housing trends across Michigan. This housing permit dashboard, presented in partnership with Fr...

09/11/2026

I need your help, is my front elevation missing something? Shutters? Planter boxes? Just some staging? Perfect the way it is?? Your feedback and suggestions are appreciated!

09/11/2026

Oh my! I may have to start choosing my words more wisely at the hardware store 😂

09/11/2026

Anyone looking for a fabulous new home in Hudsonville with 280ft of lake frontage?

View this amazing property, images, and listing information.

09/08/2026

"The obstacles are increasingly familiar: higher land, material, and labor costs; restrictive zoning; lengthy permitting; building-code requirements; overlapping state and local authority; and workforce shortages."

Housing remains a leading policy issue for state legislatures as the country faces an estimated shortage of 4 million homes. A MIRS report from the National Conference of State Legislatures summit found that no state currently has enough rental or owner-occupied housing.

09/03/2026

Happy Labor Day Weekend from the team at E1C

08/31/2026

Housing Takes Center Stage in Michigan's U.S. Senate Race

08/06/2026

Sneak peek at the progress out at 4649 Hidden Ridge. . . This is one of our most favorite floor plans because it's got it ALL! Just look at the size of that covered deck and that VIEW!!
Call today to schedule a showing (616)970-6200