Blog
Designing a Home for Coastal Living in Forster-Tuncurry
When you hear the words coastal home, it’s easy to picture white interiors, light timbers, soft blues…
What Happens Before We Can Accurately Price a Custom Home?
One of the more difficult questions to answer early in a custom building project is also one…
The “Custom” in Custom Builder
A few weeks ago, Jake and I met with prospective clients at their home to talk through…
What We Believe Makes a Good Building Experience
A well-built home should be the standard. The experience of getting there deserves just as much attention….
Designing a Custom Home? Why the Concept Stage Matters
When designing a custom home, the first instinct for many people is to engage a designer or…
A Well-Designed Custom Home Starts With the Right Questions
A well-designed custom home doesn’t start with finishes, floor plans or Pinterest boards. It starts with understanding…
Why the New Year Often Triggers Big Home Decisions
The new year has a way of highlighting the small frustrations within your home that have been…
The Story Behind Manning Homes: Our Family, Our Move Back to Forster, and Why We Started Our Building Business
Updated September 2026 Manning Homes officially began in 2024, but the idea had been around for quite…
Love Where You Live, But Not the House? When a Knockdown Rebuild Might Make Sense
Sometimes the problem isn’t where you live. It’s the house you’re living in. You might love the…
Free Building Quotes vs Detailed Pricing: What’s the Difference?
If you’re starting to plan a custom home or major renovation, one of the first questions you’ll…
HIA Awards Finalists 2025
We’re incredibly excited to announce that Manning Homes has been named a finalist in the Outdoor Project…
How to Build Smarter in Forster, Diamond Beach & Surrounds
You’ve Got the Vision… But Where Do You Start? You’re finally ready to start planning your custom…