About
A builder's know-how, for your home
Builder Buys is for homeowners and DIYers who want to know what a product is, what it looks like, and where to buy it. It's written by Barry Beck, who has spent 36 years building high-end custom homes in Central Florida with Beck Custom Homes.
Most people never hear about half the products that make a great home work: a hinge that hides a door, a pull-out that fixes a corner cabinet, lighting that sets a whole room with one button. Over 36 years I've tracked down a lot of them, and learned which ones are worth the money.
Builder Buys is where I share that short list in plain language: the lighting, hardware, hidden doors, planters, and tools I'd recommend, what they look like, and where to buy them. If you're a builder or remodeler, you'll find useful notes here too.
Beck Custom Homes
Beck Custom Homes builds high-end custom homes in Central Florida. Many of the products featured here are the kind of details that show up in those homes. If you'd like to see the finished work, Beck Custom Homes' own site has the portfolio.
See these products in a Beck Custom Home ↗
How Builder Buys works
- Plain language. Each guide covers what a product is, what it looks like, where to buy it, and what to watch for.
- Honest. If something has drawbacks, the guide says so, linked or not.
- Easy to use wins. When two products do the same job, the simpler one gets the nod.
- Florida minded. Heat, humidity, sun, storms, sand, and pools are part of life here.
- Transparent. Builder Buys may earn commissions through affiliate links. That never decides what's recommended. See the affiliate disclosure.
Planning a custom home and want a builder's eyes on your floor plan? Occasional plan reviews may be offered in the future.