Building a period-style home is about more than construction, it’s about honoring tradition while creating a space designed for your specific needs. At Early New England Homes by Country Carpenters, our designs are rooted in true 18th-century New England architecture, thoughtfully adapted to meet today’s standards for comfort and efficiency.
If you’re considering building a classic New England home, this guide will walk you through the essential steps of planning. From selecting a style to preparing your site and assembling your kit home, we’ll cover everything you need to know. Let’s go!
Step 1. Selecting a Classic New England Architectural Style
The first step in building your home is choosing the architectural style that best fits your vision, property, and lifestyle. We offer four authentic designs, each grounded in early American tradition, let’s check them out:
- Cape Cod – Efficient and timeless, ideal for simple living and practical layouts. One of the most searched historic home styles in the Northeast.
- Saltbox – Recognizable by its extended rear roofline, offering classic proportions.
- Gambrel – Designed with increased headroom on the second floor for expanded usable space.
- Colonial – Spacious and symmetrical, perfect for those seeking a more formal and substantial presence.
When selecting your design, consider your lot size, long-term needs, layout, and how you plan to use the home over time. Each style reflects period authenticity while allowing flexibility for modern functionality. Not sure which is right for you? Contact our team to discuss your vision and get a personalized recommendation.
Step 2: Evaluating Your Land and Preparing the Site
Once you decide to move forward and have a dream building picked out, your land plays a central role in the success of your Colonial-era inspired home build. Before construction begins, it’s important to walk the property and assess key factors such as sunlight patterns, drainage, and natural grading. As you prepare to embark on this process, please reach out to us to allow us to assist you through the early stages. We are available for in person consultations at our home office, video chat, phone or email.
An engineered site plan directs proper clearing, leveling, and grading of your property for the installation of your engineered foundation considering soil conditions and proper water mitigation. Complete these steps early to prevent scheduling delays and construction of your new home.
Step 3: Designing and Personalizing Your Floor Plan
While our homes are rooted in 18th-century design principles, they are built for modern life. Our standard floor plans can be customized to suit your needs, whether that means expanding the kitchen, opening up living spaces, or strategically placing windows to maximize natural light.
Throughout the refinement process, we preserve the key architectural elements that define authentic period-style homes:
- – The central chimney — the heart of any true New England colonial home
- – Balanced, symmetrical proportions consistent with 18th-century craftsmanship
- – Exposed timber ceiling systems that distinguish our homes from traditional post and beam and conventional construction providing the best of both words.
- – Wide-plank Eastern White Pine flooring and handcrafted trim options
The result is a seamless blend of historic character and contemporary convenience. Careful planning at this stage ensures your home feels authentic in appearance while functioning comfortably for everyday modern living.
Step 4: Understanding the Advantages of Colonial Kit Homes
Traditional homebuilding can take significant time, especially when recreating historic details. Our pre-cut Colonial kit homes streamline the process without sacrificing craftsmanship or authenticity.
Here’s what’s included in every Early New England Homes’ kit:
- – Structural frame crafted from premium Eastern White Pine — chosen for its strength, stability, and timeless character
- – An engineered open-architecture timbered ceiling system compatible with provided conventionally framed exterior walls
By simplifying the construction process, our kit homes make building a post-and-beam inspired home more accessible and predictable
Building an Authentic Early New England Home
At Early New England Homes by Country Carpenters, we are committed to creating homes that reflect true 18th-century architecture while meeting today’s expectations for comfort and efficiency. Our team guides you through each stage of the process; from initial planning to final assembly, helping ensure a smooth and successful build.
With thoughtful site preparation and a carefully selected architectural style, you can create a period home designed to stand for generations.
Begin Your Historic Home Journey
Planning your period home starts with a clear vision and the right partner. Whether you’re exploring a dream Cape Cod style home, beginning Saltbox house planning, or preparing for Gambrel home construction, Early New England Homes provides the expertise and materials to bring your project to life.
Visit our model home at 26 West Street (Rt. 85), Bolton, CT 06043 — open Monday–Friday 8am–4:30pm and Saturday 9am–2pm. Or, contact our team online to get started from anywhere in the country.
Craft your legacy with a home that reflects the strength, simplicity, and enduring beauty of early New England design.