Blog

Why To Build A Semi-Custom Home

Building a new home should be exciting, but for many buyers, the process can feel overwhelming. Endless design decisions, unpredictable costs, and complicated timelines are often associated with traditional custom home building. At Stone Bridge Homes NW, we’ve created a better approach through our semi-custom homebuilding process, giving Oregon homebuyers the freedom to personalize their…
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Stone Bridge Homes NW Featured in the 2026 NW Natural Street of Dreams

We’re honored to be part of the 2026 NW Natural Street of Dreams, one of the Pacific Northwest’s most celebrated homebuilding events. This year’s show marks it’s 50th anniversary, and features more than 20 homes across the greater Portland region, showcasing innovation, craftsmanship, and the latest trends in residential design. Stone Bridge Homes NW is…
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Local vs. National Builders: Why Semi-Custom Homes Offer More Value

Building a home is one of the biggest decisions you’ll ever make. It’s not just about square footage or finishes. It’s about trusting that the people behind the process truly care about your home and the life you’ll build in it. That’s the difference of working with a local home builder, and why so many…
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Stone Bridge Homes NW in the 2026 COBA Tour of Homes

We’re proud to be participating in the 2026 COBA Tour of Homes in Central Oregon, showcasing seven thoughtfully designed homes that reflect our approach to semi-custom living, energy efficiency, and Pacific Northwest design. Whether you’re actively looking for a new home or just exploring what’s possible, this year’s tour is a chance to experience the…
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20 Years of Building Homes—Rooted in Oregon

This year marks a significant milestone for Stone Bridge Homes NW: 20 years of building homes in Oregon. Since our beginning in 2006, we have grown into a trusted name across the region – while staying true to the principles that guided us from the very beginning. For two decades, we’ve been proud to call…
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The Real Cost of Owning a Home in Bend, Oregon: HOA, Property Taxes & New Home Fees Explained

Buying a home in Bend or Central Oregon is exciting but it can also be overwhelming. There’s a lot more to homeownership than just the listing price.Like many of our clients, you want accurate information, honest pricing, and support that helps you see what’s coming next. At Stone Bridge Homes NW, we believe that transparency…
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Semi Custom Homes in Bend, Oregon: Your Guide to Building with Stone Bridge Homes NW

Dreaming of a home that truly reflects you? In Bend, Oregon, Stone Bridge Homes NW helps you create a semi custom home that matches your lifestyle, style, and goals. Whether you’re new to Central Oregon or a local looking to upgrade, this guide will help you explore your options and make confident choices along the…
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Bend Oregon Neighborhoods & Schools: The Ultimate Family-Focused Guide

This is your essential guide to Bend, Oregon neighborhoods and schools, crafted specifically for families looking to make the best move of their lives. At Stone Bridge Homes NW, we know that finding the right community is about more than just a house; it’s about where your family will thrive.  Whether you’re new to Central…
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The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Where to Live: Best Portland Neighborhoods & Lifestyle Communities

Why Your Choice of Neighborhood Matters Finding the right neighborhood is about more than location, it’s about fit. At Stone Bridge Homes NW, we believe your home is the foundation for your life’s story. According to Kelly Ritz, President of Stone Bridge Homes NW, ‘A home is more than four walls, it’s the place where…
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The Ultimate Guide to Buying a New Construction Home in Portland

Buying a new construction home is a celebrated milestone, not just another transaction. First-time home buyers and those searching for a perfect place to call home will benefit from Stone Bridge Homes NW’s expert insights, transparency and a personalized touch as a foundation of your future. Ready to get started? Contact us today to schedule…
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Portland Housing Market Trends & 2025 Forecast, Local Insights from Stone Bridge Homes NW

Why Trust Stone Bridge Homes NW for Portland Real Estate Insights? Portland’s housing market moves fast, and numbers only tell part of the story. Buyers and sellers need someone who knows the city inside out and can offer honest guidance along the way. That’s where Stone Bridge Homes NW comes in. We’ve been building homes…
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The New Home Advantage: Why Building New in Oregon is a Smarter Investment Than Buying Resale

Buying a home in Oregon today can feel challenging. Between rising prices, low inventory, and competitive bidding, it’s understandable to ask: “Is there a better way?” Fortunately, building a new home offers advantages that go beyond simply avoiding market stress. More buyers are discovering the benefits of new construction, especially with a trusted builder like…
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Portland Metro vs. Central Oregon: Choosing the Right Lifestyle and Home for Your Family

Deciding where to put down roots in Oregon isn’t always easy. If you’re weighing the lush, lively neighborhoods of Portland Metro against the sunny, adventure-filled communities of Central Oregon, you’re facing a choice many families consider. The “Portland or Bend?” debate comes up with nearly every family planning a move to the state. We understand, because…
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The Ultimate Oregon On-Your-Lot Checklist: 7 Things You Must Know Before You Build

Ever catch yourself daydreaming about building your own home on that perfect piece of Oregon land? Maybe you picture waking up to the sound of birds in the Willamette Valley, or soaking in the mountain views outside Bend. It’s an exciting thought—having the freedom to personalize every detail. But as with any major investment, building…
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The Semi-Custom Difference: A Step-by-Step Guide to Personalizing Your Stone Bridge Home

Think about the last time you walked into a brand-new house. Did you ever wish you could move a wall here, add a window there, or pick out your own finishes instead of settling for whatever the builder chose? Stone Bridge Homes NW gets it. Your home should reflect your personality, your lifestyle, and your…
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Stone Bridge Homes Gets the Gold

Stone Bridge Homes was recently awarded “Most Gold Certified Homes” by the Earth Advantage Institute at their annual Green Building awards.  This marks Stone Bridge’s 9th win in this category. To earn a Gold certification, our homes are built to exacting standard and are subject to rigorous testing.  By ensuring our homes are built to…
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Two Handfuls of Accolades – Hillsboro Named One of the “Best Places To Live” for the 10th Time

Hillsboro, Oregon has once again been recognized as one of the “Best Places to Live” – marking this the tenth time it has received such an honor.   Located just West of Portland, Hillsboro is praised for its unique blend of small-town feelw tih big-city opportunities.  It’s economy is home to cornerstone employers like Intel…
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What to Look for When Touring a Home or a Community

Touring a new home is exciting—but it’s also a big decision. Whether you’re searching in Portland, Bend, or anywhere in between, knowing what to look for during a tour can help you feel confident about your next move. At Stone Bridge Homes NW, we believe the experience of touring a home or community should go…
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Stone Bridge Homes Wins Big at COBA Tour of Homes

The results are in, and Stone Bridge Homes NW came home with 8 awards from the 2025 COBA Tour of Homes, including Best Landscaping, Best Value (X2), Best Architectural Design, and Best Kitchen. Central Oregon’s premier home show, the Tour of Homes showcases the best of modern building in the Central Oregon market.  Stone Bridge…
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Cool and Comfortable: Summer Energy-Saving Tips for Your New Home

Summer in Oregon is a beautiful time with long days, blue skies, and warm weather, perfect for enjoying the outdoors. But when the temperatures climb in Portland or Bend, keeping your home cool without spiking your energy bill can be a challenge. The good news? With just a few smart strategies, you can stay comfortable…
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Top Homes Made for Summer Entertaining

Make this summer unforgettable — in a home designed for connection, comfort, and outdoor living. Summer in the Pacific Northwest is pure magic — the kind that calls for backyard barbecues, al fresco dining, and unforgettable gatherings with friends and family. Whether you’re hosting a sunset dinner party or enjoying a laid-back afternoon with neighbors,…
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The Perks of Picking New – Why a new construction home might be just what you’re looking for

Are you dreaming of a home that perfectly fits your style, meets all of your needs, requires minimal upkeep, and offers all the latest style and design trends?  Then a new construction home might be just what you need!  While charming older homes will never go out of style, there are unique benefits that come…
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Stone Bridge Homes NW President Kelly Ritz featured in the Calderian

In a recent article titled “Reimagining Mountain Homes with Kelly Ritz” published in the Calederian, a newsletter dedicated to news and updates for the Caldera Springs neighborhood in Central Oregon, Stone Bridge Homes NW President Kelly Ritz sat down to discuss the evolving style of mountain style homes. “The modernization still centers around the great…
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New Homes Offer Much Needed Inventory in the Housing Market

According to a recent report from the National Association of Homebuilders, new home sales incresaed by 3.6% in December of 2024, reaching an annual rate nationally of 670,000.  This represents a 6.7% increase from December 2023.   What is fueling this boom in new home sales?  Limited availability of existing homes on the market is…
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Stone Bridge President Kelly Ritz Wins Lifetime Achievement Award

At a recent Home Builders Association of Metropolitan Portland gathering, Kelly Ritz – President of Stone Bridge Homes NW – was awarded with a Lifetime Achievement Award.   Leading Stone Bridge Homes NW since 2006, Kelly and Stone Bridge have beenrecognized as an innovative leader in semi-custom homebuilding in the Central Oregon and Portland Metro…
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Stevens Ranch featured on Central Oregon Daily News

Stone Bridge Homes NW’s newest neighborhood in Central Oregon – Stevens Ranch – was recently featured on the Central Oregon Daily News website!   Stevens Ranch offers an unparalleled blend of natural beauty, modern amenities, and a vibrant community spirit. Come explore the Stone Bridge Homes NW built homes at Stevens Ranch and see for…
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Stone Bridge Homes NW Wins Two at the COBA Tour of Homes

Stone Bridge Homes NW took home 2 awards at the 2023 COBA Tour of Homes!   We were awarded Best Interior Finish for homes ranging in price from $859,000 to $900,000, as well as the High Performance Building Award for homes ranging in price from $800,000 to $999,000.   We are proud to build in…
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Looking Ahead to 2021!

With the turn of the calendar to 2021, Stone Bridge Homes NW finds itself in communities both familiar and new.   We’re excited to continue building in Forest Grove, Hillsboro, Cornelius, and Central Oregon.  Even more so, we’re excited to be creating new neighbors in Wilsonville, and returning to Tigard and the West Hills of…
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Stone Bridge Named Builder of the Month by Earth Advantage

Stone Bridge Homes NW was recently named Builder of the Month for May by Earth Advantage!  We are proud to build our homes to the Earth Advantage standard for home performance and sustainability. Every Stone Bridge home has been meticulously designed and built for optimal performance and lower utility costs.  For more information on Earth…
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Kelly Ritz Named Executive of the Year by Portland Business Journal

Kelly Ritz, President of Stone Bridge Homes NW, was just named an Executive of the Year for 2018 by the Portland Business Journal.   Per the Portland Business Journal, the Executive of the Year selection “honors the most outstanding performances of 2018 for an Oregon or Southwest Washington executive”.    In 2018, Kelly Ritz and Stone…
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Stone Bridge Homes NW Takes Home 8 Awards at COBA Tour of Homes!

Stone Bridge Homes NW is proud to announce that we received 8 awards at the 2018 COBA Tour of Homes in Bend, Oregon!  The Central Oregon Builders Association (COBA) Tour of Homes is a showcase of the finest homes in Central Oregon.  See the full list of awards Stone Bridge Homes NW has won over…
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Kelly Ritz, president of Stone Bridge Homes NW, named Builder of the Year by HBA

Kelly Ritz, president of Stone Bridge Homes NW, has been named 2017 Builder of the Year by the Home Builders Association of Metropolitan Portland (HBA). The award is presented annually to an association member who distinguishes themselves on the basis of leadership, participation in the HBA, support of the home building industry and involvement in…
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Stone Bridge Homes NW Wins Big at COBA Tour of Homes

Stone Bridge Homes NW took home 8 awards at the 2017 COBA Tour of Homes this year, including a Best of Show! We are so proud of all of our hardworking employees that helped make this happen. For more information on all of our new homes, including those in the Central Oregon area, check out…
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2017 Stone Bridge Homes NW Summer Showcase

The 2017 Stone Bridge Homes NW Summer Showcase, presented by Standard TV & Appliance and NW Natural, takes place this July, in the popular Pacific Crossing neighborhood of Forest Grove. Tour four stunning homes from local builders, including the Viking House, a beautiful one level home built by local high school students. Below are previews…
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2026

Best Architectural Design | $1,849,000 - $2,000,000

COBA Tour of Homes

2026

Best Architectural Design | $674,000 - $725,000

COBA Tour of Homes

2026

Best Feature (Natural Light and Views) | $1,849,000 - $2,000,000

COBA Tour of Homes

2026

Best Interior | $674,000 - $725,000

COBA Tour of Homes

2026

Best Kitchen | $674,000 - $725,000

COBA Tour of Homes

2026

Best of Show | $674,000 - $725,000

COBA Tour of Homes

2026

Best Primary Suite | $674,000 - $725,000

COBA Tour of Homes

2026

Best Value | $1,849,000 - $2,000,000

COBA Tour of Homes

2026

Best Value | $674,000 - $725,000

COBA Tour of Homes

2026

Construction Manager of the Year - Robert Engel

Earth Advantage

2026

Hall of Fame- Central Oregon

Earth Advantage

2026

Hall of Fame- Portland

Earth Advantage

2026

Most Gold Homes - Central Oregon

Earth Advantage

2026

Most Gold Homes - Portland

Earth Advantage

2026

Project of the Year Finalist - Ridgecrest at Frog Pond

Earth Advantage

2025

Best Architectural Design

COBA Tour of Homes

2025

Best Feature (Upstairs Living with Laundry)

COBA Tour of Homes

2025

Best Kitchen

COBA Tour of Homes

What Our Homeowners Say

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Mary J | Autumn Sunrise

I chose Stone Bridge Homes for the construction of my new home in Oregon because of their reputation for building homes of exceptional quality. You can see the quality in the workmanship both inside and outside of their homes. Standard with their homes are details one would expect to find in an upscale, custom home. From lot selection to construction options to design components, I found the Stone Bridge representatives were always transparent with me about plan changes and the wide selection of design options available. 

Janet S | Frog Pond Ridge

We've been in our new Stone Bridge home for about six weeks now, long enough to be able to reflect both on the process and the end result. We'd never built a home before, but the changing needs of our multigenerational family started us down this road. We were very happily surprised with the number of options and customizations available to us through Stone Bridge, and the process that we entered into with tno small amount of repidation turned out to be one that was actually fun and enjoyable. 

Laila 

I wanted to take a moment to share what a pleasure it has been working with Erin from Home Warranty after purchasing our Northwest Stone Bridge home at Stevens Ranch. Even with a brand-new home, there are always a few touch-ups and small items that need attention. Erin made the entire process incredibly smooth and seamless from start to finish. She was consistently professional, prompt, thorough, and extremely personable throughout every interaction. Her communication and dedication to ensuring everything was handled properly truly stood out and made the experience stress-free. We sincerely appreciate all of her help and outstanding customer service.

 
 

Heidi L | Frog Pond Terrace

Our experience with Stone Bridge has been excellent. Communication is always there and answered timely. The home is well built with all the upgrades and changes we requested. So impressed that when we drove by and the team was pouring the foundation they shouted that they work for the best and they took such pride in their work. We feel we got a quality build with attention to detail from the ground up. Thank you!

Andrew | Frog Pond Vista

It was a pleasure working with Stone Bridge. You were extremely professional and knowledgeable. I will for sure recommend Stone Bridge to future friends, family, and colleagues.

Mike | Arlington Heights

Stone Bridge gave us the flexibility we were looking for. We didn’t want a cookie-cutter home, and with Stone Bridge, we could make the home our own.

Matt | Autumn View

We’ve been extremely satisfied with the quality, craftsmanship, and service. The floor plan was perfect for our growing family.

Bridge and Ryan | Reed's Crossing

My wife Bridge and I wanted to send our heartfelt thanks and gratitude to you for our wonderful Stone Bridge home in Reed’s Crossing. We have been here almost 5-years now and our home is just perfect. We’re so grateful that we had the opportunity to purchase it, and that your company was so accommodating to us.

Robert L | Autumn Sunrise

A change in address and walking into your new home should be a joyful moment. This is what we have experienced in our last 3 moves in the past 27 years. All our previous homes were built by Stone Bridge. Happiness is when you see what you designed. What your vision is. Stone Bridge has built a Palace for me and my family. They took the input from us and our son and built it to OUR specifications. I wanted a sink in my office where I could brew coffee my way. My wife wanted a second island in HER custom kitchen. 

Marcella M | Frog Pond Ridge

5 Stars across the board - from the quality of home, sales team, and support after closing, Stone Bridge Homes has more then exceeded our expectations. As a Realtor who has sold numerous new construction homes, I can confidently say this experience was not the norm, but I know it's the norm for Stone Bridge. Travis and team in the sales office at Frog Pond couldn't have been more on top of the process, answering all of our questions and meeting our concerns with nothing but grace and solution. My family is honored to own a Stone Bridge home for years to come.

Matt S | Autumn View

I'm happy to share how pleased my wife and I are with our Stone Bridge Home. This is the first house we've purchased and have been extremely satisfied with the quality, craftsmanship and service. Of all the homes we considered, our Stone Bridge home provided the best floor plan to meet the needs of our growing family. We've appreciated the detail and thought put into the design and have felt right at home since day one. For those looking to invest in a new home, we strongly recommend Stone Bridge Homes NW and the phenomenal staff who ensure your satisfaction.

Rama K | Abbey Woods Terrace

Exceptional Home Buying Experience!

From the initial consultation to the closing day, the entire process was smooth. The team was incredibly knowledgeable, patient, and attentive to my needs. They guided me through every step of the process, answering all of my questions and addressing any concerns promptly. I felt supported and well-informed throughout the entire journey. Thanks to their expertise, I found the perfect home for our needs. I highly recommend Stone Bridge Homes NW to anyone in the market for a new home!

Patrick W | Evergreen Gardens

Our 90 day warranty list looks to be done and I wanted to take an opportunity to provide some positive feedback for Scott. In this line of work, I'm certain it can be a thankless job at times as many customers want items to be done "instantly". I understand these things take time and especially contractors have to schedule warranty work amidst the construction projects that are going on as well. 

Phillip and Claudia | The Parks at Forest Grove

Upon living in our home for a year, we are happy we chose Stone Bridge for a variety of reasons. The choice in design and a variety of features of the home as well as the quality of construction. The 90 day warranty was really a great asset. The one-year warranty satisfied those small details that affords confidence in Stone Bridge. At a phone call, Scott and Misty addressed any concerns that emerged. In every interaction, they have been pleasant, helpful, and responsive. The people working for Stone Bridge are respectful, helpful, and professional in every interaction.