The Internet is a wild and wonderful place when it comes to gathering information for your new or remodeled home. From blueprints to the latest trends to pricing, the problem with with internet searches isn't how to get started, but where?  

We have a few ideas (other than our website, of course). Here are five of our favorite blogs for building a home.

1. Houzz

We couldn't possibly assemble a list of websites about home design and trendy curb appeal without tacking on Houzz, which is argubly the most extensive home-oriented design site on the planet. With its user-generated database as well as the ability to collect and share images, Houzz has a huge corner on the design market, and should therefore be the first place you hit when you are looking for inspiration as well as the names of designers, brands, and samples. Don't forget--you can also narrow your search by Midwest contractors and architects, and you are even able to look up Sioux City, Onawa, and Yankton builders by name.

2. This Old House

While it may not make sense to feature This Old House on a list of websites for new homes, it brings such a wealth of information for how things should be done that it's worth noting. It's a great resource for do-it-yourselfers, and, since it also features blueprints and curb appeal makeovers, it's a great starting spot for those interested in optomized layouts and aesthetics.

3. Young House Love 

While this beautiful, family-consicous blog is taking what we hope is a brief hiatus, the huge following and resource base created by this high-style, budget-friendly family is worth exploring. From tackling design challenges to selecting finishes to organizing garage and storage spaces, Sherry and John have organized how-tos, inspiration boards, and quirky monologues around their adventures in remodeling.  

4. Better Homes and Gardens Exteriors

If you are looking for a great starting point for new home designs or exterior home makeovers, Better Homes and Gardens has a wide assortment of home styles, ideas, before-and-afters, and inspiration boards. There's more to this website than exteriors, of course, but we love the extensive nature of this particular page. Also, we're featured on it a few times, so it's hard not to feel a little proud.

5. Dream Home Source

This blueprint online superstore features so many styles and pictures of homes that it's worth a scroll through, particularly if you have a certain home style that consistently attracts you. While you can modify any and all blueprints for free, you'll need to pay for any plans you'd like to take with you. Another fun design tool is Exterior Portfolio's Dream Designer, which allows you to play with exterior finishes to get just the right look for you new or remodeled home.

Need more? Check out our growing list of exterior design examples found on our corporate page. These are just a few of our go-to building blogs that feel most at home to us here in the Midwest. Did your favorite home design site make the list? If not, mention it below in the comments, and we'd be happy to create a follow-up list of reader favorites! Don't forget, our staff at Overhead Doors would be happy to help with a free design consultaiton.