| At a Glance: Butte County residents have at least six solid paths to fund a new build from traditional bank loans and first-time buyer programs to wildfire recovery assistance. Local banks, Fannie Mae-backed lenders, the Town of Paradise First-Time Homebuyer Program, the ReCoverCA Homebuyer Assistance program, the Golden State Finance Authority, and certified Rebuild Advocates can each play a role in financing a home construction loan in Butte County. Trilogy breaks down all six below, plus answers the questions we hear most. |
Ready to fund the home you're building, buying, or rebuilding right here in Butte County? Good news: you've got more options than you might think. Trilogy has rounded up the top resources for home construction loans in Butte County, so you can spend less time Googling and more time picking out paint colors.
| If you're... | Consider... | Why it works |
|---|---|---|
| Already banking locally | A local bank construction loan | Personalized terms and a lender who already knows you |
| Buying your first home (or haven't owned one in 3+ years) | Town of Paradise First-Time Homebuyer Program | Deferred, low-interest gap loan; no monthly payments required |
| Working with a mortgage lender | Fannie Mae-backed financing | Widens the pool of loans your lender can offer you |
| Impacted by the Camp Fire or North Complex Fire | ReCoverCA Homebuyer Assistance | Up to $350,000 to help purchase a home outside a high fire severity zone |
| Living in an unincorporated part of the county | Golden State Finance Authority programs | Mortgage credit certificates, down payment assistance, multi-family financing |
| Overwhelmed by FEMA, SBA, or insurance paperwork | A Rebuild Advocate | Free, guided help through the entire rebuilding process |
Your bank is often the fastest place to start when you need a home construction loan in Butte County. If you think you want to buy or build a house, talk to your banker first and find out what they can do for you.
If this is your first home purchase, or you haven't owned a home in 3 or more years, it's worth looking into local first-time homebuyer loan programs. The Town of Paradise offers a deferred, low-interest "gap" loan to eligible first-time homebuyers as down payment assistance to purchase a home in Paradise. The loan amount is based on the difference between what you can afford and what the home costs—and because it's deferred, there are no monthly payments. The loan is due in 30 years, or sooner if the home is sold, vacated, or the title is transferred. Interest of 1% accrues for the first 10 years only.
Fannie Mae doesn't hand out loans directly, but it makes more home construction loans possible in Butte County by buying them from local lenders. Created by the federal government in 1938, Fannie Mae is a reliable source of mortgage financing for homeowners and homebuyers across the USA.
Lost a home to the Camp Fire or North Complex Fire? The ReCoverCA Homebuyer Assistance (DR-HBA) Program was built for you. Developed by the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) and managed by the Golden State Finance Authority, this program provides up to $350,000 to help income-eligible households purchase a home. The assistance is structured as a second mortgage that is fully forgiven after five years of ownership and occupancy.
Those in unincorporated areas of Butte County can also explore the Golden State Finance Authority's broader programs, which include mortgage credit certificates, additional down payment assistance, and multi-family financing options.
| Note: Disaster recovery funding programs in California change as rounds open and close. Always verify current availability and eligibility requirements directly with Butte County or your lender before applying. |
Feeling a little overwhelmed while navigating a sea of resources like insurance, FEMA, or SBA? Contact a Rebuild Advocate at the Town of Paradise. They can guide you through selecting a contractor (cough, may we suggest Trilogy Construction?), submitting plans, and other aspects of the rebuilding process.
If you're still deciding which home construction loan in Butte County is right for you, talk to your Trilogy team. We're happy to help you find the best home construction loans in Butte County for your situation.
Contact us today to get started!
What is a home construction loan?
A home construction loan funds the cost of building a new house. Funds are typically released in stages as construction progresses, rather than as one lump sum like a traditional mortgage.
How do I qualify as a first-time homebuyer in Butte County?
For the Town of Paradise program, you qualify if you haven't owned a home in the past three years—even if you've owned property before that window. Income limits based on federal guidelines also apply, and you'll need to work through a certified lender. Check the Town of Paradise website for the most current limits.
What is the Town of Paradise First-Time Homebuyer loan, exactly?
It's a deferred, low-interest "gap" loan, meaning the loan amount covers the difference between what you can afford and what the home costs. There are no monthly payments. The loan is due in 30 years or when the home is sold, vacated, or transferred. Interest of 1% accrues for the first 10 years only.
Can I get help buying a home if I lost mine in a wildfire?
Maybe! The ReCoverCA Homebuyer Assistance (DR-HBA) Program offers up to $350,000 to help Camp Fire and North Complex Fire survivors purchase a home outside a high fire severity zone in California. Eligibility requirements include income limits, a maximum 45% debt-to-income ratio, and an 8-hour homebuyer education course. The assistance is structured as a forgivable second mortgage after five years of ownership and occupancy.
Does Fannie Mae lend money directly to homebuyers?
No. Fannie Mae purchases loans from lenders rather than issuing them directly, which allows lenders to fund more home construction loans in Butte County.
What does a Rebuild Advocate do?
A Rebuild Advocate offers free guidance from the Town of Paradise through insurance claims, FEMA and SBA paperwork, contractor selection, and plan submission for households rebuilding after a disaster.
Where can I find construction loan programs if I live in an unincorporated part of Butte County?
The Golden State Finance Authority offers mortgage credit certificates, down payment assistance, and multi-family financing for residents in unincorporated areas. The Butte County Housing Programs page is also a good starting point for the full current list of available programs.
Q: What’s the difference between a house and a home?
A: How it makes you feel!
A house should be more than just four walls and a roof. It should be a place that reflects your personality, a sanctuary where you can relax and recharge. A place with a cozy couch for watching movies with your family or a soaker tub where you wash away the stress of the work week.
At Trilogy, we strive to make every house feel like a home, so get ready! In 2026, you can expect to see even more advice from Trilogy on building a space that welcomes you in and is right for you and your family. Are you ready to make yourself at home this year?
Where did the phrase, “make yourself at home” come from? Some sources say it was first recorded in 1860. In ye olden days, visiting other people’s houses was a formal affair, with socializing done in drawing rooms. So hosts would use the phrase to make guests feel welcome and comfortable. Luckily, it caught on and continues today—but with additional emphasis on making the actual owners feel comfortable as well! No drafty parlors here!
Here are a few pointers to get started this year on making yourself at home!
Match the design and layout to your lifestyle. Maybe you need a split floor plan to give the kids their own space. Or maybe you’ve been dreaming of a spa-like bathroom (with a walk-in shower big enough to wash the family dog in) or an open floor plan with a combined living room/dining room to host your Academy Awards watch party.
Add design modifications to make your life easier. Include special home features like a built-in appliance garage in the kitchen or a hidden pull-out drying rack in a laundry room cabinet. There are so many storage solutions to help keep your essentials out of sight until you need them.
Make it personal. Mix memorabilia with new finds, so your house isn’t just a showroom for the trendiest home design trends or out-of-the-box furniture. Add art done by friends, family photographs, and meaningful personal décor.
Embrace your style. Don’t let trends or well-intentioned friends or family take over your good judgment when making design decisions. Remember, it’s your home and your style, so choose one in line with your tastes.
Make your dream home. At Trilogy, our clients are involved in making their new house a home through the planning and building process. By going through this together, it builds more than just a house: it builds a true connection.
In 2026, it’s your turn to make yourself at home! Take advantage of our Palisades Homes and custom home-building experience. Our experience and your vision means you can create the home of your dreams.
Many people ask us: "Is there a way to get a custom-built home without all the stress and cost of building from scratch?" The answer is yes, and it's called a semi-custom home.
At Trilogy, we know building a home can feel like an emotional tug-of-war: you want a specialized home that feels like you, but the idea of starting from zero is exhausting just to think about. Our Palisades Homes solve that problem by giving you the best of both worlds.
Palisades Homes is Trilogy's semi-custom home line, built specifically for families in Butte County who want quality, character, and flexibility—without the full custom workload or price tag.
A semi-custom home is the middle ground between buying an existing home and building a fully custom one. Instead of designing everything from scratch, you choose from a set of pre-designed floor plans and finishes, then make them your own. You get the personalization of a custom build with far less time, cost, and stress.
1. Save time and money. Architectural plans are already drawn, so they're only one-third the cost of a fully custom build. Labor costs and building fees are lower, too, because there are fewer one-off custom details to manage.
2. Faster build time. Building a fully custom home can take upwards of a year. With a Palisades Home, you can get the keys in as little as six months.
3. Choose from ready-made floor plans. Palisades Homes offers four thoughtfully designed floor plans to help you avoid decision fatigue, and each one is built to accommodate different lifestyles and needs.
4. Use your land, or let us help you find some. Our flexible plans can work on property you already own. Don't have land yet? Just ask: we can help you find the right spot and the right floorplan to fit it.
5. Pick a design style that reflects you. Choose from four timeless looks: Tuscan, Modern, Coastal, and Farmhouse. And yes…you can totally mix and match design elements from each style.
6. Feel confident in a solid build. All Palisades Homes are built from the ground up on a solid, attached foundation—the same stick-built construction (and potential resale value) you'd expect from any other home.
7. Built by licensed contractors. Trilogy has been licensed and insured for over five decades, bringing years of experience building (and rebuilding) high-quality homes in Butte County.
How much does a Palisades Home cost compared to a fully custom home?
While every project is different, Palisades Homes are designed to cost less than a fully custom build. With a fully custom home, you're paying for everything to be designed and built from scratch—architectural drawings, engineering reviews, one-of-a-kind selections and details. With a Palisades Homes build, the foundational plans are already done, which means architectural costs are roughly one-third of what you'd pay for a custom build.
How long does it take to build a Palisades Home?
In as few as six months, you could have the keys to a brand-new home. A fully custom build, by comparison, often takes a year or more from design to move-in. The faster timeline with a Palisades Homes build isn't because it cuts corners—it's simply faster because there’s a proven, efficient process already in place. Construction timelines are shorter because crews aren't waiting on custom decisions at every turn. Plus, less time on-site means lower labor costs overall.
What are the benefits of choosing a semi-custom build versus buying an existing home?
Great question! This is one we hear a lot. When you buy an existing home, you're inheriting someone else's choices: their layout, their finishes, their deferred maintenance. With a Palisades Homes build, everything is brand new. You choose the floor plan, the design style, and the details that matter most to you. You also get a fresh foundation, new systems (HVAC, plumbing, electrical), and the peace of mind that comes with new construction warranties. It's a new home built for your life—not someone else's.
At Palisades Homes, you get all the quality of a traditional stick-built home and the craftsmanship of a Trilogy Construction build—just faster and less expensive than a custom build. Choose your floor plan, pick your design style, and end up with something that's entirely your home, your style.
Explore all four floorplans here, then contact us to get started—we'd love to help you build it.
This is one of the most common questions we hear—and we’re always happy to answer it as best we can. But for most custom home builds, it’s not a simple figure. Cost per square foot varies significantly based on conditioned square footage, terrain, location, selections, and material choices.
Cost per square foot is a helpful starting point, but it’s not a complete way to understand the cost of a home. That’s because it doesn’t account for factors like site conditions, layout, amenities, or finishes. Depending on those details, two homes with the same square footage can end up with very different budgets.
Below, we’re answering some common questions about cost per square foot—and sharing suggestions for understanding the costs for your home. 👇🏼
A: Price per square foot is based on the conditioned square footage of the house. When you hear about a 1,500-square-foot home, that number typically refers to the heated and cooled living space.
If you add a two-car garage, the home is still considered 1,500 square feet, but you’ve added costs for concrete, framing, drywall, electrical, roofing, and more. Those additions increase the overall project cost, which can raise the price per square foot—even though the living space hasn’t changed.
A: Absolutely.
The terrain of the property matters. If a lot slopes significantly (as it often does in Butte County), it can affect the foundation and the cost to build it. Septic systems, wells, and other site-specific requirements also factor into the overall cost.
These details don’t show up in a simple square-foot calculation, but they have a real impact on the final number.
A: Custom amenities and upgrades increase cost per square foot because they require premium materials, specialized labor, and additional construction time.
Some homeowners want a covered back patio for barbecuing and relaxing. Others prioritize features like custom cabinetry, high-end kitchen finishes, a built-in pantry, or a marble shower. Each of these selections can vary widely in price.
A: Trilogy uses our True Quote process to provide firm, detailed pricing based on current material costs, labor rates, and your specific project requirements.
Material and labor costs have increased over the years—not just on the Ridge but across California and the entire country. When people ask us about the cost per square foot, we want to be honest with them from the start.
Our True Quote process gives you a firm number you can count on with a level of detail not all contractors provide. When the job is complete, you can look back and feel good about the fairness and transparency throughout the entire process.
A: “Can you build the home I want within this budget?”
Sharing your full budget and your wishlist upfront allows your builder to guide you toward realistic options and help prevent surprises down the road. If staying within budget matters to you, make sure your contractor has a plan to manage costs from start to finish.
A: The most important factor is choosing a contractor you trust for a long-term partnership. They should also have proven relationships with subcontractors and communication styles that match your preferences
Building a home is a relationship, and it doesn’t end the day you move in. Especially early on, you may have questions or need guidance. Choose a licensed contractor who communicates clearly throughout the entire process and treats your project with care.
A: Start with: “Are you licensed?” That’s rule number 1.
Then, move onto: “What’s your relationship like with your subcontractors and vendors?” A good contractor works with stable, reliable partners they trust—not just whoever is available.
Then ask: “How do you communicate?” Communication keeps the entire project moving and on-track, so it’s important your preferences align. Some people prefer phone calls, others prefer email or in-person job-site visits. Knowing their style upfront allows you to make an informed decision and helps everything run more smoothly.
A: Discuss realistic scheduling with your builder upfront, as construction loan interest rates are typically higher than traditional mortgages, and delays increase costs.
Talk about scheduling early in the process. It’s important to understand how the build timeline affects your financing.
Because it doesn’t tell the full story. Cost per square foot doesn’t account for site conditions, garages, porches, finishes, or amenities, which can make the number misleading.
No. Builders calculate it differently, and what’s included can vary widely. That’s why comparing builders by this number alone can be confusing.
Yes. Layout, lot conditions, materials, and selections can all affect cost, even when square footage is the same.
Clear upfront planning, detailed pricing, and consistent communication help reduce surprises throughout the build.
Unusual home styles like barndominiums, shomes, shouses, cabiminiums, and hangar homes combine residential living with nontraditional structures. These designs appeal to homeowners looking for flexibility, efficiency, or a lifestyle tied to work, land, or hobbies like aviation. Below, we explain what each style is, who it’s best for, and key features to consider when building.
A barndominium is a residential home inspired by barn-style architecture, often featuring open floor plans, high ceilings, and exposed structural elements.
The barndominium first appeared in the late ‘80s when intrepid homeowners began converting barns into homes. And before you could say, “Hay, barns are for horses!” it suddenly became popular to retrofit these humble animal abodes with upgrades fit for humans. The exposed timber walls and ceiling beams became hallmarks of this style. And not even the limited availability of real barns has deterred some enthusiasts, who build their own “barndos” from scratch.
Key features: Barn doors, high ceilings, exposed wood beams
Best for: Families who want a rural-forward lifestyle—or just like the look!
A cabiminium is a cabin-style home designed with a condominium-style ownership structure, where homeowners own their unit but share land or amenities. And with barndominiums gaining popularity, it didn’t take long for these hybrid living spaces to follow.
These modest cabins offer the charm of a rustic retreat without the responsibility of maintaining the surrounding property. Owners often share common areas and amenities with neighboring cabiminium residents.
Key features: Log construction, stone fireplaces, earthy materials
Best for: Couples and families who want a woodsy lifestyle without property maintenance
A shome is a small residential structure that combines a shed-style building with a fully livable home interior. Shed + Home = Shome. Get it?
So what makes a shome different from, well, a shed? While a shed might be fit only to house your lawn mower and ‘80s memorabilia you can’t bear to part with, a shome is kitted out with creature comforts. And due to their tiny footprint, shomes are definitely part of the tiny home trend.
Key features: Cozy layouts, small-scale amenities, indoor-outdoor living
Best for: Singles and couples who don’t mind a mini and modest living space
A shouse is a combined shop and home, designed to support both living and working in one structure.
Using similar naming logic as the shome combo, a shouse blends residential space with a dedicated workshop or production area. This setup has become popular with entrepreneurs who want to live where they work. While it may seem like a novel concept, this concept goes back centuries to blacksmiths and other tradesmen who had their shop attached to their houses.
Key features: Dedicated work space, industrial or metal finishes
Best for: Entrepreneurs who want the convenience of a live-work residence
Courtesy of Builder Magazine
A hangar home is a residence designed within or alongside an aircraft hangar, allowing homeowners to live and store airplanes in the same structure.
As part of the broader trend of converting unconventional buildings into homes, hangar houses offer a unique solution for aviation enthusiasts. Some are full hangar-to-home conversions, while others add living quarters to the aircraft storage to support a fly-in lifestyle.
Key features: The ability to park one’s airplane in their home, expansive open space
Best for: Those who adore aviation and/or want to live with their airplane
With over five decades of experience building homes in Northern California, Trilogy has seen housing styles evolve and trends come and go. Our team helps homeowners explore creative design ideas while staying grounded in craftsmanship, local knowledge, and long-term livability.
At the end of the day, home is what you want it to be, and we’ll always build you the home you love. It’s why generations of homeowners have trusted Trilogy. We’re here to help you build a place where you can truly make yourself at home. If you’re ready to explore your options for a new home build, contact us today!
What is the difference between a barndominium and a shome?
A barndominium is typically larger and inspired by barn construction, while a shome combines a shed-style structure with residential living and is often smaller in scale.
Are unusual home styles allowed in residential areas?
Zoning, building codes, and local regulations vary. It’s important to work with a licensed contractor (like Trilogy!) who understands local requirements before choosing a nontraditional home style.
Can unusual home styles be customized like traditional homes?
Yes. Many nontraditional home styles can be customized with modern layouts, finishes, and amenities while maintaining their unique structure.
An ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) is a smaller, independent living space built on the same property as a main home. It has its own entrance, kitchen, bathroom, and sleeping area, making it a fully separate residence, not just an extra room.
In Butte County, ADUs have become a popular way for homeowners to add rental income, house family members, or increase property value, all while staying on their existing lot.
If you’ve ever wondered what an ADU is—or how one might fit on your property—you’re not alone. Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are becoming a popular way for homeowners in Butte County to create flexible living spaces, add property value, and bring family closer together.
An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is a smaller, independent living space built on the same lot as a primary home. Think of it as a guest house, in-law suite, rental, or even a home office. An ADU has its own entrance, kitchen, bathroom, and sleeping area, making it a fully functional residence.
In California, ADUs are supported by state law to help provide more housing options while keeping families and communities connected. Across Butte County, more homeowners are exploring ADUs as part of long-term property planning and multi-generational living.
| Type | Description | Common Use |
| Detached ADU | Separate from the main house | Guest home, rental unit, office |
| Attached ADU | Connected addition with shared wall | Extended family or private suite |
| Conversion | Converts existing garage or shed into living space | Rental or studio |
| Interior Conversion (Junior ADU) | Uses space inside main home | Office, studio, or caregiver suite |
Trilogy Tip: Before we start building, we’ll help navigate local zoning and permit requirements.
Beyond added space, ADUs bring a world of benefits:
When you work with Trilogy, you’ll also get the clarity and accountability of our True Quote Process—so your ADU project stays on time, on budget, and stress-free.
Building an ADU isn’t a one-size-fits-all project. You’ll want to think about:
If you’re thinking about building an ADU in Butte County, there’s good news: local ordinances now make it easier than ever to add more living space to your property. Homeowners can build up to three total units on a single lot, with rear yard setbacks as small as four feet.
For residents of Paradise, the Town even provides free ADU building plans and an Informational Guidebook to help you get started.
| ADU Type | Maximum Size | Additional Details |
| Detached ADU | • 850 sq ft max for 1 bedroom • 1,000 sq ft max for 2 bedrooms | • Setbacks ≥ 4 ft from rear and side yards • Subject to septic capacity and local zoning limits |
| Attached ADU | • Up to 50% of the main home’s net floor area • 850 sq ft max for 1 bedroom • 1,000 sq ft max for 2 bedrooms | • Must be directly connected to the primary residence • Subject to ADU zoning and septic requirements |
Trilogy Tip: Before designing your ADU, confirm current regulations with the Town of Paradise Planning Department or Butte County Building Division. Our Trilogy team can help review your lot size, septic capacity, and local zoning to ensure your project meets all requirements, saving time and stress along the way.
What is an ADU?
An ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) is a small, independent living space, like a guest house, in-law suite, or rental unit, built on the same lot as a main home. It has its own entrance, kitchen, and bathroom.
What does ADU stand for?
ADU stands for Accessory Dwelling Unit.
What is the difference between an ADU and a JADU?
An ADU is a fully independent unit with its own kitchen and bathroom. A JADU (Junior ADU) is smaller, built within the existing footprint of the main home, and may share a bathroom with the primary residence.
Are ADUs allowed in Butte County?
Yes. Most areas within Butte County, including Paradise, allow ADUs under California's state housing laws. Always check your specific property's zoning before starting design.
How big can an ADU be in Butte County?
Detached ADUs can be up to 850 square feet for one bedroom or 1,000 square feet for two bedrooms. Attached ADUs follow the same size limits, or up to 50% of the main home's floor area, whichever is smaller.
How long does it take to build an ADU?
Timeline depends on permits, materials, and whether it's attached or detached. Trilogy's True Quote Process helps set realistic expectations from the start.
Can I rent out my ADU?
In many cases, yes. Local laws allow long-term rentals, not short-term vacation stays. We'll help you verify what applies to your property.
What changed and why:
Whether you’re planning for family, flexibility, or future investment, building an ADU is a smart way to make your property work harder for you—and still feel like home. Send us a message to get started!
