Builders use the term "custom built home" rather broadly these days, in an attempt to attract the attention of homebuyers. But when is a custom home not a custom home? Here are three types of home that may be described as "custom" in those glossy brochures and the pros and cons of each one:
Tract or Production Homes
Although these days many builder's advertisements use the phrase "custom" liberally throughout their marketing campaigns, tract housing cannot really be defined as an example of a custom built home. Tract homebuilders are usually all about high volume production of standardized homes. Generally, they have a set of standardized floor plans that they build from which can only be tweaked a little by the homebuyer before construction begins.
This is not to say that such homes are a bad investment, far from it. For those seeking to buy a newly constructed home, tract homes can be great and there are many skilled and reliable homebuilders in this line of business. The point here is that such homes are not really "custom built", as you really have little say in the design of your new dwelling.
Tract home builders often build some homes on "spec" and a homebuyer may be able to take advantage of considerable cost savings by purchasing a home that has already been completed or is at some stage of construction, rather than waiting for it to be built from the ground up.
Semi-Custom Homes
Semi-custom homes generally begin with a basic floor plan presented by the builder, which is then altered and reworked to incorporate some of the homebuyer’s own vision. How far a floor plan can be modified will vary greatly from builder to builder and a buyer should be prepared for the fact that they may have invest a considerably larger amount of money than they may have initially thought in order to have their new home built as close to their specifications as possible.
Semi custom homes are a great alternative for the homebuyer who wants a home that reflects them but do not want to go through the hassle and expense of having an architect draw up home plans from scratch.
Custom Homes
The true definition of a custom built home is one that is designed and built entirely according to the homebuyer’s vision. Architects and builders work together to design and construct a home that is unique. Rather than build model or spec homes, these custom home contractors sell the idea of a dream home, as they do not normally ever construct two homes that are exactly alike.
This kind of custom home building is the most expensive option of all and one should expect construction to take many months. However, if you really want a home that is specifically all about your own unique vision and have the necessary funds available, such custom homebuilders are the people you should be turning to. When budgeting, however, be prepared for the fact that unexpected expenses will inevitably arise during the construction of a truly original home.
