Does It Really Cost More to Design Your House? Exploring The Outcomes of Choosing a Custom Home Builder for your home
It can be hard to make a decision when you’re constantly hearing contradicting information and everyone has a different opinion or experience about how you should build your home.
When it comes down to deciding whether to choose a project home off the plan or go custom and take the opportunity to design your house yourself, you need to take the time to educate yourself on what the differences are between a project-style builder and a custom home builder, how their services differ and why their services vary. The most important question you must answer is, “Does it actually cost more to design your house if you choose a custom builder?”
“Custom Homes Are Always More Expensive”, let’s look at the facts.
The belief that custom homes are significantly more expensive than project homes is widespread but not always accurate. Several contributing factors lead to this widespread misconception.
One of these is in cases where project builders are stepping outside their original scope and construction method to offer custom elements in an attempt to appease a customer’s needs without fully considering the repercussions.
Stepping outside of their business model throws their pricing off. It leaves their subcontractors struggling to deliver a service they were never trained to provide, leading to higher costs and numerous defects.
Custom home building is a specialist part of the new home industry. It requires a builder with both the expertise and experience who knows how to find the right subcontractors, price your project correctly and accurately as well as having the systems and procedures in place to manage a custom project without falling behind, leading to significant building delays.
While the initial costs of custom homes can sometimes be higher due to bespoke design and quality materials, this is generally a decision made by you as the owner to upgrade in areas that are important to you, the long-term value and satisfaction often outweigh the initial expenses.
We aim to provide clarity and transparency in the home-building process so you can move forward with confidence. For this reason, we offer multiple ranges for our custom builds, ensuring you can experience the joy and comfort a custom home affords no matter your price point.
A custom home doesn’t need to cost anymore because, at the end of the day, a standard 4-bedroom home is still a 4-bedroom home; it just depends on how you would like to live in your home.
The real issue lies with home builders who feel they can charge a premium for providing good service. Here at Edwards Family Homes, building is in our blood and has been for three generations; exceptional service and personalised attention for each project are the foundation of a positive build journey. You shouldn’t have to pay more to feel as though your concerns are being heard by the builder taking on your new home.
Considerations For When Deciding To Design Your House
- Initial Design and Planning: When you can design your house from the initial concept to completely detailed plans, you can create a home that meets your needs and supports your daily life. The opportunity to design your house means there’s no sterile cookie-cutter feeling; your home will have a sense of welcome and comfort from the moment you walk through the front door on handover day.
- Materials and Quality: Custom home builders often use higher-quality materials and finishes, which contribute to the home’s beauty and longevity. Project builders are stricter with what they will allow you to select for your home. Generally, you can make minor customisations. This lack of flexibility helps keep costs low for the builder by reducing administration or allowing them to ‘make a big deal’ and charge more if you step outside of the standard inclusion.
- Flexibility and Control: With a custom home, you have complete control over the design, layout, and features. This flexibility allows you to prioritise where your money is spent, potentially saving costs in less important areas while splurging on what matters most.
- Hidden Costs and How They Occur: Project homes can have hidden costs, such as upgrades from the basic package, site-specific charges, and post-construction modifications to suit your lifestyle. These can add up quickly and often bring the total cost closer to or above a custom home.
The Benefits of a Custom Home when you design your house
Choosing to design your house as a custom build brings numerous benefits that extend beyond the initial cost considerations. You might be considering building a new home but unsure who to trust and which process is right for your family. It’s a common situation:
- A Space That Reflects What’s Important To You: A Custom home reflects your unique lifestyle, preferences, and needs. Every aspect is tailored to your family’s requirements, from the layout and room sizes to the smallest design details.
- Superior Quality: Custom builders often prioritise quality over quantity. This means using better materials, advanced building techniques, and a greater focus on craftsmanship. The result is a home built to last, offering long-term value and satisfaction.
- Energy Efficiency: Custom homes can incorporate energy-efficient technologies and sustainable practices. This reduces your environmental footprint and leads to significant savings on utility bills over time.
- Future-Proofing: By working closely with your builder, you can design a home that adapts to your future needs, such as aging in place or accommodating a growing family. This foresight can save you from costly renovations down the line.
How a Professional Builder Can Help You Achieve Your Goals Faster By Helping You Design Your House
In the current market, many builders struggle to offer personalised service and the attention your project deserves.
- Personal Attention: We provide a high level of personal attention. Our team is dedicated to understanding your vision and ensuring every detail is executed to perfection. Unlike some builders who will treat you like just another number, our team wants to create a relationship with you & come alongside you to help you achieve your dream house.
- Experience and Expertise: With years of experience in custom home building, we have the knowledge and skills to handle any challenges that arise. Our expertise ensures a smooth building process, from initial design to final handover.
- Flexibility and Adaptability: Being a medium-sized builder allows us to be more flexible and adaptable to your needs. We can make adjustments throughout the building process to ensure your home meets your expectations and budget.
- Quality and Craftsmanship: We take pride in our work and are committed to delivering the highest quality craftsmanship. Our reputation is built on the satisfaction of our clients, and we strive to exceed their expectations with every project.
- Strong Relationships: As a family-run business, we value the relationships we build with our clients. We believe in open communication, transparency, and trust, ensuring you feel supported and informed throughout the entire building process.
Ready To Design Your House?
If you’re ready to take the next step & would like to speak with a professional builder about a custom design at a time that suits you, Book a discovery call now using our online booking calendar. You can talk to our team (obligation-free), and we can answer any questions about your project or the build process.
Still not ready to speak with a builder? That’s okay! Doing as much research as possible during this stage of your build journey will save you from making some big mistakes. Download our free guide, “7 things you must know before designing a home. “. This guide will provide the correct information to help you avoid some critical mistakes homeowners make throughout the planning process.
