Confused between choosing custom builders and production builders? You share the same dilemma with most homeowners. Building your own home can get overwhelming as there are different aspects that you have to consider so the construction process goes smoothly. It is important that you choose a home builder who can stick with your budget, timeline, and preferences. There are two types of builders to choose from: custom builder and production builder. You have to know the difference between these two and their advantages and disadvantages. Getting the right information can help you make an informed decision.
Custom Builders
If you are the type of individual who prefers to be in control of the entire home building process including the concept and the people who will be working with your builder, you will need a custom builder to help you. With a custom builder, you can be sure that you will get the result you want. Going custom has its own pros and cons:
Pros:
Unique outcome. Custom builders will create your home from scratch. You can be sure that the finished product will be unique whether the design is obtained from the Internet or you created it yourself.
Freedom of choosing your own architect. Although most custom builders have their own architect, you have the option to suggest your own. Since there is no set of plans that will limit your options, you can inform the builder about your preference before the project commences.
More choices: Regardless of the design you have in mind, you will achieve it when you work with a custom builder.
More input: The best thing about custom home builders is that you get to have a chance to express your creativity because they love to collaborate with their clients. If you like a full build experience, custom builders will give you that freedom.
Cons:
Longer construction process: You have to spend more time on building a custom home because you have to take the decisions of contractors, architects and other people involved in the process into consideration.
Unpredictable costs: Due to the nature of the job, you cannot easily predict how much you are going to spend on a custom build. Keep in mind that you cannot compare costs either because each build is unique. The cost will depend on contractor pricing, your personal options, and industry prices.
Too many options: Having the option to choose as you please is not always a good thing. With the fixtures and colors for you to consider, the process can become overwhelming and time-consuming. Narrowing down your selection might be hard for you as well.
Production Builders
With a production builder, there is predictability in the costs and structure of your home. For budget-conscious individuals, this option works best because you are aware of the cost of constructing your home. Like custom builders, production builders have their own set of pros and cons.
Pros:
Faster construction process: Production builders stick to schedules and they also have multiple contractors. They have tighter timelines compared to custom builders.
Development amenities: Another advantage with production builders is their ability to develop amenities like walking trails, parks and sports courts at one time.
Fixed prices: It will be easy for you to plan your budget more effectively because prices are more predictable with production building. This is due to the fact that they have built the same homes a lot of times that they have already familiarized themselves with the actual cost of each home.
Cons:
Restricted design: Production builders have to keep the cost predictable and low. This is why they are more inclined to using the same catalog of plans rather than creating new and unique designs.
Limited customization options: Although there are production builders who will allow you to customize your home, the options are still limited because you will not be allowed to move walls or change the size of your home.
Limited fixture choices: There are pre-chosen fixture options that you have to choose from like tile, counters, and carpet . If you want more options, production builders may not work for you.
When it comes to choosing between production and custom builders, the choice will be based on your personal preference. There might be factors that you consider important such as the overall costs. You have to weigh your options and get all the information you need so you can make the right choice for your needs.
