Whether it is your first home or your forever home, there are two common options to building: a custom-built home or a spec home. You may be familiar with both terms and may have even researched them…but are you still unsure which is the best home build for you?
The answer depends on how much input and flexibility you want over your home’s design and features.
Spec Homes
Unlike custom homes, a spec home is not designed for a specific owner’s unique functional needs or aesthetic preferences. It is more generically designed to meet the current market trends that would appeal to the average home buyer. However, you may be able to choose from a selection of floor plans, color palettes, and product options depending on when you begin to purchase process of a spec home.
Spec homes are often built to meet the minimum building code requirements but often do not meet the lifestyle needs of their future occupants, like a custom-built house would. These homes are a good option for some individuals who may just want a “standard” house, but they will often never feel like it is uniquely theirs.
Custom Home Design
Conversely, custom homes are designed with your tastes and day-to-day functionality in mind. You will have more input and flexibility to design and build the home of your dreams. The builder you choose to work with will design your home’s layout based on how you plan to utilize each space.
When you build a custom home, you can be as involved as you choose to be and make nearly every design or functionality decision, such as the insulation level and material or number of outlets you want in each space and their location.
Your custom home builder and interior designer will work with you to decide which elements to incorporate into your home design. For example, they may ask questions such as:
Will you retire in this home?
Are you a growing family or is the home just for you and your spouse?
Do you utilize the kitchen often?
How much do you value energy efficiency?
Is a Custom Home a Better Fit for Your Needs?
Back to the original question, how much input and flexibility do you want to have when designing your home? If you don’t want just the average home and want to be involved in creating the layout and design of your home, then a custom home may be the better choice for you.
At Ryan A. Jones and Associates, we specialize in customized, high-end construction and renovation and services. Whether you are looking to build a custom first home or your forever home, we can help. Contact us today for a consultation and learn more about how we can help build the home of your dreams.