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<strong>Custom and Volume Home Builders – Which one should you choose?</strong>

Custom and Volume Home Builders – Which one should you choose?

October 31, 2022 Building Tips

So, you’ve decided that you want to build a new home. Congratulations!

This is an exciting time. But now you have to figure out which type of home builder is right for you. Should you go with a custom home builder or a volume home builder? What’s the difference, and how do you know which one is right for your needs?

Keep reading to find out more.

Volume Home Builders

Volume home builders are also known as production builders. They typically have a wide selection of floor plans to choose from and will sometimes offer customization options but this will usually come at a price.  So one of the downsides to working with a volume home builder is that you may not have as much say in the design of your home as you would with a custom builder.

Because a volume or project builder will build sometime hundreds of homes each year they will generally use the same floor plans and designs.  Additionally, volume builders usually have model homes that prospective buyers can walk through to get a feel for the quality of their work.

Volume builders can sometimes appear to offer significant savings over custom builders by:

  • Standardising their designs
  • Offering clients selections from a set range of fixtures and finishes
  • Limitations on floorplan modifications

Working with a volume builder will generally mean you will have less flexibility when it comes to making changes to the floor plan or design of your home. And because they build so many homes, if there are any issues with your home, it could potentially take longer to get them resolved since they will be dealing with other customers’ issues as well.

Custom Home Builders

A custom builder is exactly what it sounds like: a company that will build you a custom home from the ground up.

This means you will work with the builder to design every aspect of your home, from the layout to the finishes. Because custom builders don’t mass-produce homes, they generally don’t have model homes for prospective buyers to walk through and they may not have the social media presence that production builders have but this should not be a deal breaker.

Custom home builders build each home according to the buyer’s specific wants and needs. This means that you’ll have a lot of input into the design of your home, and the builder will work with you every step of the way, personalising your building experience to make sure that your vision becomes a reality.

One of the main reasons people choose to build a Custom Home is that each home is unique.

Conclusion:

So, which type of home builder is right for you?

It depends on what your priorities are. If you want to be heavily involved in the design process and have a say in every aspect of your new home, then a custom builder is probably the way to go. Ultimately, it all comes down to what’s most important to you.  If you’re looking for a more affordable option and you’re okay with choosing from a set of predesigned floor plans, then working with a volume builder makes sense.

However it is worth considering that working with a Custom or Boutique Home Builder you can enjoy complete customization and flexibility.  If you like the sound of this then working with a custom builder is probably your best bet.

Before committing, get at least three quotes from registered builders and understand what your budget will buy you.

If you are considering going with a Custom Boutique Home Builder here are some things you can do to help with your decision: 

  • Check the builder’s credentials on the website of the Master Builder’s Association in each state.
  • Be sure to ask for references and examples of their previous work.
  • Talk to the builder’s previous customers.
  • See if you can arrange a walk-through of a home in progress or immediately after completion.

Of most importance is choosing a builder you get along with, who matches you communication style and level of involvement you expect to have throughout your project.  One that promises to deliver and create a truly unique home that is tailored to meet your specific needs and wants.

Masterbuild Group is dedicated to providing premium building services for Custom Homes throughout Perth. For an honest conversation about your custom home build, contact the team today on 08 9315 4244.