If you are searching for a house and can’t find anything that piques your interest, then it would be worthwhile to consider having custom homes. But what exactly are custom homes? Who builds these homes? How much does it cost to build one?
Here, we are going to talk about custom homes, what they are, and what the benefits of building one are.
What are Custom Homes?
As the name suggests, custom homes are a unique type of home. Custom home builders can construct them based on the homeowner’s specific location, lifestyle, and aesthetic. However, this will also depend on the designer and architect’s plans. If you choose custom homes, then you’ll get the chance to decide on everything from the floor plan to the landscaping, building materials, and even the room sizes.
What are Semi-Custom Homes?
Compared to custom homes, semi-custom homes are still a unique type of homes, however, would-be homeowners can only get the chance to choose the house design and floor plan that are available from the builder’s portfolio.
However, the countertops, roofing material, façade, and tiles can still be tailored to your dream aesthetic. Ultimately, semi-custom homes are the perfect option for people who prefer customization but does not want to make every single decision about home’s design.
What Do Custom Home Builders Do?
Custom homes are built by custom home building companies. These builders can construct the home on the land owned by the homeowner or the company.
To make the process simpler for would-be homeowners, some of these home building companies have their own design team. Would-be homeowners will get the chance to choose all the customizations and even see some samples of the past projects that the company has done.
How Much Does It Cost to Build Custom Homes?
Typically, the area of high-end homes that these custom home builders construct can range from 2,500 to 8,000 square feet. The cost of complete custom homes can vary significantly. Most often, it can range from thousands to millions of dollars, while building semi-custom homes can range from $330,000 to $450,000.
If you want to acquire bids for your custom home from several builders, be sure the materials used are consistent and they are using the same plans. Otherwise, you might end up with different prices.
Also, it is important to consider that the price of new construction has recently risen because of the global supply chain issue. The prices of building materials have increased since the pandemic started, based on information from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). Additionally, due to the labor shortage, the cost of construction services has also increased.
How Long Does It Take to Build a Custom Home?
Unfortunately, supply-chain issues and the pandemic have significantly affected the timeline for custom home construction.
Because of this, it is crucial to find a trusted home builder who has strong connections with suppliers. Typically, building a semi-custom home will take at least four months, while a fully custom home can be completed in six months to one year or more.
Where Should You Build Your Custom Home?
When deciding where to build your custom home, you have the option to construct it on your land or the builder’s land. Before making a decision, it’s crucial to determine whether building on developed or vacant land is appropriate for your needs.
Most often, prospective homeowners aiming to build their custom home either already possess a lot or are in the process of acquiring one, seeking feedback from the home builder. Generally, undeveloped or vacant land is more cost-effective than developed land. However, it’s important to note that land development can incur significant costs.
Opting to build your custom home on vacant land requires preparation for various additional costs, such as subdivision/zoning approvals, stormwater management, site enhancements (irrigation, rock removal, etc.), water, septic, sewer, well, utility expenses, permits, setbacks, and environmental testing and reviews.
Some prospective homeowners may have the flexibility to decide based on the time required to develop the vacant land. This flexibility provides alternative options depending on the location and size of the home. Nevertheless, if urgency is a factor in your custom home-building process, developed land becomes the optimal choice. Developed lands owned by home builders and developers offer ready-to-build solutions. Custom homes in subdivisions commonly share similar layouts and sizes.
Opting for developed land can result in cost savings on land development expenses, with additional savings realized once home construction begins.
What are the Advantages of Custom Homes?
Oftentimes, custom homes can cost more compared to purchasing an existing house of the same size. Nevertheless, custom homes also come with several benefits. The following are just some of them:
More Energy Efficient
With a reliable home builder, almost everything can be designed with energy efficiency in mind, from smart technology to windows, HVAC, and lighting. For instance, your custom home can be constructed with energy-efficient foundations, foam insulation, and Energy Star-certified windows.
Energy-efficient foundations offer a more durable thermal break compared to traditional foundations, with minimal heat escape.
Foam insulation helps reduce cooling and heating costs by minimizing air leakage, and using wider boards provides increased insulation for additional savings on cooling and heating expenses. Energy Star-certified windows are airtight, offering significant savings on your annual energy costs.
Tailor-Made Based on Your Lifestyle and Taste
With custom homes, you’ll have the opportunity to design every component of your home, from the location, layout, and design to the countertops and flooring, making your dream home a reality.
Customizing your home eliminates the need to compromise, which may be necessary with an existing home. Since we spend most of our lives at home, why not make it a comfortable place where you can relax while enjoying its aesthetic?
Built With Smart Technology
Opting for custom-built homes enables you to incorporate a variety of smart technologies. Keep in mind that this isn’t limited to just Amazon Alexa and Google Home.
Integrating smart technology into your home offers time-saving benefits, reduced utility bills, enhanced security and safety, and increased energy efficiency, all while enjoying a range of entertainment options.
With your tablet or smartphone, you can check if packages were delivered to your front door, set the lighting mood for movie night, or play your favorite music throughout the house.
Customized Just for You
Regardless of the stage of life you’re currently in—whether you’re downsizing after retirement or upgrading for your growing family—there’s always a custom home that can be tailored to your needs.
Home designs are specifically intended for seniors, such as single-story homes, while other plans are designed for growing families. Some households have relatives living with them, often spanning different generations. Fortunately, there are various options, from adding a home extension to customizing an extra bedroom, perfect for visiting relatives, live-in nannies, or in-laws.
Midtown Builders Group can assist you in building your custom home. We can guide you through the design process to provide exceptional craftsmanship.
We understand that home building is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for you, so we aim to ensure that it is extremely enjoyable and satisfying. To learn more about custom homes, you can contact us at 706-457-0012 or write to us at cainmbg@gmail.com.
Recent Comments