What Makes a House Custom?

September 14, 2022

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A custom house gives homeowners everything they could ever imagine in a dream home. It reflects their style and is tailored to meet all their specific needs. No two custom homes are exactly alike – each one is as unique as the family who lives there. 

A custom home can be any size or style, but certain features set them apart from a production home. New Era Homes builds semi-custom homes, so we know a thing or two about what goes into making a house custom. Below are just a few of the ways that you can make your new home uniquely yours.

What is a Custom House?

A custom house is a site-specific home built from a set of plans designed explicitly for that homeowner. A set of construction documents (also called blueprints or working drawings) get created by an architect or designer hired by the homeowner. 

Once these are approved, the builder can create a more accurate estimate of the construction costs. The builder will also need to pull the necessary permits before any work can begin.

Custom House Building vs. Production House Building

The main difference between building a custom home and a production home is that with a custom home, the homeowner is involved in every step of the process – from design to construction. They can choose their lot, floor plan, and layout, pick out all finishes and fixtures, and more. 

With a production home, the builder has already chosen the lot, floor plan, and finishes, and the homeowner simply gets to choose from a few predetermined options.

Read More: What to Know Before Building a Home

What Makes a Home Custom?

You Choose Where

One of the things that makes a custom home so unique is that you get to choose where the location is. You can buy a lot in an existing neighborhood or purchase land in a rural area and build your house from scratch. If you own land, you have even more control over the placement of your home. You can build it close to the road, set it back in the woods, or on a hillside with sweeping views.

You Choose What

Production homes are built with a set of specifications that the builder has selected. These specifications mean that you may be unable to make changes to the floor plan, layout, or finishes. With a custom home, however, you get to choose everything that goes into it. You can select the size and placement of rooms, type of flooring, countertops, fixtures, and more.

You Choose Who

When you build a custom house, you get to choose your builder. It is an important decision, as you want to make sure that you select a builder with experience building the specific type of home you want and who you can trust to do a good job. You should also make sure that the builder is licensed and insured.

How to Get the Most Out of a Custom or Semi-Custom House

If you’re planning to build a custom or semi-custom home, there are a few things you can do to ensure that the process goes smoothly and that you end up with the home of your dreams. 

Partner With the Best Architect

First, finding a good architect or designer who understands your vision and can turn your ideas into plans is essential. 

Find a Collaborative Builder

You’ll also need to find a reputable builder who you can trust to build your home according to the plans. Make sure that your builder and architect can work collaboratively. 

Consider Your Budget

Consider your budget and ensure you don’t sacrifice quality for cost. It’s okay to be picky! After all, this is the home of your dreams we’re talking about. If a light fixture turns out to be more expensive than you thought, try to find a cheaper alternative that still looks good. Don’t just settle for something you don’t love because it’s less expensive. 

Be Clear About Your Expectations

Be clear about your expectations with both your architect and builder. This way, there will be no surprises during the construction process.

Get Involved

Finally, it’s important to be involved in the process and to make sure that you understand the options and choices available to you. By following these tips, you’ll be on the right track to the custom or semi-custom home that is everything you’ve dreamed of.

What Type of Home is Right for You?

Whether you are building a semi-custom or full-custom house, there are many ways to make your home uniquely yours. The most critical thing is to be involved in the process and ensure that you understand everything in front of you. 

Understand what you want and all the options available to you. By taking these steps, you can ensure that your custom or semi-custom home is everything you’ve ever wanted.

If you have any questions about what makes a house custom, or if you would like help finding a builder or architect, don’t hesitate to contact us. We would be happy to assist you in any way we can.