There are so many options for housing to consider today. Many people choose pre-existing homes. Others go for modular or manufactured homes. Some decide on spec (speculation) or production homes.
So why should you choose to build your dream home with a custom builder? Are there any advantages or are all the home builders in SC (or in your state) the same?
The top six reasons to work with a custom home builder:
1. One point of contact makes life easier for you.
If you try to go through the home construction process as your own general contractor, it is extremely time-consuming. You have to communicate with each individual contractor, designer, architect, and the various permitting offices. With an experienced custom builder, they act as your project manager. You only have to communicate with your builder.
The builder takes care of all of the other details, too. They already have relationships and a workflow in place to keep the process as streamlined as possible. They already know the pitfalls to avoid, zoning restrictions, laws, and codes. If you choose a reputable local home builder, they also have experience navigating many home builds in your particular area. So they know how to work with the system in place with your municipality, county, and state.
2. You have total control over the budget.
With a custom home builder, you get to decide what options are important to you and what things you don’t need. You get to set your budget. You work closely with the builder to determine how to get the most bang for your buck. You can choose a small, simple home, or a sprawling mansion. Everything is entirely up to you from start-to-finish.
With a pre-existing home, spec home, or even a production home, you may end up paying for things you don’t want and don’t need. With pre-existing homes, you may find out that there are a lot of repairs and maintenance costs. These unexpected expenses could destroy any cost-savings you thought you might enjoy.
With a custom home, your home can also be as energy efficient as you would like. This cuts down on your heating and cooling costs dramatically. Everything is modern, up-to-date, and under warranty when you first move in. So you won’t have many unexpected maintenance or replacements costs in the first few years.
3. You are free to choose whatever floor plan or design you want.
One of the greatest benefits of a custom home builder is that you have all the choices you could imagine. You aren’t limited to a cookie-cutter design that looks just like everyone else’s in the neighborhood, and in other neighborhoods all over town. You can make any design you like.
If you are the type of person who knows exactly what you want, you won’t be happy with a house that is just like everyone else’s. Or you have very discriminating tastes or specific needs, hiring a custom home builder is the best route to go. This way you don’t have to compromise on your priorities and you have control over the end results of your dream house.
4. Your home will meet your family’s needs perfectly.
With a custom-built home, you can make each element as customized as you would like. You can add built-in top-of-the-line appliances, custom storage, and a study. Or you can design the most glorious over-sized kitchen island, a custom breakfast nook, and anything else you can imagine that would make life better for you and your family.
If you want extra wide entryways and hallways, you can work with your architect or designer to make that happen. If you want a central vacuum system or heated floors, you can design the home to accommodate it. If your family wants laundry chutes, a built-in whimsical playhouse under the stairs, a sweeping staircase, or large walk-in closets for every bedroom, you can have those things, too.
You get to decide how many bedrooms and bathrooms you’ll have and where they go. You can design your own dream kitchen and master suite. You can make sure the deck faces the morning sun so that you can enjoy the sunrise with a cup of coffee each morning. You can choose to optimize natural light and the orientation of your house.
5. You probably won’t have to make many changes later.
When you get to choose exactly the type of home you build, you get a home that fits your family well. Because you can thoroughly think through your design well in advance, you likely won’t have to try to renovate later. This saves you time, money, and a lot of relationship/family tension.
The stress of building a new custom home can be an issue, admittedly. But the stress of living in a DIY renovation situation for many months or years is greater, even if you are quite a handyman yourself. Working your normal job and then working on the house places a huge strain on your time, energy, and family.
Even the stress of having a contractor come in and do renovations for you while you are living in the home can be overwhelming. The dust, the mess, the question of whether you feel comfortable with strangers in your home around your children and your valuables are big concerns. Add to that potential delays and the noise. It doesn’t make for the kind of peaceful home life you probably desire to have.
6. You get to choose the materials that are used and the quality of the build.
Another incredible perk of using a custom home builder is that you get to decide what materials are used in your home. You can control the quality. If you want to avoid certain products due to allergies in the family, you can let your builder know and find alternatives. You have the most flexibility to put your money into the things that are your greatest priorities. And you don’t have to invest any money in options that you don’t want for your family.
If you want to have a composite deck so that you don’t have to worry about upkeep and maintenance, you have that freedom. If you prefer a specific exotic hardwood floor, you aren’t limited by a short menu from a production home builder. You can have your own custom cabinetry built in any room you’d like. Or a hidden safe. Or a storm safe-room.
Why let someone else make all the decisions in building your dream home when you could be in charge, yourself?
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