People always ask us, what’s the benefit of building with a custom home builder vs a volume builder?
Well, let us help you with some information.
Lets discuss the difference.
Volume builders are large companies that may construct hundreds of homes per year from a set catalogue of designs. Custom builders are usually smaller companies that build homes specifically designed for the client, and might only complete a handful of projects in the same period
It’s easy to think volume builders are the “cheaper option”, but don’t be won over by the display homes and spec lists that are not part of their standard build prices they advertise.
One of the benefits of a custom-built home is that you are designing a home that works perfectly for you and your family, within the limits of your own budget. As you are consulted on construction materials, appliances and fixtures, you control how much you spend on each feature.
Volume builders have a one size fits all approach, which may mean you are restricted with what you can choose for your home.
Why build with a custom builder?
Design is probably the most exciting stage of the build process. It’s when you start to see your home come to life and visualise what it’s going to be like to live there.
When you start the process of designing your home, its best to have your builder involved in this process too. Your builder can assist you in choosing the right materials that are also cost effective. Your builder can help guide you to a beautiful design with the best outcome for your budget, recommend what to spend money on and suggest areas to save. Most custom builders have an in-house design team, so the designs are influenced by building knowledge and accurate material costs.
With volume builders, there is often a limited range of pre-designed homes to choose from. There’s not alot of scope to change or add design features without an additional cost. While your design might look good on paper, when built, the costs are going to start creeping up.
Working with a custom home builder you have the freedom to influence every aspect of your home design, from the layout and materials used.
Does a custom home build take longer?
Although volume builders have standardised processes and repeat the same house designs again and again, custom builders are not slow! Custom builders are highly specialised professionals within the construction industry and know a thing or two about building a home on-time and to a high standard.
Custom builders often pay more attention to the details and take a higher level of pride in their work. That means, our systems and processes are more streamlined and time efficient.
Custom builders have a very high level of project management, so less mistakes are made. Mistakes can cost money to fix, if not immediately, in the long-term. Volume builders can sometimes rush through projects and not complete the project to its highest standard.
While volume builders can often deliver projects on-time, due to the fast-paced nature of their work, there can also be quality control issues which lead to either increased time-frames or increased maintenance costs that clients have to deal with after handover.
It’s important to understand the level of proficiency custom builders put into each home to deliver quality projects on time and to a high standard.
It’s about more than building a house, it’s building a home. Where you can live, create memories and do the things you want to do because you’ve been involved in the process and have a great relationship with your builder.
