Embarking on the Custom Homes Journey: What You Need to Know

We all know that age-old adage of “it’s not the destination, it’s the journey.” We’ve likely heard this in all different kinds of contexts. Many times, it refers to the challenges that we set for ourselves in our lives and how it is the process itself that makes the final end place worth it and special. When it comes to building a home, the process is the journey and the destination is, in a sense, the final product. And yet, even when your home is finished, the journey barely begins as it is then that a new chapter of life begins. 

Know the Difference Between Spec Home and Custom Home 

People looking to buy a freshly built home often confuse these two terms or use them interchangeably. Let’s take a look at the difference. The process of purchasing a spec home is a little bit different. When the housing markets are strong and robust— as they seem to be these days—builders will often put forth a lot of time, energy, and resources into building a new home on ‘speculation’ that they will be able to sell it promptly. It’s where the term ‘spec’ comes from. A lot of times, this is based on finding a great lot location that is likely to attract homebuyers, as well as a contemporary layout and floor plan with modern amenities and fixtures. 

A full custom builder, on the other hand, will technically not start building until the home buyer has picked out the lot of their choice and floor plans and layout have been agreed upon. 

Beginning the Journey — Choosing the Right Path

So before we go on any journey, we typically have some idea of where we want to go. The first step, in the custom home journey is to find a lot that appeals to you, your family, and your future goals. Where do you see yourself living? What kind of neighborhood are you looking for? 

Setting off on the Journey — Choosing the Right Guide

While building your home is an intimate experience between you and your family, spouse, perhaps, your custom home builder serves as a kind of guide through it all. This is an exciting opportunity to work towards your vision and think about how you and your family live and how you want the space to accommodate that. Find a builder that is willing to listen and help you with the design. A good home builder will have expert home designers and architects within their ranks that are there to guide you through. Make a list of features that are not negotiable or that you really expect to see in your new home and make sure your home builder can deliver. This can be characteristics of a new home like:

• Energy efficiency. Features like:
  • Spray foam insulation
  • Low E glass windows
  • New water heaters
  • Garage insulation
• Floor plans. Consider questions like:
  • Single story or two-story home
  • Open layout or a throwback to closed layouts 
  • Backyard and extra space 

Let Your Imagination Come Forward — Envisioning the Destination 

Perhaps one of the most exciting moments is the moment when a family walks into their newly built ready-to-move-in home. This is the work they put in and the imagination that brought them to this floor plan and interior design. Have control and choose all of the following and more:

• Style of home
• Floor plan 
• Flooring material 
• Paint color
• Ceiling style
• Roofing
• Light fixtures

The markets are constantly changing and so are customer demands. Today, there are more buyers that want custom homes than there are builders building them. Also, buyers will take a smaller lot for convenience and affordability. In fact, a good custom home builder and designer can achieve quite a bit in a smaller lot. Building a home that is efficient in space and minimal is, in fact, a desired option for many people looking to downsize or stick to something simple. 

Moving Forward with Confidence — Communicating With Your Guide

Throughout the building process, you want to make sure that there is clear communication between you and your home builder. After all, they are your guide on this journey. They should inform you of material costs, options, offer ideas, and more.

Arrive at Your Destination — Open the Door to Your New Home

Behind that door lies the rest of your life! Get ready to create wonderful memories and achieve your utmost productivity in a home that is custom-fitted for you and your lifestyle. The building process can take anywhere from 6-9 months, maybe less. This might depend on a variety of factors including size, materials, and other specifications that might require more time.  If you’re looking to embark on a journey of a lifetime, to save money, to ensure your safety and money’s worth, call Cullers Homes today.