It’s difficult to decide which road to take when you’re finally in a position to buy the home you’ve always wanted.

Of course, the quickest approach to a new home is to buy someone else’s house. Once the money is exchanged, and the paperwork is completed, you can move in and do whatever you want with it, like upgrading the kitchen to suit your tastes. Buying someone else’s house is out if you desire a new one.

Currently, you have two options: employ a team of architects and builders to design and build your custom home, or buy a ready move-in spec home.

Uncertainty about a spec home’s suitability Or would you prefer a custom-built one? Let’s dig deeper.

What Exactly Is A Custom House?

A custom home is a one of a kind residence that is designed and built for a specific client. A custom home’s purpose is to realize your vision by collaborating with a builder every step of the way. You not only collaborate with the builder on the planning, but you also have input on the interior design, such as paint colors and worktops.

Custom Home: Pros

  • The primary advantage of a custom home is that it is created exactly to your specifications. 
  • Every aspect of the house can be designed to your preferences, which includes far more than the quantity and size of rooms.
  • There is a lot of customization available, from unique design aspects to minor nooks and crannies and custom layouts that best fit your needs.
  • This isn’t just about looks; it’s also about the must-have necessities. 
  • Because you’re in charge of what you want in a custom house, you can rest assured that you’ll have all of the safety and storage features you want!

Custom Home: Cons

There are a few main disadvantages to buying a custom home if you decide between speculative and custom homes. These are some of them:

  • The most significant disadvantage is the cost. Custom homes have a higher price tag, which is often out of reach for first-time purchasers.
  • Because they are starting from the ground up, construction may be slower and may have delays.
  • Finding a suitable lot may take longer than anticipated and may cost more.

What Is A Spec Home?

A spec home is built to the builder’s specifications. The builder may have a specific target market in mind, for example, a house for professional couples with children or for people that like empty nesters, but the spec home can also have a broad range design for multiple kinds of buyers. In most cases, buyers have less control over the blueprint and interior design.

Spec Home: Pros

When choosing between a spec home and a custom home, spec homes have several distinct advantages over their custom counterparts. The advantages of buying a spec home include:

  • When it comes to the cost of a custom home vs a spec home, spec homes are frequently less expensive.
  • Spec homes can provide unique ideas and features without the high cost of custom construction.
  • Homebuyers benefit from the predetermined blueprint because they know exactly what they’re getting.
  • Spec homes are frequently move-in ready, making for a smooth transition.
  • The Spec home may be the best option for individuals who don’t have a clear idea of what they want in a home or who need a place to move into soon.

Spec Home: Cons

Although spec homes are one of the better starter home options on the market, they are not without problems. If you’re choosing between a custom and a spec home, here are some drawbacks to think about before making your final decision:

  • A spec home’s design is predetermined, so there’s no room for personalization or changes to the floorplan.
  • Many finishes, lighting, and paint colors are also predetermined in addition to the blueprint.
  • The amenities may not be as high-end as those found in other housing options.
  • Even if the house is brand new, a home inspection is still required to ensure that it is in good working order.
  • Homebuyers must conduct due research before committing to purchasing a spec home since they have less control.

What’s the Difference Between Spec Home and Custom Home?

COST

A custom home is usually more expensive. To maximize profit, spec home builders often choose mid-range materials and appliances with mass appeal to discourage potential purchasers.

Because the owner usually designs a custom home, more thought and effort goes into the design and building of the home.

TIME

A spec home takes less time to build. For the builder to make a profit, the home must be built and sold promptly. This is why a spec home offers few customization options, even if purchased early in the construction process.

Custom homes usually take longer. Apart from the design phase (which normally takes six months), the building time frame varies greatly depending on the home’s size and complexity. Detailing takes time, but when designing your dream house, it’s time well spent.

INVOLVEMENT

The homeowner is rarely involved in a spec home project because the builder makes most of the design selections.

In a custom build, the homeowner is more involved. Clients building bespoke homes have a strong interest in the project and want to be involved (especially during the design process), with many choosing to make regular site visits to monitor the build.

FIT FOR PURPOSE

Spec homes are built to appeal to a wide range of buyers. While they may satisfy a wide spectrum of consumers, it is unusual to find a spec home that truly meets all homeowner’s needs. If the builder or developer allows the buyer to modify the home design, it will likely be priced considerably above market value.

However, custom homes are built with the occupant in mind. Every aspect of the residence is tailored to the owner’s lifestyle and preferences. To design your ‘forever house’ or ‘dream home’, the custom is the way to go.

Final Words: What to choose?

Because of the time involved, buying a house is less expensive than building one. You won’t have to worry about any obstacles that arise during the construction process, construction delays, or completing the project on time if your house is nearly or fully finished.

If you buy a property, your risk drops considerably because you will avoid any unplanned delays. After all, a delay means more time spent on the project, which means more money paid to the builders – and we want you to have a smooth buying experience.