We know that when you’re building a new home, one of your biggest – and often most difficult – decisions is choosing between a project builder and a custom builder.
Everyone’s home-building experience is unique and you’ve probably heard a lot of different opinions on the whole process. You’ve probably also ploughed your way through heaps of media articles, websites and marketing brochures which can make your decision-making even more confusing.
The first thing to know is that there are benefits to each option and your decision whether to go for a custom build or a project build will depend on your unique requirements and priorities.
So, to help you weigh up the options and make it easier for you to choose, have a look at these important points:
Budget. Your home is your castle – but you probably don’t want to pay a king’s ransom for it, so careful budgeting is your number one priority. A project builder will have range of standard designs, plans and pricing structures to give you an idea of what sort of home your money will buy. You can obviously also visit display homes that fall within your budget parameters. However, it is important to note that variations on the standard designs, both at the time of design and throughout the build period, can add substantially to the final tally.
On the other hand, you can have a custom built home that’s totally unique and which fits into your budget. Coast Homes, a leading custom builder in Perth have a really good tool on their website which enables you to establish a benchmark costing for your new home. Simply visit their website, complete the form and they will email you back instantly with a price estimate and your design brief – obligation free of course!
Block size and shape. Project builders generally offer standard designs which fit standard block sizes including narrow lots and rear access properties, so you can get an idea of what your options are before you purchase land. However, a custom builder may be a better choice if the block that you are considering (or perhaps you already own it) has challenging dimensions or features such as a slope, unusual shape, views etc. Their design team is able to draw on their experience and skill to create a totally unique home that maximises all aspects of your block.
House and land packages. Most project builders offer combined house and land packages through their exclusive arrangements with developers. On the other hand, a custom builder doesn’t generally offer land but is able to handle all aspects of site preparation and so on ahead of the build. And if you’re considering a sub-division, look for an established custom builder which understands all the steps involved in a successful, profitable subdivision and which will partner with you to make the whole process simpler and hassle-free.
Unique designs. Custom builders pride themselves on the ability of their team (designers, architects, boutique builders and consultants) to translate your ideas and vision into a home that is totally unique and carefully crafted to meet your individual needs. They’re not restricted to certain levels of specifications and so you have the flexibility to change your mind throughout the process. And although project builders do allow for a degree of customisation of designs, the base footprint is still a standard design which is replicated elsewhere – sometimes even in the same street or suburb!
Customer liaison. Project builders have many different construction projects on the go at any one time and because site visits and project updates are scheduled according to rigid frameworks, it can be tricky to get hold of your contacts at other times. On the other hand, custom builders will offer you much greater flexibility and accessibility when it comes to site meetings and client liaison. Continuity of contact is a key aspect of a custom build, and if you build a home with a leading boutique builder like Coast Homes, you will interact with the same team all the way through the process. Because you’re not one of a hundred different clients, you get to know the builder very well and they take the journey together with you.
Turnkey vs your own selections. A custom builder is happy to work with any trades selected by the customer, whereas a project builder appoints their own.
So, are there benefits of one type of home builder over the other?
There are pros and cons to each and it’s crucial to choose a company that ticks all your boxes. Importantly, you should look for a building company that offers end-to-end continuity with an experienced, friendly, understanding and professional liaison team. After all, a new home is a major financial and emotional investment, so you want the best possible people on your side from start to finish.
The team at Coast Homes say that the shared journeys with their clients and the relationships they forge along the way are the most rewarding aspects of their jobs – so it’s hardly surprising that they’re one of Perth’s most popular boutique builders. They’ve been creating stylish, creative, award-winning and affordable bespoke homes for Perth families for over 18 years and if you’d like to find out why a custom built home is right for you, please contact Coast Homes on 08 6241 6777 or visit their website, www.coasthomeswa.com.au.
