When building a new home, one of the most difficult parts can be selecting what kind of home you want to build. Many homeowners dream of building a custom home, but what exactly does that mean? Well, first you have to know the difference between the three most common types of new construction homes: production, semi-custom, and custom. Having a clear understanding of what each kind of home includes will help you decide which type of home is right for you.
Production Built
Production built homes have been designed by a builder working with an architect or designer to create a home design that can be built over and over. These homes tend to be “cookie-cutter” homes that are prominent throughout an entire neighborhood. Choosing to purchase a production home means you have less freedom to make changes to the design or even select your own finishes. However, if you purchase the home early into the building process, you may be able to make changes to things like floor coverings, paint colors, and lighting. Though the lack of personalization can be a drawback for homeowners, production built homes are an affordable option for many.
Semi-Custom Built
A semi-custom home is a blend of a custom and production built home. When opting to build a semi-custom home, you’ll typically choose between the builder’s library of home designs, or start with stock plans. One of the nice things about a semi-custom built home is that you have the ability to customize the existing home design to suit your lifestyle. Whether that’s adding an additional bedroom or changing the layout of the home, a semi-custom home offers a little more freedom than a production home. That being said, expect to pay more for a semi-custom built home since it includes unique selections rather than builder-grade finishes.
Custom Built
Custom-built homes are 100% customized to your own tastes and style. Before the building process can begin, you’ll work with an architect or designer to create a built-from-scratch plan for your new home. You’ll select every element of your new home, from the layout and size of the rooms to the type of flooring and finishes. Because this home is one-of-a-kind, it will be more expensive than a production or semi-custom home.
So, which type of home is right for you and your family? The answer will depend on your needs and budget. When weighing the pros and cons, be sure to ask potential builders what their homes include and an estimated timeline of how long it will take to build. For more information on building a custom home, contact the Morning Star Homes team. We’d be happy to tell you about our building process and answer any questions you may have.