Custom Homes Vs. Spec Homes: What’s the Difference?

What is a Custom Home?

As the name implies, a custom home is a one-of-a-kind home designed to fit the needs and preferences of the owner.

Owners can bring their unique and individual tastes to life in the hands-on process of custom-building their own homes. Custom homes may require a bit more time than buying a move-in ready home, but it is worth the effort, as you get a home specifically designed for you.

What is a Spec Home?

A spec home, on the other hand, is a ready-to-move-in home. When building spec homes, builders decide on building materials, floor plans, and home amenities.

Many spec home builders design with certain types of homebuyers in mind. Such as professional couples with children or empty nesters. Spec home builders focus on design features that appeal to a broader audience than a custom home.

Some Reasons to Build a Custom Home Instead of Buying a Spec Home

It is a misconception that custom homes cost more than spec homes. The cost of a custom home depends on the features and building materials chosen. You can better manage expenses and stick to your budget when building a custom home. If you are on a tight budget, you can opt for cost-effective alternatives to expensive materials to keep costs down.

You can also choose between must-haves and good-to-have elements in the home to control construction costs. In all, you have complete control over the custom home-building process.

On the other hand, you have no say in the selection of spec home materials. As a result, a spec home may include extras that your family doesn’t need.

Another compelling reason to build a custom home is that you can choose your builder. You can take your time assessing builder skills and capabilities. A custom home builder ensures client involvement in the decision-making process. Spec home buyers need to have the luxury of choosing their builder.

If you want to reduce your carbon footprint and live an eco-friendly lifestyle, it makes sense to build a custom home. You can choose amenities such as climate control, energy-efficient lighting, and ENERGY STAR appliances to make your custom home energy efficient. Old-fashioned spec homes may need these features, and it may be challenging to add modern amenities.

An experienced custom home builder can design and build a future-ready home for you. If you do not have kids today but plan to expand your family later down the road, your builder can design with your future storage needs in mind.

Holly Construction is a renowned custom home builder serving the Napa area. Our unparalleled ability to bring our clients’ vision to life sets us apart from other custom home builders. To make an appointment, contact our team by calling (707) 541-0700.