Builders toss a lot of confusing terms around, but our customers often give us a puzzled look when we talk about custom and semi-custom new homes. So what are these? What's the difference? And why should you even care?
First of all, it's important to understand that new homes fall into one of three categories - Production, Semi-Custom and Custom. As a customer looking for a new home in Tampa and St. Petersburg, most new homes fall into either Semi-Custom or Custom. Yet just to clarify, a Production home is typically built by large homebuilders where they build the same plan over and over again, usually in several communities throughout the region or state. There is minimal ability to change the home plans and the finish selections, like flooring and cabinets), are typically limited to very few choices.
So that brings us to the initial questions. Semi-custom homes are homes where builders have their customers select their home from plans that have already been developed. Some builders are willing to modify the plans. Depending on the builder, the changes may allow for resizing, adding and deleting rooms. The selection of interior and exterior finishes is often limited to a few choices, similar to the production home approach.
Custom homes are one of a kind and have never been designed or built before. They are developed from scratch typically through a collaboration with the homeowner, builder and architect. The home's property, and most importantly, the homeowner’s taste and lifestyle are what drive the design. Just as important as the home's plans in a custom home is that the finish choices don't have limitations. With a custom home, a homeowner has the flexibility to select virtually everything in the home - from the flooring and cabinets to the door knobs and towel bars.
So you're likely beginning to see the difference between a Semi-Custom and Custom Home.
Choice and flexibility.
That's really what it comes down to. A semi-custom builder may have a book or online directory of plans to select from. They also may have two or three packages of lighting fixtures to choose. The custom home builder will design a home that may take the inspiration on the exterior of a home you love in your neighborhood; a kitchen that you saw in a magazine; and a master bedroom from another home.
Of course, many people are concerned that all this flexibility comes with an impact to time and cost. Our experience is that there is no difference in cost between a semi-custom and custom home when considering similar finishes. Due to the additional decisions required for a custom home there is typically an additional 3-4 weeks of time compared to the semi-custom home.
One last word of advice – once you’ve determined which type of home suits your needs and lifestyle, make sure to select a builder that is experienced with that type of home and knows how to manage it. The people, tools and process required for a custom home are much different than a semi-custom home.
Jon Solomon
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