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

What Is A Spec Home Scaled

When trying to purchase a house, you will likely come across the question of whether you would prefer a custom home or a spec home.

You might not have a response to this question if you do not know what a custom or a spec home means.

Consequently, this will go a long way in helping you make the right decision with respect to your budget and lifestyle.

This article will discuss spec homes and custom homes in detail. It will also cover the pros and cons and differences.

CMR Constructions are high-end custom home builders based on the Gold Coast, building prestige homes that combine creativity and functionality. We build beachfront homes, architecturally designed quality premium homes, complete renovations, extensions, and more. Suppose you have a concept of your dream home but no designs. We will utilise our knowledge of design and architectural principles and 3D-rendering technology to build your unique forever home. Contact us today.

With that out the way, let’s take a closer look at just what a spec home is.

What Is a Spec Home?

A spec home is a house that a builder constructs while having a set of buyers in mind without the buyers’ input. This means that the builder uses their judgement to determine what potential buyers want and constructs the house accordingly.

For instance, a builder may construct a house based on what would suit a couple with or without children. But in most cases, spec home builders often build houses with a general appeal.

As such, upon buying a spec home, you can move into it immediately. Nevertheless, before deciding if a spec home is the best fit, you should consider its pros and cons.

The pros and cons of spec homes:

Pros

#1. Early Move-in Date
One of the significant advantages of spec homes is that you can move in immediately after you have paid in full for the house. Based on this, a spec home may be your best option if you want a place urgently.
#2. Less Expensive
When constructing spec homes, builders often try to ensure that the house’s cost is within what most people can afford. For example, a builder may buy the building materials in bulk to cut costs. Also, they tend to reduce costs by going for inexpensive building materials.

Cons

#1. Little or No Control over Design
When it comes to a spec home, you have little or no control over its layout. Consequently, you might notice some features you don’t like or are not helpful.
#2. Lack of High-end Amenities
When you choose a spec home, there is a tendency for you to notice amenities that are not high-end. This is usually a result of spec home builders trying to construct something affordable.
#3 Generic
Most spec homes appear to be generic because they all have similar designs.

What Is a Custom Home?

A custom home refers to a house built based on precisely the specifications you have in mind. This typically requires working with both an architect and a custom home builder.

As such, a custom home allows you to have complete control from the number of rooms to the colour of the interior walls and more. Because of this, you can make your house unique by ensuring it has nothing but a luxurious high-end design and builds from start to finish. 

At CMR Constructions, we specialise in constructing high-end luxurious custom homes that meet and surpass the expectations of our clients. All you just need to do is contact us

Nevertheless, before opting for a custom house, you should understand its pros and cons.

Pros

#1. Determining What You Want
Opting for a custom home means you build a house from scratch. Doing this allows you to personalise your home according to your preference and lifestyle. For instance, you can include a gym, an office space, or a game room.
#2. Choose Your Location
If you have always imagined your dream house having a mountain or lake view, you can achieve it with a custom home. Building custom not only enables you to determine the make-up of your house but also to decide the location.
#3. Eliminates Maintenance and Repairs
Since you are building a house from scratch, the materials used in making the house will certainly be brand-new. Consequently, this should reduce the need for future repairs and maintenance.
#4. Use of Highest Quality Materials
Building a custom home gives you intricate control over the materials used in constructing your house. As such, you can decide to go for the highest quality materials depending on your budget.

Cons

#1. Custom Home Cost More
Building a custom home will usually cost you more when compared to buying a spec home. This is primarily due to the unique features included, such as the size of the house, the design, and the location.
#2. Moving into a Custom Home May Take More Time
Moving into a custom home can take more time as you have to wait for the completion of the construction, which could last up to a year or more, depending on the size and specifications of the house.
#3. Finding the Right Location
The first thing you would have to determine when building a custom home is the location. Finding the right spot might take some time, especially if you are looking for somewhere with a view and you have to navigate local council rules and regulations.

Custom Home Vs. Spec Home

There are several differences between a custom home and a spec home. These differences include:
#1. Budget

A custom home costs more than a spec home. Custom homes are typically built with premium materials while following the personalised design of the house owner.

On the other hand, spec home builders will often go for mid-range materials as they are less expensive. Also, spec home builders follow a simple design or layout.

#2. Length of Period
The length of the period for constructing a spec home is shorter than the time it would take to finish a custom home. This is usually a result of the unique layout of custom homes as opposed to the simple designs for spec homes.
#3. Level of Involvement
A custom home requires more involvement than a spec home. For a custom home, the house owner determines the house’s design and ensures that everything goes according to plan. On the flip side, when it comes to spec homes, the house owner hardly makes any decision over how they want the house to be.

Contact a Custom Home Builder

Are you looking for the best construction company on the Gold Coast to implement your custom home design? Then, CMR Constructions is your best bet. Our years of experience make us our go-to luxury home builders.

Also, our team of experts is ready to offer nothing short of perfection. This sets us apart from other construction companies.

By hiring us, you can expect exceptional management skills and the ability to implement your home design in the most minute detail. Contact us today and let us bring your dream house into reality.

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About

CMR Constructions
Combining creativity and functionality, CMR designs and builds high-end luxury homes for clients in the Gold Coast and Brisbane areas. From beach houses and new builds to renovations, extensions, and more, CMR is the team that will turn your concept into reality. We utilise our knowledge of design and architectural principles, our 3D-rendering technology, and the ideas of our customers to create unique and definitive builds.

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