At NHBB, we know that when it comes to building your dream home, you have a lot of options. You can find an affordable builder and hire them to build the home for you, or you can choose one who specializes in luxury homes. So, what is the difference between custom luxury home builders and project builders? And why should you choose one over the other? Let's look at some of the differences between these two types of builders so that we can help make sure that your next decision will be right for your new home. ( and while you're thinking about design, have a look at some of our recent luxury home designs here.)

But first, let's look at what a custom home builder and what a project builder is.

What is a custom luxury home builder?

A luxury home builder specialises in building unique, custom design and high-end homes.

A custom luxury home is a one-of-a-kind house designed specifically for you. These homes are built by builders who specialise in innovative projects and know how to meet your exact requirements.

What is a project builder?

Project builders are builders that offer a series of standard pre-designed new home designs that you can choose from. They build many homes per year. Their standard designs can be built many times. When you build with a project builder it tends to be with in their standard range.

There are pros and cons to using each type of builder. Let's compare the differences.

Design and layout of your new home.

A project builder has standardised plans and designs, that you can only make limited changes to before it can become expensive. This is a good idea if you don't want to custom design your home and don't need to change much - you can pick a home standard design that is suited to your block, and you can build your home with onlyminor amendments to fit the house onto your site.  The builders own their designs, they do not belong to you.

Project builders make the building of homes relatively cost-effective because the design and costings of the house are already done, and they can replicate the home many times. This is the economy of scale at work.

A custom builder will build a one-of-a-kind home for you that is completely customised to  your needs. A custom builder can design the home to your requirements. Using custom home builder will also allow you to get your home designed by a designer or architect, so that you can keep the copyright of your design.  The custom builder will quote and build your design. Owning the copyright to your design gives you many advantages such as getting quotes from more than one builder!

The cost of your new home.

Project builders can have a set price for standard designs, which will have the builder’s standard specification, it may not go into much detail. What you need is a careful understanding of cost to make changes on a standard plan. Project builders normally have a higher margin on variations and changes made.

Project builders will have a limited standard range of fixtures and finishes; however, they do buy these in bulk and it can be cost-effective if sticking to the standard items.

Custom builders quote each project individually based on what you selectrequired or on your budget.

Custom builders tailor everything to suit their client . You can pick exactly what fixtures and fittings you want, which can be the best option when building the home of your dreams. You will benefit from knowing exactly what is included or excluded, and what it costs. Sometimes these costs can look higher, but you need to understand the real specification difference, as the custom home builder normally has lower margin but a much higher specification.

When comparing prices from builders you need to be able compare the final price with the same inclusions. This can be done when you own your design, and are able to compare quotes from various custom builders. NHBB can help you do this, so that you get the best quality and best price you can. Click here to book a discovery meeting.

Building a house on a difficult block?

Project builders generally don't build homes on difficult lots because they would have to design the house for the block. They can modify their existing standard designs, but at some point, this can become too expensive, and you would be better off designing a custom home for the block. Some project builders will not build on a difficult block. Project Builders generally have limits on complex constructions and would rather just build standard houses.

Sloping blocks (with undercroft designs - click here to read our blog on this type of this design) battleaxe blocks, narrow blocks will usually need a custom design and a builder with the right experience to build them. A custom home builder would be the best solution for these types of blocks.

The quality and build time of your home.

Project builders build more homes at the same time than custom home builders do. This can sometimes lead to a project home timeline being longer than that of a custom home builder.

The quality of the home can be better for a custom builder because they have less homes being built and can keep a close eye on the build, their tradies rates are normally higher, so they attract quality tradesman. As they build less homes per year, the time on site can be faster.

The communication and access to the builder is usually beeter with a custom builder.

Project or Custom?

Custom

You can design your home using a designer or Architect and decide what you want and what you can compromise on. You can get a like for like comparison from several custom builders when the design belongs to you. NHBB can help you with this process.

Project

Choose from range of a standard designs and specification

Custom

If this is a home you have been dreaming of, you can make the style and finish all yours.

Project

Make compromises on your choice of style and finish.

Use a building broker

If it is a development,  your forever home, or you are building an investment home, let us to help you find the best solution for your build.

We can assist you with the entire process, the process of the build, the relationship with your builder, and the flexibility to get you what you want.

If building a new home seems daunting and you simply want it done with the least stress and the best result, come and have a chat with us.

Project builders and custom builders both have strong roles to play in the Perth home building industry. The key is to understand with independent unbiased advice which one is better suited to you.

Golden tip Don’t push a project builder to do a custom design home, if you want to use a project builder then pick a standard plan, keep it simple and limit changes.

For a free discovery meeting, click here to book now.

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