What to Know about Custom and Tract Homes
When you’re looking to build your home, it’s important to recognize and understand the differences between two main home types you’ll be considering: the custom and semi-custom — or tract — homes. Knowing that difference, and their respective advantages and drawbacks will help you make an informed decision.
What is a semi-custom home?
With semi-custom homes, also known as tract homes, you may have just a few choices of floor plans. Tract homes are so named because they are built on a tract of land that’s meant for homes of a similar style, with slight variations here and there. Plus, the finishes – think cabinetry and door hardware and paint type — are selected from predetermined choices. The semi-custom approach usually gives you some flexibility within a pre-designed floor plan, finish selections, and types of paint. In each of these categories, you can choose from a handful of options. The choices aren’t the same as custom tailoring, but they offer a bit of flexibility. Some advantages of semi-custom homes:
- Less expensive than custom homes
- Can be built on a shorter timeline
However, there are some disadvantages that limit its appeal.
- You have to choose from a limited offering of floor plans
- You don’t have as much control over your new home
Custom homes
With a custom build, your dream home is within reach. You can do anything you want as long as it meets building code and fits within your budget. The sky – and your imagination — is the limit. Customized front doors, solar panels, rich woodwork, an infinity pool – it’s all possible because having a custom home is about what you want to enjoy every day. Just keep in mind that fully tailoring your home comes with a few stipulations:
- Higher costs
- Longer timeline for completion
These aren’t necessarily drawbacks – just practical matters any home buyer needs to be aware of. In fact, you may see these as essential to getting what you want — a home that fully reflects who you are.
Create the home of your dreams
Your home is more than a place. As a familiar saying goes, it’s your castle. It’s also the experience of living in your castle. Tailoring that experience, and helping you discover what you want to wake up to every day is our job. If you need help in figuring out the design of your next home, we’re here for you. Ask LaBram Homes about creating your perfect custom home. We’ll help shape your vision and deliver the house that expresses who you are and how you want to live.
