10 Benefits of Building a Custom Home
Our Austin Architects Share the Top Advantages of Designing and Building a Custom Home
You have three main options to consider when looking for your dream home. You could buy an older home and remodel the existing floor plan to suit your tastes. You could purchase a new construction home designed by a developer and maybe get a say in the paint colors. Or, you could create your own custom home and call all the shots. So, is going custom the right choice for you? Our Austin architects share the top 10 benefits of building a custom home you may not have considered. Number three is a game-changer!
What Does It Mean to Design and Build a Custom Home?
Here’s a tip for building your first house. A new construction home doesn’t necessarily mean custom. Many developers build and sell new construction spec or tract houses that follow set “cookie-cutter” floor plans and finish packages. If you are lucky, you might get to pick out paint colors or choose between white and stained cabinet fronts. When designing and building a custom home, you will work directly with an architect to create a completely unique floor plan catered to your lot location and lifestyle needs. You’ll also get to pick out any finishes imaginable — as long as they’re within budget.
10 Benefits of Building a Custom Home
Our Austin architects believe that building a custom home is worth the investment for these top 10 reasons.
1. Personalized Style
Spec homes are often built in a plain, boxy style that’s economical to finish for the builder and appeals to the masses. However, you can construct a custom home in the architectural style that’s right for you. Will you design an old-fashioned Craftsman bungalow with cozy wood accents, or go for a sleek contemporary home with walls of glass? The choice is yours!
2. Higher-grade Materials and Finishes
You may have heard the term “builder grade,” which refers to basic, lower-end finishes and materials often seen in less expensive spec homes. While some developers splurge on higher-end materials, many stick to the basics. So, if you want the best materials for your home, you should go custom. With a custom home, you have the freedom to upgrade the finishes that matter to you, whether that’s marble tile in the bathroom or inset cabinet doors for the kitchen.
3. Niche Rooms for Your Hobbies
When designing a custom home, you can easily create a space to accommodate your favorite hobbies and activities. Do you want a home gym or a pet room with a built-in dog shower? Your architect can design it! At our Austin architecture studio, our team has created niche hobby rooms, including sound-proof music rooms and decked-out arcades. Sometimes, it is possible to turn a spec floor plan’s extra bedroom into a hobby room, but that is not always the case. For example, a billiard room has to be a specific size to allow clearance for gameplay. When designing for hobbies, it’s best to plan ahead and go custom.
4. More Functional Floor Plan
Every family is unique, and a cookie-cutter floor plan might not work for your specific needs. When designing a custom home, your architect will ask questions about your lifestyle and preferences and develop the best solutions for your space. Will a U-shape or L-shape kitchen layout work better for your family? Your architect will know!
5. Ability to Future-proof
If you are planning for your next home to be your forever home, you need to ensure it will grow with you as your needs change. This might mean deciding between a single-story vs two-story home or having extra bedrooms to accommodate future kids. A custom design will allow you to balance your current and upcoming needs.
6. Built-in Technologies
Smart homes are becoming more and more popular, but you won’t find the latest gadgets in a builder-grade spec home. Building a custom home from the ground up allows you to incorporate the latest technologies and wire for things like automated window coverings, speaker systems, and security cameras.
7. Increased Efficiency
Older homes have many pros, such as charming details, solid craftsmanship, and established neighborhoods. However, an old house will never be as energy efficient as a custom new build. With a new construction home, you have the opportunity to select energy-efficient appliances and materials to help cut down on future energy costs.
8. Lower Maintenance
Because they’re new, custom-built homes naturally come with a lower maintenance level. Additionally, you’ll be able to select durable materials that last longer than their builder-grade counterparts. For example, traditional asphalt roof shingles only last 20 years. If you choose metal panels for your roofing material, you’ll enjoy over 75 years of zero maintenance.
9. Unique Upgrades
A custom home also means custom upgrades, which you’ll wonder how you ever lived without. For example, did you know you can upgrade your bathroom cabinets with features like a pullout laundry hamper or outlet drawers to keep your hair dryer plugged in and hidden? Other unique upgrades we love include custom media built-ins, integrated appliances, and outdoor kitchens.
10. A Design for the Spirit
Our architects believe in design for the spirit. Your home should be designed around you and your family, providing all the custom function and style you deserve! We’re here to make your dream home a reality when you’re ready to go custom.
Do You Need Help Designing Your Home?