Spec Homes vs. Custom Homes

If you’re looking to construct a new home, chances are you’ve already taken a look at the real estate available in the area and you’ve already ruled out the possibility of buying an existing home that’s listed on the market. Usually, this means that either you haven’t located the home of your dreams. It could also mean that you simply want to start from scratch to make sure that your home is built well and with quality materials that will last you for decades to come without the need for immediate or unexpected repairs. 

When building your dream home, be sure to consider both custom homes and spec homes. Read to the end to learn about these home design choices so you can decide which is best for your new construction home needs.

WHAT IS A CUSTOM HOME?

A custom home is a unique and one-of-a-kind home build with your exact needs and specifications in mind. When planning a custom home, the homeowner will consult with the home designer to tell them exactly what they’re looking for. The homeowner will have a say in materials and interior design features like paint and trim. 

The homeowner will work with the designer and builders every step of the way from the floor plan design all the way through to the completion of the build.

READ OUR BLOG: ‘5 Showstopping Tudor Home Plans That You’ll Love’

WHAT IS A SPEC HOME?

A spec home is a home built from the plan that the builder determines. The homeowner will often build a home with a specific type of home buyer in mind, such as empty nesters, retirees, or a family of four. 

With spec homes, the home buyer typically won’t have much choice when it comes to materials, design, and color pallets, but they’ll be able to move into their home more quickly than they would if they were to choose to design a custom home. This is helpful for families that are relocating or need to move into a school district quickly, for example.

THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN DECIDING BETWEEN A SPEC AND CUSTOM HOME

HOW INVOLVED WILL YOU BE AS A HOME BUYER?

If you are undertaking a custom home build, you’ll need to be able to make site visits to the property, and you’ll need to be available to make choices regarding the custom home build. This includes being available to field calls and emails related to the design and building process.  

These will be choices to make like, where to place the home on your plot, which material to use for your roof, which paint and fixtures you prefer. It’s important to be realistic about how involved you’ll be able to be from the pre-planning stages to the completion of the building process.

If you’re a busy professional and don’t have time to carefully consider your choices, a spec home may be a better choice for you. 

DO YOU HAVE TIME TO WAIT BEFORE MOVING IN? 

Spec homes are typically financed and owned by the builder before being bought by the customer. They’re also usually completed or nearly finished before they’re sold so you’ll be able to walk through and make sure you like everything. 

If you don’t have time to wait before moving in, a spec home may be your best bet.

If you have the desire to be involved in the building process and time to wait before moving into your dream home, choose a custom home. Our custom home clients love being involved in the design process from start to finish and love watching their perfectly customized dream homes come to life. 

READY TO START DESIGNING YOUR CUSTOM HOME IN OKLAHOMA? 

The professionals at Creative Home Designs are ready to help you bring your dream home to life. We can customize a floor plan and home design to meet your unique needs. We help you by maximizing the efficiency, flow, and design of your home within your lot size—and we make it look great.

Call us today for a consultation. We can begin by discussing your vision for your custom home, and then we can get to work right away to create a design and plan just for you. We can even offer a 3D Rendering of your home design to help you envision your future home. 

Then, due to our extensive Oklahoma network, we can connect you with trusted builders and providers who will see you through to the finish line.