Real Estate & House | BurchHouse.com

Congratulations, you have decided to build your own home. Such a project means different things to different people. A simple Google search will demonstrate that there are many different types of home builders. To narrow your project, here is a summary of the various types of builders.

Custom home builders will build a house that is unique for each of their clients. Plans will be drawn by an architect and then extensively reviewed by the client. Every detail is built or sourced according to the client’s demands. If they want an indoor pool with a 30-foot high ceiling, a custom builder can make it happen. A custom built home is both an expensive and lengthy project. The project often involves professional designers and decorators who collaborate with the builder. Someone looking at custom home builders will already have a piece of land where they want to build their home. When the home is complete, the client will have their dream home that is like no other.

Production. Most people are familiar with production home builders. These are builders who have a standard set of designs and build a large quantity of homes within a community. The land is owned by the building firm or developer. A building lot will be sold to a buyer with the condition that they build a house with the production builder. Homes can be customized in many ways, but only within the confines of what the builder offers. For example, clients will be able to pick the design of their kitchen from various options, but do not have the ability to completely alter the design into something unique.

Hands-on. Home builders who are interested in doing custom work, keeping their business small and willing to do re-modeling work are called ‘hands-on’ builders. These builders are often family-run businesses who take pride in their expertise and experience. These are the craftsman builders. While they will build a custom home for their clients, they usually have a signature style or philosophy that attracts customers. They may specialize in new homes that encompass older features and are built to fit into an established neighbourhood. Or, they may specialize in green building. They may also be ultra-modern or specialize in log homes. So while these home builders will work to create a custom home, there needs to be a match between the client’s wishes and the builder’s expertise/specialization.