Top 3 things to consider when building a custom home:                       

May 2013

Choosing to build a custom home has many risks and rewards.  The three major point to consider are:

1) How flexible is the custom home builder?  Many  custom home builders claim to build a completely custom home, yet, when a change occurs during the project from the original quote, a "change order" is invoiced to the customer at an unreasonably high cost.

2) How long will the build take?  Custom houses take time, yet sometimes it's too much time.  A spec house in a subdivision can be completed in as little as 2 months.  With a custom house that time-frame is elongated, yet there is no reason the builder should not be able to complete the project within a 10 month period of time.

3) Are you getting what you pay for?  The added cost of a building custom house should come with a knowledgeable, friendly construction manager.  Many builders take on too much and will take up to a week to return a client's call.  With paying more for the added service of a custom home you should have direct contact with your building's project manager to allow the communication lines to stay open from both parties to avoid issues and ensure the service you have enlisted is being utilized.

- Caleb Timbers - Construction Manager/Estimator