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If you have made the decision build a new home,
this page
provides some information that may help you make an informed
decision on the type of builder to use. These options
are in order from the lowest cost to the highest cost.
- Development builder. This type of builder usually
has several models with size and layout already determined.
Choices and changes to the plans are very limited. You can
usually choose upgrades of the standard offering, such as, the
elevation (front appearance), colors, appliances, light
fixtures, and floor covering. You typically get to choose a
lot location in the development. Development builders take
advantage of volume and fixed designs to offer lower cost new
homes than custom builders.
- Custom builder with several design plans. This
builder is similar to the development builder but you have
more latitude in changing the design. Often the builder has
lots available or will build on your lot. The homes have a set
of plans but the builder allows you to move walls, add square
footage, customize the kitchen, custom cabinetry, crown
molding, change a bedroom to an office or den, add a sunroom,
add a custom deck, etc. These custom features increase the
basic cost of course and builders sometimes require payment up
front for them.
- Custom builder of your plans. These builders
usually only build several homes a year. Often the builder has
an architect to work with you or you can have an independent
architect design the home. The home is built on a lot of your
choice that you have purchased. Here you get to choose
everything, right down to the door knobs. The architect must
supply a complete set of blue prints and specifications for
everything that goes into building the home. Your custom
builder can serve as a good consultant to keep the cost in
line and check for errors in the design. This approach does
have more risk involved and care must be exercised to choose a
reputable architect and builder. This is the most costly
approach but you get to balance cost and features to get
exactly the home of your dreams.
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