Custom Home Builder St Louis
Looking for a custom home builder in St Louis? If you are considering building a custom home instead of purchasing an existing property, there are many factors to consider before deciding. You'll want to find the right property, hire the right builder, and understand the custom home-building process well. If you're considering a custom home design, it's essential to understand the different terms you are likely to encounter. There are several types of new homes to consider. You should choose a new home based on your desired level of involvement with the design/build, budget, and timeframe.
Construction Terminology
As you begin your home search, you’ll likely encounter several terms new home builders use. Many builders offer a range of new home options, from standard floor plans to truly one-of-a-kind custom designs.
Spec Home
Spec homes are designs pre-chosen for a particular lot with limited or no customization or input on the buyer's end. A spec home can come as a house and land package or often as a completed product ready for purchase. Most times, they are already built or under construction. Spec homes are usually the quickest way to move into a brand-new home.
Standard Plan
Many home builders offer a collection of floor plans. These plans are considered "tried and true" and provide a range of styles, budgets, and amenities. You may be allowed limited personalization, such as choosing fixtures, flooring, and paint colors. You will have little involvement in the home's design, although some limited options may be available. For example, you can choose a media room or home office instead of an extra bedroom.
Semi-Custom
Some home builders can customize an existing floor plan from top to bottom to fit your family's needs. This option gives homebuyers much more input into the design process. After choosing from the pre-existing layouts, the homeowner works with the builder to select specific customized options for the home. While this may simplify and expedite the design process, the result is a reflection of the options provided by the builder rather than a reflection of the homeowner's vision.
Custom Home
A custom home project is one where you work directly with a homebuilder to design, plan, and select every detail about the home's construction, layout, and finishes. The homebuyer has near-total control of the home's layout, look, and feel. Custom homes are designed with the homeowner's lifestyle in mind and can include features such as open floor plans, large windows, custom cabinetry, and other amenities. Custom homes tend to take longer to build and are generally more expensive than pre-built homes, but the result is a true expression of the homeowner's style and priorities.
Who Builds Custom Homes?
A custom home builder is a professional who designs and constructs houses to individual client's specific needs and preferences. They work with clients to create a design that meets their needs and then oversee the construction process to ensure the home is built to the highest standards. Custom home builders typically work with a team of architects, engineers, and subcontractors to complete the project. In addition to designing and building new homes, custom home builders may also be involved in remodeling or renovating existing homes. Selecting the right custom home builder is a crucial decision.
Selecting the Right Custom Home Builder
Look at Their Past Projects
Take a look at your potential builder's website. Most will have examples of their portfolio and past work. You want to find someone experienced in building homes of your desired architectural style.
Read Their Reviews
Read their online reviews and talk to the builder's previous clients. Here are a few questions to ask:
- Did the builder finish your home one time? If not, why not?
- Did your home come in on budget?
- Did the builder communicate clearly with you?
- What are the builder's best qualities?
- Would you select the same home builder again?
What Services Do They Offer?
Not all custom home builders offer the same services. Some can assist you with land acquisition or set you up with a realtor, while others won't. Some are design-build companies, and others do construction only.
Sustainability
If sustainability is important to you, you'll want to find a custom home builder with experience in eco-friendly building practices.
Hold Interviews
The only way to know if you want to work with someone is by getting to know them! Schedule a preliminary consultation with a few custom home builders to see who will best fit your needs. Custom home builders differ on what size and scope of work they can handle and how quickly they can get the job done. You will want to be on the same page with your builder about the estimated project budget and timeline.
Things to Consider When Building a New Home
No matter what type of new home construction you choose, there are several important things to consider before you get started.
Your Budget
A custom home is one of the most significant investments of your life, so you'll want to budget carefully. In addition to the investment size, the financing process for building is entirely different from buying a home on the existing market. Things that factor into your custom home building budget include the following:
- Cost of land
- Construction costs
- Material costs
- Architectural and design costs
- Interior design costs
- Decorating and furnishing costs
- Local taxes and fees
- Permits
- Changes or additions to the scope of work
Your Timeline
In addition to establishing your budget, you will want to develop an idea of your timeline. When do you want to start? How long are you willing to dedicate to this project? The average custom home building timeline differs based on various factors, such as land acquisition, permitting, and the size of the home. Generally speaking, the process from start to finish can easily take up to a year. However, even with a pre-planned timeline, the process could take much longer than anticipated, especially if unforeseen changes occur. Weather delays, supply chain issues, and material shortages can all impact your project’s timeline and budget.
Site Selection
If you own land, one of the most critical parts of your project is complete. If you don't have property, don't despair! Sometimes, the wisest thing to do is to hire a new home builder and work together to find the land for your future home. If this is your first time purchasing a vacant lot, having an expert with you can save you from many costly mistakes. Custom home builders are professionals who understand the local real estate industry. They know how to select the right property for your preferred custom design. They understand the code and zoning restrictions within a given area. Hiring an experienced home builder before you buy a property may save money by having them work with you to find the right site for your dream home.
Custom Home Builder in St. Louis
HomeSource Custom Homes is a family-owned and operated design/build construction company specializing in custom homes and additions within a 100-mile radius of St. Louis. We have delivered excellence in custom home building for nearly 4 decades by providing exceptional quality, attention to detail, and an unmatched commitment to customer service.
Our goal at HomeSource has always been to simplify the process by providing the step-by-step guidance you deserve to design a plan you love that fits your budget, build a product far superior to the typical builder, and deliver a home that exceeds your expectations. With over 900 Floor Plans, we offer plenty of options for families of all sizes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my own design or do I have to choose from your plans?
You can bring your own design, a design to be modified, or browse through HomeSource Custom Homes' extensive library of plans.What factors should I consider when designing my custom home?
Key considerations include your lifestyle, budget, energy efficiency, future needs, and aesthetic preferences. Structural upgrades cannot be done later unless you have an unlimited amount of money. So, having the structural upgrades included in the initial design should be considered. Countertops and flooring can be upgraded later.How does HomeSource Custom Homes ensure affordability in custom home designs?
The company has a "Build Custom for Less" program that eliminates traditional builder markups while maintaining quality. We are set up to allow the customer to put in sweat equity on the interior finishes and save the builder markup on those items.Can I make changes to my design after construction has started?
Some modifications may be possible, but significant changes can impact cost and timeline. Structural changes cannot take place as the engineering has already been completed for the permit. Changing your decision on the color of something or moving a wall a few inches is ok.Do you provide 3D renderings or virtual walkthroughs of the designs?
HomeSource Custom Homes provides detailed blueprints and a mental walkthrough process to help you visualize the final layout. We do work with architects who can provide 3D renderings upon request. As we design the idea and put it in the computer, we have the ability to show you a 3D exterior of the home and even change colors. This helps with the design process before the estimate.