Are you considering building a new home? It’s an exciting time and one where you want to feel comfortable, content, listened to, and confident in your home builder. Choosing the right builder is imperative to getting the right home for you and your family.

Choosing your builder will be one of the most important decisions you’ll need to make during the build. Mainly you have two options to choose from – a Custom Builder or a Volume Builder. So, which is the right choice for you?

What is the difference between a custom builder and a volume builder?

Custom home builders are often smaller companies that build one-of-a-kind homes which are specifically designed for the client by an architect or draftsman. Custom builders are flexible with floorplans and adaptable to changes, and you can bring your plans if they’ve previously been drawn up for you.

As they take on a smaller number of projects per year and provide a tailored service, the client receives a more personalised approach, clear communication, plus the materials and finishes are of exceptional quality.

A volume builder, or a project home builder, on the other hand, builds from a range of existing set house designs, with limited personalisation options. Volume builders typically mass produce several houses per year, sometimes into the thousands, and also offer a range of set house & land packages.

Volume builders can often be a cheaper option if you’re happy with their set designs, but any changes can come with a high price as well as add a delay to the construction.

The advantages of using a custom home builder

At Lofty Building Group, we are a true custom home builder in Adelaide offering complete choice, flexibility and personalisation in the build process.

Being a custom home building company means that we can be highly accommodating to your requirements. We understand that you don’t want a generic run-of-the-mill house. You want to inject your own personality, needs and style into your home.

We factor in your budget, land size and shape, and personal requirements to design and build you the house you’ve always dreamed of. You’re welcome to bring your own floorplan, or we can work to design this with you. We also offer an extensive range of contemporary single, double and multi-dwelling designs which can be tailored to suit your new home vision.

Our process is stress-free, with open and honest communication during every stage of the process.

Below we’ve listed comparisons between working with a custom home builder or a volume home builder:

Personalised or set design?

Being able to easily tailor your floorplan and façade, using a custom home builder, is a huge benefit over working with a volume home builder.

Volume builders can still customise your home to suit your requirements, but it will come with a high price tag. The pre-set designs come at a base price and to upgrade, or add any extras there is a cost on top.

Volume builders usually have display homes, which will help you to get an idea of what your chosen home design could look like. However, it’s important to note that their display homes often include every luxury item that they have on offer and will not be the same home as what they’re offering with their base price.

At Lofty, we don’t have ‘traditional’ display homes, rather, we always have a number of completed or near-completed projects that we are happy to take you through by appointment, allowing you to see real-life examples of our specifications, quality and finish.

Exceptional customer service – flexibility & adaptability

At Lofty Building Group, you’re in control. We work with you to build your one-of-a-kind home, offering complete flexibility and choice, while being fully adaptable to your requirements.

Customer service is key for us, and you will never be just another number in the queue. As we’re a custom builder, we don’t take on hundreds or thousands of projects per year as a volume builder would do.

With Lofty, you get to know your builder personally, and you’ll be able to contact them directly with no messing around. Many volume builders do not allow direct access to speak with the project supervisor. Normally, you would only be able to discuss any issues, or ask any queries at scheduled appointments or site meetings.

When working with our custom builder, our flexibility extends throughout the entire process. Should you change your mind at any stage about a finish or the design, we work to incorporate your needs. We’re not limited to set specifications. Using a custom builder, you can add those luxury items – higher ceilings, larger doors, larger room sizes, etc.

The design and layout of your home

As mentioned above, if you’re happy to select your floorplan from a set menu, then a volume builder may be a good choice for you.

If you’d rather have the option to design a home that’s unique to you and has every feature that you want, then you should consider working with a custom builder.

With a volume builder, you can make changes at a cost, but not all variations or options that you desire may be available. However, working with a custom builder and architect, they’ll find the ideal options for your house design to suit your land size and shape. To create the ideal house design for your block, they will consider all factors. For example, a custom builder will take into account window placement, to ensure the best capture for natural light, etc.

If you already own land, the shape and size of the block may not suit a volume builder’s set designs. As often they are not suited to smaller blocks or blocks that are considerably sloping. A custom builder will be able to design a home to perfectly suit your block of land.

Are volume builders cheaper than custom builders?

Volume builders may be able to offer larger savings over custom builders as they mass produce homes and purchase materials at a higher volume. This allows them to negotiate a better price for the materials, and pass the savings on to their clients.

Volume builders can be cheaper than custom builders, but at the end of the day, they are often quite comparable in price once you consider the final turn-key outcome.

A volume builder will provide a set base price, and you can see what your house design will look like, as they often have the display homes for viewing. It’s important to note that their set base price often doesn’t include extras, such as air conditioning, heating, driveways, decking, landscaping, floor coverings, lights and power points.

Depending on the package, it may only include budget finishes and a limited range of features. You can upgrade the package at an extra charge, but often their range of selections may be limited due to their bulk-buying capacity.

Custom builders can be more expensive as they work to design a home specifically suited to you.

With a custom home builder, you will receive a quote that is specific to your build and your individual choice of finishes and selections. A custom builder will work within your budget, and you have the flexibility to do what suits you – to either have a complete turn-key home or to stop at any other stage prior.

Is it quicker to build with a custom builder?

In most cases, the build timeline is faster with a custom builder. This is due to these smaller companies taking on fewer projects per year, compared to a volume builder.

Volume builders will need to schedule you in, this could result in a delay due to any projects scheduled before you. If you require any changes when working with a volume builder, this could hold up the build as it can sometimes be tricky to get hold of the supervisor. Any changes may also push you further back in their queue.

Custom builders offer more control as each project is individually managed. Should any issues arise, or changes required, they are dealt with immediately. It’s easier to build a relationship with a custom builder, and you’re given more flexibility and control.

Are you ready to build a home that’s personalised specifically to your needs?

Get in touch with the team at Lofty Building Group. We provide choice, flexibility, adaptability and customer service that is well above the rest. A new build is an exciting time, and we want you to enjoy the process every step of the way.

Call us today to find out more on (08) 8266 0011 or browse our website for further information on how we will build you the home of your dreams.