As doctors have different areas of specialisation, builders do too. In this article, we will show you the difference between a project builder and a custom builder because these two are often mistaken with each other. 

What are Project Builders?

Project builders follow a fixed design. Their clients come in bulk with very little adjustments allowed on the original design. As a result, even slight changes on the project could be expensive on the part of the owner as this can interrupt the mass building they are working on.

These builders are often commissioned to work on State Housing projects or mass produced real estate works.  

What are Custom Builders?

Custom builders have a wide range of unique and specially designed house layout. Often times, they even assign an architect to sit with so you can customise your house the way you like at a reasonable price. 

They choose small number of houses to construct on a yearly basis for them to offer a personalised and flexible services to their clients. Thus, their rates may be higher compared to project builders but it is most certainly the type of builder you would want to go to for the construction of your dream home. 

What are the Main Differences Between a Custom and Project Builder?

Here are the following major differences you need to know about project builders and custom builders:

Design and Layout

Project Builder: They can only offer a small amount of change and design. They have a general set of designs and layout and you’ll be charged extra for any desired changes.

Custom Builder: Works on your home ideas and builds a unique one according to your preference. With custom builders, you can choose specific designs and layouts for your home. 

Exclusions and Inclusions

Project Builder: They only offer typical or usual design (most of the time it looks the same with other houses) with elective changes - such as floor coverings, lights, driveway, and power points.. 

Custom Builder: Custom builders are here to help you build your dream house. They are into whatever you like. Whether you want your home with a lot of corners or you want it round. It’s on you. You just need to tell them.

Variations

Project Builder: Whilst you may very well save as much as 50% on your costs with a project builder, you have to be contented with the design and materials they are going to use on your house. You have very little power on what to tiles, roof product, and accessories to use on your house. 

Custom Builder: Although you may have higher costs with a custom builder, it generally depends on your choice of products. If you choose to incorporate expensive products to your house - then the price of your house will definitely be costlier. Ask for various options for them so they can help you work within your budget. 

Flexibility, options and customer service

Project Builder: You have limited choices for specifications level. You are just another number in their whole project. So they won’t be able to attend to you personally all the time.

This is the brutal fact. But this is also something you need to accept.

Custom Builder: You get what you want. You are in control. Since custom builders don’t do bulk projects, they can focus on you and even has time to get to know you better. This way, they can attend to all your specifications on your dream house. Also if you have a change of heart with the design of your house, it is okay with them.

Complexity

Project Builder: Uncomplex and easy design. Usually, project builders construct similar house designs. Doing a complex design can take up their time. 

Custom Builder: Construct the house the way you want it. They will incorporate every detail you’ll want in your house. Even if it gets complex, they’ll be able to do it for you.

Timeframe

Project Builder: They tend to be slower due to the volume of their project. There is a queuing moment. 

Custom Builder: They are in control of the timeframe. They will tell you when your house will start constructing and each client is managed individually. So any problems can be fixed immediately. This prevents delays in the construction.

Price

Project Builder: The price is already set before you choose your packages. Extra fees are also set for other inclusions. Typical packages don’t have landscaping, driveways, and floorings and you’ll have a limited set of accessories.

Custom Builder: Each project is quoted individually, depending on the specifications of the client. If you want to save your budget, then it’s best to tell them upfront about them. In this manner, they can give you several options to consider.

CONCLUSION

It is important to know what you want to achieve in your dream house before choosing a builder. Compare this with the list of advantages and disadvantages one can deliver. 

Risk management, dispute resolution, compliance with buildings’ standard codes, and future problems are checked through building inspections. It is conducted before, during and after the building is established.

But do you know who ensures that these are all met? Well you have guessed it right! It is your building design consultant that will carry these preliminary inspections to ensure it does pass all the compliances.

Why your building has to be inspected?

Buildings can be flawed with time. Thus a building inspection has to be done to see what is causing the problem. It will also check the possible solutions to solve the case. This is where a building design consultant is needed. They can help you analyse your structure’s condition. The inspection can be requested by businesses, government and private agencies.

But hiring a building design consultant is not only for old building and structures but also for new builds, especially if you want to ensure your structure will last for a long time.

How is this possible?

Building design consultants take different things into consideration when inspecting a building. Such things are social, economic, structural, and environmental elements.

Here are some of the benefits of working with a building design consultant for your establishment.

• They create strategic plans to prevent potential problems that may appear during the building construction process
• Consultants can check for future problems that may arise
• They can set preventive measures to ensure longer life of your structure
• They can help you establish a stronger structure that can stand nature occurrences
• They can give you a solution to your building’s present and future problems
• The building’s cost, durability, time, aesthetic, and function are laid out
• They can facilitate the building’s progress for you
• Consultants provide you with expert advice on the logistics of the building
• They can ensure the financial and environmental security of the construction process
• You can be sure that your building is accordingly to the building code of Australia

Planning to build your own home?

Whether you wanted to build your own home or renovate existing home, hiring a good builder is necessary.

When choosing a builder, getting some advice from family and friends who have hired one to make their home is a good start.

Aside from this, what other things do you need to consider in order to hire a good builder and be ready to sign that building contract? Let’s find out:

Legit or not?

To avoid making wrong decisions, it is important to know that your builder is legit. But how would you know? Here are the things you need to check:

• Licensed and insured. Choose a builder that is legit, registered and insured.  Hire someone that is legally permitted to be involved in the building industry. He should have Public Liability Insurance and Home Warranty Insurance. To be one step ahead, check the list of licensed and insured builders from your state’s relevant department of fair trading or consumer affairs.

• Skills and Experience. Always check whether that builder has the skills you need. If he has only limited experience in the building industry such as renovations and extensions, maybe he’s not the perfect one to hire.

• Portfolio and References. Check out their previous jobs and the homes they’ve built. Consulting an engineer and their most current clients can help you realize how efficient that builder is in the construction process.

How do I make sure I don’t get ripped off?

Building your own home would require you to spend money. Might as well do your homework.

Have some architect or building designer to help you create a tender package that contains the following:

• The scope of the work. Clearly, state the outline of the work needed by the builder especially if you will be contracting to a third-party tradesman for parts of the construction.

• The building plan. This includes engineering documents and soil tests. The building plan will help the builder understand what’s involved, what you want to achieve. Also, it will allow them to figure out the total costs of material and labour and the timeframe for completion.

• The buildings schedule. To avoid a cost blowout, clearly state the materials, fittings, and fixtures you prefer.

Through the tender package, the builder would know what the job requires and what you want to see in the finished project.

When builders give you an itemised quote, try to compare it with other licenced builders to check.

Do you know what they’re talking about?

You may not understand industry jargons and abbreviations that your builder uses.

It is important to ask and clarify what he is talking about or maybe check it yourself. Miscommunication is a big issue when dealing with a builder which is why a detailed tender package and building contract is important.

Never sign the building contract not unless you are ready.

Have some legal advice whenever signing a building contract to make sure that it is in your best interests.  Talk to a solicitor with building contract expertise.

Always consider the following:

• What warranties can they offer?
• The contract should contain the itemised list of quotes that you agreed.
• Make sure that you should be aware of any changes, may it be small or big changes, that may need during the construction.
• Construction start date, key construction pages and the completion date should be included.