Custom Construction vs. Spec Homes

Springtime brings a wave of builders’ open houses, creating a frenzy of new home fever. Once you decide you’re ready to move forward on that dream to build a new home, you have many things to consider: location, price and the type of new-home buying experience that’s right for you.

Option 1: Purchase a speculative home that’s move-in ready

Ready-made speculative homes, better known as “spec homes” can be fantastic and inspiring! They are new houses that a builder has already finished, or nearly finished, without a particular buyer in mind. They are designed by architects or home designers and interior designers who know what’s currently awesome and on trend. They are filled with details, materials and amenities you may not realize exist. Buying a spec home is relatively easy: No major decisions. No design process. No waiting for construction. Often, they are built in desirable new developments.

On the other hand, you may end up paying for spaces or amenities that don’t suit you: That wine cellar in the basement? You’re into craft beers. Home theater? You’d rather have more storage space. Indoor sports court? Well… that might be cool!

Option 2: Start at the beginning of the process with a custom home

The alternative is to build a custom home. Starting from scratch with a builder and design team will almost certainly give you greater and more enduring satisfaction because you’ll end up with the home you wanted all along with fewer compromises. You can build a home that suits your lifestyle and becomes a tangible reflection of you and your family. You can use every inch of the square footage and every dollar in your budget to build a place that is uniquely and completely yours.

Building a custom home will require more of your involvement, but at Cates Fine Homes, we work hard to make the process as easy as possible. We’ve built hundreds of homes at a wide range of price points, for people and families at every stage in their lives. We work with excellent designers who can introduce you to the latest materials and trends and create a home that will enhance your lifestyle.

Here’s the bottom line: Spec homes and custom homes each have advantages and disadvantages. If you’re not sure which direction you want to go, Cates Fine Homes can help you work through that decision. We’re focused on custom home building and remodeling. But if you want the quality of a custom home with the convenience of a new house that is move-in ready, you can ask us if we have any spec houses available. We may have something in the works.