Building a custom home can be a more rigorous route to home ownership, but it is an extremely satisfying one, especially since you get to be in on the ground floor — literally — a part of the process from beginning to end.
“While there are many fine production builders in this country that offer countless home designs, a consumer typically turns to a custom home builder when they can’t quite find a plan or amenities that suit their particular needs,” says Tony Crasi, a custom homebuilder from Ohio and Custom Home Builders Committee Chairman at the National Association of Home Builders.
The true benefit to designing and building a custom home is the flexibility that comes with the process, says Crasi. “With the help of a qualified design professional and builder, you can have almost anything you want and build your home where you choose, as long as it fits your budget.”
Crasi says there are many interrelated steps to building a custom home, but the three main parts are lot selection, home design and then the actual build. “I recommend finding a piece of land or a lot before you start the design process,” he says.
Lot first
When looking to buy a lot on their own, homeowners need be aware of more than its location, says Joanne McInerney, broker associate with Coldwell Banker in Lombard.
“Look at amenities and school districts, and major roadways,” she says. “It’s not just about where you want to live now, but homeowners should also think about resale. Good school districts drive prices.”
The amenities are important, such as where the utilities, water, and sewer are in relation to the lot’s location. Having to move utilities close to your lot can be costly, says McInerney. She also suggests soil testing. “Just because a lot looks buildable, doesn’t mean it is. You have to be sure it is the right soil for building.”
Design and build
Chris Baum of Naperville-based 5th Avenue Construction says it’s important to do your homework. “Put together a realistic budget, choose an area to live that fits your budget, sit down with a few builders and ask a ton of questions. You will be married to your builder for quite some time; you need to feel very comfortable, Baum say.
A custom builder, 5th Avenue offers homeowners several options when it comes to lots and design. The company will build on a lot the customer already owns, or it can offer a client a buildable lot in its two communities in Beecher and Lemont. In addition, it can offer its own floor plans to customize or can offer a totally new design.
“We have our own architect and can build from the ground up,” says Baum. “Whatever the homeowner wants. The main benefit of building a custom home is it’s your vision. The client designs the home for their family.”
The entire process — design, selections, permitting, building — can take as little as five months to over a year. “It depends on the client and the village we’re building in,” Baum says.
Baum says custom building should not cost more. “Whether we design and build a spec home or design and build a home specifically for a client, the cost should be the same, ” Baum adds. However, this does depend on just what the homeowner is seeking.
“There is nothing off limits,” says Baum. “It will always depend on our client’s budget. We have a current project in process where we’re building an indoor driving range/home theater in their basement.”
Crasi says lack of planning and not establishing a realistic budget are two of the biggest potential pitfalls to avoid when building a custom home.
“Next is choosing the right team to help you work within your budget to achieve your goals,” Crasi says. “The goal is to find a balance between budget and your dreams, which can all happen if you find the right team and listen to their recommendations.”
