When you are planning to construct a new house in Murrieta, one of the first big choices you will make is the extent to which you wish to have control over the designing and building process. There are usually three main variations of houses provided by builders, which are:

• Spec homes
• Semi-custom homes
• Fully custom homes. 

They all have varying degrees of flexibility, cost, and participation. Therefore, making the right decision can save you time, stress, and money.

Below, we will discuss each option and help you choose the one that is most compatible with your objectives.

What is a spec home?

Spec is short for speculative. In other words, a home is built by the builder, but no particular buyer is in mind. The floor plan, finishes, and features are all already pre-selected before the home enters the market.

Pros of a spec home

• Shortest move-in: Construction is already in progress (or done). So, closing time is typically fast and convenient when you are not willing to wait for many months to have a complete construction.
• Known pricing: You get to know the actual price before commitment.
• Ready to move in: No decision fatigue. The builder has decided everything.

Cons of a spec home

• Minimal customization: It comes as-is in a finished form, including floor plan, cabinets, paint, and flooring.
• May compromise on location or Layout: The house may not be on your dream lot. Also, it might not have your desired view or sun advantage.
• Resells more like a production home: It is new, but might not have the personal touches that add long-term value.

Best for:

• Customers who require new construction without the wait.
• Busy people who have tight schedules or moving requirements.
• New customers interested in cost-effectiveness and convenience.

What is a semi-custom home?

A semi-custom home offers more flexibility than a spec build, but it does not require starting from scratch. Generally, you choose the predesigned plans of a builder and customize some of the features, such as:

• Exterior elevation (modern, craftsman, Spanish, etc.)
• Flooring, counter, cabinets, and paint.
• Additions such as long patios, fireplaces, RV garages, and so on.

Pros of a semi-custom home

• Speed and choice: Faster than a completely custom home. You can also personalize it.
• Fixed budget range: You are familiar with base pricing in the beginning and have the option to upgrade to what fits your budget.
• Tested floor plans: Builders test these layouts and improve them with time. Some people prefer open kitchens, covered patios, and more energy efficiency.

Cons of a semi-custom home

• Minimal geometric alterations: You are typically unable to shift walls or modify the footprint.
• The upgrade costs can increase quickly: Customizing the design more can blow up the budget.

Best for:

• Flexible families who do not want to be overwhelmed.
• Buyers with time to wait, but who do not wish to start from scratch.
• Those who love 80% of a plan but desire to customize finishes and layout choices.

What is a fully custom home?

A completely customized home gives you a blank canvas to start from. When working with a fully custom New Home Builder Murrieta CA all the details are created to suit you. That includes the foundation layout, ceiling heights, outdoor space, and so forth.

This is a good alternative when you have very specific needs, like:

• Multi-generational housing designs.
• Big acreage or hillside constructions.
• Additional luxury such as detached casitas, RV bays, oversized garages, or resort-style outdoor living.

Pros of a fully custom home

• Endless customization: You can do anything with the house.
• Designed for your lot: Perfect for hilly or uneven soil prevalent in the countryside of Murrieta or La Cresta.
• Increased long-term value: One-of-a-kind homes truly tend to be more distinctive and sell at a higher price.

Cons of a fully custom home

• Longest timeline: From design to permit and construction should take 12-18 months on average.
• Increased decisions = Increased stress: You will make hundreds of choices.
• Increased price: Custom engineering, materials, and labor increase the total build price.

Best for:

• Homeowners with highly individual design requirements.
• Any person constructing on special acreage or country lots.
• Consumers who consider their house a lifetime construction.

Which option is right for you?

A spec home can be the best solution if you are in a hurry and find construction cumbersome. A semi-custom home is a superb balance if you desire creative input without getting overwhelmed. And if you have always wanted to create something that is entirely unique or you are erecting on a special piece of land, then a fully custom build is the solution.

There is no universal solution. The important thing is what best suits you:

• Time
• Funds
• Design character 
• Long-term intentions. 

Last reflections

Speak to a builder who can give you all three before committing to a specific choice. An honest contractor will take you through the advantages and disadvantages and not just guide you to the least challenging solution for them.