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We're here to assist you in your search for your dream house, kitchen, bathroom or other remodeling project.
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Types of Home Builders
You generally have three different types of single-family homes and home builders that specialize in one or more these types: tract homes, spec homes, and custom homes.
Tract Home Builders
Tract homes may be the most common type of single-family home. These are your move-in ready, pre-built homes often located in subdivisions featuring a small number of similarly designed houses. Tract homes are usually constructed by nation-wide or state-wide housing developers that have fully-staged model homes for homebuyers to tour.
A tract house is usually (but not always) the lowest-cost option for single-family homes. However, they're generally not customizable, have smaller lots, feature cost-saving measures, and may restrict lender and title options.
Homebuyers will rarely, if ever, deal with a tract home builder. They will visit these homes with a real estate agent or deal with the housing development company.
Tract housing is like the big-box chain store. Spec housing is like the local, mom-and-pop shop.
Spec Home Builders
Spec homes, or speculative homes, are built by home builders that are "speculating" they can sell the home at a profit. Like tract homes, spec homes are pre-built on specific lots and are less customizable. However, spec homes are usually more unique or rare. Spec home builders rarely build the exact same house twice or build a massive amount of them in subdivisions.
Some spec home builders (and custom home builders) tend to design and build homes for a particular niche:
Architectural style: contemporary, craftsman, European, Mediterranean, modern...
House type: bungalow, cottage, ranch, townhouse...
Homebuyer: empty-nesters, families with children, professional couples, budget-conscious, high-end...
Amenities & More: energy-efficient, handicap-accessible, sustainable...
Custom Home Builders
Custom homes are just that, custom. They aren't pre-built and construction doesn't start until there's a buyer. The builder and homebuyer can coordinate on everything from the floor plan and materials to cosmetic features, appliances, and more. Custom homes are only limited by the homebuyer's imagination and budget and the local area's building regulations.
Custom homes come in all shapes and sizes. They're not all elaborate, large estates - they can be medium or small too. Custom homes are built to meet the homebuyer's lifestyle, tastes, and desires.
Like spec home builders, custom home builders may work in a particular niche. Additionally, there are home builders that offer both custom homes and spec homes, creating a bit of a gray area in terms of flexibility and customization. Depending on the home builder you choose, they may offer custom-built homes of one or more of their spec homes.
Tips for Hiring a Home Builder
Buying a home is life changing event and a huge investment. Even more so when you're dealing directly with a home builder. Before you hire a home builder, consider these tips.
- Reviews/References: There is no better way to find out how good your home builder is than to look for reviews or request references from their past clients.
- Portfolio: What better way to determine if you've found than right home builder for your dream home than to see examples of their previous work? Some home builders may have spec homes that are available for you to tour.
- Licenses: Construction is a fairly regulated business, and just about everything involved in your home building project - from construction to plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and more - will require licensed professionals. Every state has an official government website to verify licenses - many also keep track of complaints and violations.
- Associations/NAHB: Looking for home builders that are active in national and local associations is always a good idea. This can include your city's chamber of commerce as well as the National Association of Home Builders which also maintains a number of affiliations with state, regional, and local associations of home builders.