Custom vs Project Homes: What’s Right for You?

Building a home is one of the biggest decisions and financial commitments most Australians ever make. The process is both exciting and daunting, and requires plenty of decisions, some of which have big implications on the cost and result of the build. One of these decisions is whether to build a custom home or a pre-designed, project home. 

Whether you’re building your first home or adding to the portfolio, understanding the difference between custom and project homes will help you decide what’s right for your situation and preferences.

What is the Difference Between a Custom Home and a Project Home?

A custom home is designed entirely around your ideas, lifestyle, and the block of land. Building a custom home requires working with an architect or designer to create a completely new design and layout from scratch, with lots of room for adjustments along the way.

A project home, on the other hand, is built from a pre-made design. Project homes are offered by builders who have refined a select range of designs over time. As these designs have been built many times before, the process is more streamlined and carries less risk. While clients can choose from a variety of floor plans, façades, and finishes, the overall structure and layout are generally fixed.

Pros and Cons of A Custom Home 

Pros

More control over design features

Design features make the home truly feel like your own - with a custom home, every detail of the home, from the layout to the choice of material, is up to you. You get to shape the home’s look and feel according to your likes and dislikes. 

A one-of-a-kind home  

If you’ve been to a display village, you’ve likely seen rows of similarly designed homes that don’t particularly stand out. For those who want their home to be a personal space that reflects their personality and way of life, choosing to build a custom home affords the opportunity to avoid a cookie-cutter home.

Designed with the land in mind

Unlike project homes, a custom home build is not limited by the plot of land, even if it has an extreme slope or space constraints. Architects and builders of a custom build will spend more time accounting for the use of space, resulting in more optimal layouts and greater flexibility in the design.

Cons

Longer timelines 

Designing a home from scratch takes time - the more complex the design, the longer it may take to complete a build. Factor in the required permits and the craftsmanship required, and a custom home will often take longer to complete than a standard project build.

Higher costs

Custom homes usually cost more per square metre. The choice of unique materials, more detailed drawings, and specialist trades adds up to the overall cost of the home. On top of that, because custom homes are not based on a previously achieved design, there’s less certainty around the final cost. 

Pros and Cons of Project Homes

Pros  

Experience with similar builds

Project home builders are not only familiar with the designs offered, but they also have the experience to back them up. As a result, the process for building a project home is much more straightforward; timelines are clear, and there are fewer complications. This can make the entire home building experience feel more predictable and less stressful. 

Faster build times

Project homes already have a pre-existing design that speeds up the process of obtaining building approval from the local council and the stages of construction. While the exact timeline for completion is still subject to external factors like weather and material shortages, homeowners can expect a faster overall build time compared to a custom home.

Cost effective

Builders know how much material is required for a project home, allowing them to purchase building resources in bulk and maintain a regular team of contractors. This translates to better pricing and less room for unexpected costs, especially if clients stick to the standard inclusions.

Cons

Limited design flexibility

Project homes don’t leave much room for customisation. Apart from some variation in colour and layout, builders restrict changes to the design to keep it within costs. Don’t expect the option to move walls or include statement features that aren’t part of the standard inclusions. 

At Cougar Homes, we offer a range of over 60 stunning project home designs to suit every type of household or lifestyle. As the leading home builder in Cairns, we can also create custom designs for a home that is truly unique. Get in touch with us to build your next dream home in Cairns.