When building a custom home, the client is more in control of the costs. Instead of just taking a preset price for a standardized model, everything is tailored specifically to the client. A true custom home is customized from the ground up. The floor plan should be designed specifically to take advantage of the lots unique views, orientation and topography. A variety of elements, including fixtures, finishes, appliances, and type of heating and cooling are all choices that affect price, design and style.
Many home builders use standardized floor plans with some variations.
They offer options and upgrades, but this is not a true custom home. Many times, by the time a customer adds all the features they want, the cost ends up being more than going to a custom home builder in the first place. Often, people will first have their plans drawn by a home designer and then seek out bids. Care must be taken that all builders are bidding the same amenities and construction methods. Even if the plans gave a great amount of detail, there can be significant variations in what is included.