The choice between a custom and existing house can be a difficult one. There are multiple factors to consider when choosing a custom vs. existing home. Your knowledge of what separates these two types of houses will help make the decision easier and ensure that you find the right home.

These are some of the differences between a custom-built and existing home.

Design of the Home

Most people have a good idea of what they want in their new home. This plan might include a specific number of rooms or certain types of living areas. Finding an existing home with everything you want can be difficult because the house is already complete. You might eventually find the right home, but it will take more time than designing your own.

A custom home allows you to sit down with the designer and include any features you want. You can even leave space for future renovation if that’s something that interests you.

The Quality of Materials

It can be difficult to know the quality of a home that’s already been built. You probably won’t know the people who built it, making it easier to question the workmanship. Ordering a home inspection before making the purchase will guarantee you find any major issues. However, there still might be minor problems that a home inspection might miss.

A custom home allows you to choose the building materials for the house. You can also view the construction first hand, allowing you to determine the quality of the work.

The Cost of the House

The difference in the cost of m existing, move-in home and a custom-built home largely depends on the home’s location. Pre-existing homes in large cities can have astronomical prices. It can cost more to buy one of these homes than to purchase the land and construction of a custom house. Homes in smaller areas are cheaper than in big cities, often making buying a move-in ready residence more cost-effective.

Knowing the most cost-effective option in the area where you choose to live will allow you to spend more on customizing the interior to your needs.

Find the Right Location

One of the most important aspects of buying a new home is its location. You want a home that is in an area you like and is relatively close to your work. Finding the right pre-built home in the perfect area could be a problem. You might find the right home but in the wrong place or find the right area but not any homes that meet your standards.

You can build a custom home anywhere that you desire. First, you find the piece of land in the location on which you want to build. Then, construct your ideal home on that plot.

Include Energy Efficiency

There are many aspects of a home that will impact its energy efficiency, including insulation and construction materials. Modern doors and windows are much more energy-efficient, allowing you to save money on energy bills. Older homes tend to be less energy-efficient than new homes, and it can be difficult to find an existing house that offers these energy-saving features. You’ll likely be living in this home for many years to come. Including energy efficiency in a custom home design can save you thousands of dollars over time.

Timeframe for Moving In

An existing home requires several steps, including financing, viewing, making an offer, a home inspection, and closing. Despite all of these steps, completing the process can take as little as a few months. Relocating for work might require arriving by a specific date, making an existing, pre-built house a more convenient option.

A custom home requires more time to complete, mainly because of the time it takes to construct the house. A custom-built home will typically take somewhere between six to nine months, depending on the design and location. If you’re willing to wait to move in, building a custom home is a better option if you desire certain features.

Choose the Right Home

Determining the best choice between custom vs. existing home depends on several factors. You might be better off with a move-in ready home if cost and time are most important. However, a custom home might be your choice if you desire a specific location and design. Your understanding of the differences between these two types of homes will assist in choosing the right one.

Contact us if you’re looking for a move-in ready or custom home in the Miami Valley.