Semi-Custom vs. Custom Homes: Key Differences

When searching for a new home, you’re fighting a never-ending battle. You want to make sure you find a home that meets enough of your wants and needs to make you happy while being able to move on your timeline and only spending what you’re comfortable with. While a custom build ensures your new home will meet all your preferences, not many people can afford the time or money it takes to have one built. So, what’s one to do?

Instead of spending ages trying to find a pre-existing home that meets as many of your wants and needs as possible, consider a semi-custom home built by Davis & Reed Homes. Semi-custom homes can give you the perfect balance between a custom build and a pre-existing home. We will discuss the major differences between a semi-custom and a custom home and explain how you can find the home that’s right for you.

What Is a Semi-Custom Home?

Semi-custom homes are typically built from pre-existing floor plans. They’re also usually built on land that’s already owned by the builder. You have the option of modifying the layout and choosing from the design features and fixtures available.

The Advantages & Disadvantages of a Semi-Custom Home

The major advantage of a semi-custom home versus a fully custom one is the speed of the build. Since the builder already knows the floor plan and other specifics, a semi-custom home usually costs less, and it takes a much shorter amount of time to construct. If your budget is relatively small or you’re on a tight schedule, a semi-custom home can give you a home that’s tailored to your wants and needs for less.

However, there are also some potential drawbacks to keep in mind with semi-custom homes. The major one is control of design. If you’re the type of person that wants full say in every aspect of your new home, then a semi-custom home may not be the best choice for you. You’ll only have so many floor plans to choose from, and you may also be limited in your choice of materials and finishes.

What Is a Custom Home?

A custom home is, simply put, a home that is designed from scratch and built according to the homeowner’s wants and needs. In this case, you have full control over the entire building project, right down to the smallest of details. Once it’s done, you’ll have a home that caters to your every need. It will be truly one of a kind!

Keep in mind that total control comes with a price. The average cost of a fully custom home is higher than the average cost of a semi-custom home. Additionally, fully custom homes take longer to construct than semi-custom homes, since everything is being designed and built for the very first time instead of using a pre-existing floor plan. If you’re itching to move into your new digs, a fully custom home may end up taking too much time for your liking. Patience is required when having a fully custom home built, especially since there can be unforeseen delays in the process.

So How Do I Know Which Is Best for Me?

First of all, let’s make something perfectly clear: if your home is built by a reputable contractor, you’ll get a high-quality home no matter what you decide. Davis & Reed Homes is a full-service home builder serving the Liberty, MO area, as well as Iowa, Nebraska, and Houston. We’d be happy to help you choose between a semi-custom build and fully custom one. Either way, we’ll be sure to construct a solid home that will last you and your family a long, long time.

One terrific way to decide whether you want a fully or semi-custom build is to check out the options out there. To get you started, we’d like to introduce you to the floor plans we have on offer for semi-custom homes and barndominiums. Even if you decide to build a fully custom home, you can still use these floor plans for inspiration.

The Colorado Series – Modern Homes

The Colorado Series offered by Davis & Reed Homes can be the perfect option if you’re looking for a semi-custom home. You can choose between 13 different floor plans to best meet the needs of your family.

The Cowboy Series – Barndominiums

Another option when it comes to a semi-custom home is a barndominium, which is an excellent choice if you plan to move to a more rural area. Our Cowboy Series of barndominiums gives you 12 spacious floor plans, large windows that let in plenty of natural light, and a great selection of interior finishes to customize. You get the look of a traditional barn with all the conveniences of modern life.

And We’re Also a Full-Service Custom Home Builder!

The experience of the Davis & Reed Homes team allows us to work directly with our clients. That means you’ll get the most responsive customer service possible, along with the best results with your build. Whether we’re building you a fully custom or semi-custom home, we make a point of getting to know you and your family so we can deliver the best service. Opt for a custom home, and we can help you choose everything about your new home, from the building materials to the color of the doorknobs and everything in between. If you need it, we can also assist in finding the right plot of land for your custom home.