Custom Home Builder vs Volume Builder: What’s the Difference?

When you are about to get your home built, a significant decision you make aren’t the floor plans but, if you choose a custom home builder or a volume builder. There is a plethora of differences between the two. The aspects involved include cost, timeline, flexibility and the amount of control you will have over all the minor to major decisions. The right choice depends on your preferences and there isn’t an exact right choice, it all depends on what you need. This decision can save you from mistakes that you may regret later. Custom Home Builder vs Volume Builder: What’s the Difference?

What is a volume builder?

A volume builder’s construction works at a larger scale, multiple projects at different sites at the same time. The materials are bought in bulk; the floor plans are followed by a library of options that have been pre-designed and are simple. Everything is built on efficiency. Process and layout are reused and repeated.

In Melbourne, there is a dominant market for volume builders especially in Wyndham, Melton, Whittlesea, Casey, and Cardinia. Here, flats and easy to build blocks are all the hype. You typically chose from a catalogue of designs where all the parameters are already thought of, efficient and set. The room for customization is done only on a few aspects like internal finishes and cabinetry.

What is a custom home builder?

A custom home builder as the name suggests, constructs from the very ground, everything moving around to your choices and lifestyle. You don’t adapt to the existing plans rather the home you require is built specifically for you and your choices. This process starts with an architect or a designer, followed by collaboration with the builder through every stage of the construction. Custom builders are the perfect choice if you want to build your home in the established suburbs where no two blocks are the same, and where a standard project just won’t fit.

Which one is the right choice for you?

If you are building on a flat regular block, and if you prioritize budget, predictable and fixed timeline over full design flexibility. Moreover, if you are happy to choose from existing floor plans and library full of designs. Or if you want to see a finished home display before committing to the process Volume builder will definitely be the right choice for you.

However, if your block is irregular, narrow, or on a slope and established in inner or middle ring suburbs. Custom builder is a much better choice. Furthermore, it helps if you want to include your personal input on the floor plans, materials, structural decisions etc. But you should be ready to trade a longer time period and higher cost for a home built specifically around your needs.

Final thoughts

This debate on which to choose volume or home builder is not something that has a single right choice. It’s simply about matching the construction approach to your block and priorities. The right starting point is to look at what you desire and sort out your priorities and resources before you start comparing builder approaches.