These are the homes usually found in suburban developments. Spec homes are built based on a plan made by a construction company or contractor before there is a buyer. Spec homes are designed to be appealing to the widest possible audience, and usually several are built at once. Because the contractor doesn’t know the buyer, most features will be basic and neutral. In Florida, new residential construction is mainly composed of spec homes.

The Custom Home

Just as the name suggests, a custom home is designed with a specific buyer in mind. Generally, when someone states they are “building a home” they are referring to a custom home. Custom-built homes adapt to your needs and taste; everything can be changed to accommodate your plans. In this case, the homebuyer either has ideas or hires an architect to design their ideal home. Then, they’ll hire a builder to actually make the plan a reality.

With custom home building, the homebuyer has total control of the end result. From the size and distribution of the home to the materials used, you can tweak every detail to fit your needs.

Spec home vs custom home: how do they compare?

If you want to buy a new home instead of renovating an older one, you’ll probably have to choose between a spec or a custom home. But choosing can be difficult, especially if this is your first time as a homebuyer.  Here’s how spec homes and custom homes compare.

1) How do spec and custom homes compare when it comes to COST?

Most of us grew up believing custom homes were several times more expensive than spec homes. Is it really the case anymore?

According to the US Census cited by Houwzer, in 2020 the price per square foot of a custom home was slightly higher than a pre-built home, but the difference wasn’t too big [1]. The biggest change is that homeowners that want a custom home tend to build bigger than what’s available on the market. This makes custom homes pricier, but only because of their size.

Another thing to keep in mind is possible savings down the road. With a custom home, you can make sure your home is the most efficient it can be. By building for energy efficiency and customizing the design, orientation, and materials, you can significantly lower your utility bill. So, for example, your home could take advantage of the sun’s position: the hottest sides would be sheltered, and the rest would have more windows.

This is especially important in Florida: our extreme weather makes every detail count, and it takes a toll on cheaper materials. Badly chosen construction materials will be less efficient and/or need to be replaced sooner.

2) How do spec and custom homes compare when it comes to TIME TO BUILD?

People usually think spec homes are faster than custom-built homes, but this is not true anymore. Spec homes used to be faster since homes in the same development use the same materials and have the same layout and builders could get everything in advance to build as fast as possible.

In contrast, custom homes used to take longer to build, simply because the homebuyer is involved in every step of the process. However, the length of spec home construction has changed a lot in Florida. The construction boom limited the availability of key materials and the labor shortage also means move-in dates are being pushed further.

As of the writing of this article, both spec and custom homes take at least several months to be finished. However, with a custom home, you have the advantage of being able to change details to make construction faster. So, for example, if a specific countertop is sold out, you might change to another option available right now. Spec homes can’t be changed as easily. When it comes to time spent in construction, custom homes have an advantage in today’s market.

3) How do spec and custom homes compare when it comes to SUSTAINABILITY?

One of the main reasons why homebuyers choose to custom-build their Florida home is the possibility of creating a more sustainable place to live.

Most spec homes only stick to basic building codes, instead of going the extra mile. However, by investing in sustainable materials and construction,

custom homes tend to be more energy-efficient than their spec counterparts. Building a custom home is the only way to have complete control of the materials and techniques used, instead of being limited to a plan made by a builder.

4) Does a spec home allow for the same level of CUSTOMIZATION as a custom build home?

Do you want an in-law suite? A bigger bathroom? Maybe an extra bedroom or a larger living room? You can have everything you’ve ever dreamed of if you choose to go with a custom home.

Without a doubt, custom homes are more hands-on. You will give your input in every step of the project, interacting often with your contractor. In contrast, spec homes are sold either halfway done or almost ready, and your exchanges will be minimal. Since you won’t be able to change most features inside the home, once you’ve signed the only thing left is waiting. Spec homes follow a plan and most builders will have very limited customization options. This means you will share the same floor plan with your neighbors, and everyone will have pretty much the same look inside. And if you ever want to update, it will be an extra expense on top of the price of the home. When custom homeowners move into their new home, they won’t have to plan any changes or renovations.  Since the home was made to fit their needs and wants, they’ll enjoy it as-is for years.

When buying a new home, it’s likely you won’t be thinking about moving out.  However, this is a consideration, even if you think it’ll be your forever home. Custom homes tend to be harder to re-sell because they have been designed with a specific owner in mind. In contrast, spec homes are more neutral and many people can imagine themselves living there. While this is generally a minor problem for buyers, it’s important to think about it. Some homes that have been very customized (rooms with angled walls, very specific design inside, etc.) are harder to sell than spec homes.

Of course, a professional custom home builder will be able to warn you if any of these choices might make a home harder to sell years down the road. That’s why we recommend an expert to help you throughout the process.

Considering the current state of the Florida home building market, the time it takes to get into a new home and, the possible energy savings down the road, building a custom home is a win for any prospective homeowner.   

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