Looking to build a custom home in Calgary? Once you make the decision to design and build your home from the ground up, you’ll need to be conscious of each aspect involved. Preparing yourself for the complex and rewarding journey of building a custom home includes being aware of both the advantages and disadvantages. The more you understand what to expect, the better equipped you are to handle the
custom home building process.
Custom home builder
The advantages of custom home building
1. Customization
Designing and planning your home means that you get to pick out every detail; from the colour of the cabinets to the material of the floor. Custom home building is ideal for those who want to create the perfect space for them and their family. After all, your home is the place you spend the most time to relax, play, and create memories in. Making your living space (home, cottage or cabin) something that answers important needs in your life is important. Making sure that the build works on your piece of land, budgeting the costs out and planning the project is all taken off of your shoulders. Custom home building is worth the time and care to construct a space that you love through and through.
2. Brand new home
Unlike a pre-owned home, you have the luxury of buying a space that is brand new. Building your home from scratch means that major appliances and big elements are new and won’t come with any surprises that need costly replacements or repairs. In many area’s around southern Alberta (like those in Revelstoke, Red Deer and Hope), land is plentiful and can be found at a bargain. You may be able to find a home that already exists in this area, but if you can’t Timber Ridge can bring you a cabin that fits your unique plot of land perfectly.
3. Energy-efficient add-ons
When you build a custom home, you have the choice to add features that work for you. Sometimes, our clients like incorporating components that will reduce energy consumption and save money in the long run. These variables can include energy-efficient windows, modern heating and cooling systems, high quality insulation, air sealing, LED lighting, and even landscape design that will effectively reduce your energy bill.
4. Fewer maintenance costs
With a brand new home, the chances of needing to replace an ageing furnace or burst pipe are significantly lower. When you move into a custom-built home, you can relax knowing that you won’t need to fork up extra maintenance expenses for a few years. Furthermore, most custom homes come with short-term and long-term warranty plans. This means that you will be able to rely on the home warranty for a long time. Less headaches, and more time out on your boat, at the golf course, or skiing or snowboarding.
5. Functionality that matches your lifestyle
When you’re searching the market for a pre-owned home, it’s rare that you’ll check off all of the boxes for the specifications that you’re seeking. With a custom-built home, you can choose the layout and functional aspects that match your lifestyle.
For example, families with kids that are in sports or like to spend time outdoors can benefit from a mudroom or a larger garage for equipment. For individuals who like to spend time cooking with their family, plenty of cabinet space and a solid countertop material can be included. Building out a beautiful custom cabin kitchen that works perfectly for you and your community. Whatever the design, custom-built home is tailored to your lifestyle and enhances the flow of the household.
The disadvantages of custom home building
1. It takes time
Compared to purchasing a pre-built home, a custom home will significantly take more time before you can move in. Depending on how long you can afford to wait to live in your new home, this could slow you down a bit. It’s common to expect a timeline of anywhere from 7 months to a year for a custom built and designed home. However, the wait is always worth it for a home that is designed specifically for you.
2. The initial investment may cost more
Depending on the customization, materials, and extra add-ons that you choose, the initial cost of a custom-built home may be more than pre-built homes that are available on the market. All things considered, a custom home can also save you money from renovations, repairs, or replacement expenses.
3. Not all home builders are the same
The success of your custom home project depends highly on the builder that you choose. Unfortunately, there are stories of homeowners who exceeded their budget significantly, projects weren’t finished on time, and the workmanship was second-rate. The first step in ensuring that your custom home construction goes well is choosing a trusted and reliable builder with an excellent reputation.
4. Costs of small details
When building a home, it’s easy to focus on the ‘big’ things; the layout, appliances, flooring, kitchen cabinets, bathrooms, mudroom, colour scheme, and more. However, there are also small important details to take into consideration.
This includes the choice of blinds, upgraded hardware, and lighting fixtures to name a few. These small details add up and can come as a surprise for homeowners.
5. Building your own custom designed cabin is a labour of love
Yes, we said it. It’s a labour. Although custom home builders have the experience to mitigate risks and avoid common pitfalls, uncontrollable issues can happen in the process of construction. This can lead to added stress and worry that your home will be built on time and on budget.
Building a custom home is a complex project that involves many contractors and a team of professionals to complete. Unlike a pre-built home that is move-in ready, you are involved in all of the details that make up your house. That can be both an advantage and a disadvantage. With a reliable custom home builder, the completed project is always worth the time and effort.