Building a home comes with the freedom of having control over the design,  look and feel of the property - for homeowners, this could mean creating the home of your dreams. That being said, not many homeowners realise the amount of planning and consideration that goes into designing a home from scratch.

Those in the market to build their property should consider whether a standard plan or a custom home build best fits their budget, lifestyle, and desired outcome.

What Is a Standard Plan Home Build?

A standard plan home is constructed as per a pre-designed layout created by the builder. Standard plan homes are designed to maximise the space on the block while keeping the layout balanced so that it suits most families. 

Most builders have a number of standard plan designs to choose from that align with the builder’s style. Larger or premium standard plan designs often include luxury home features such as an open floor plan, combined indoor and outdoor entertaining space, high ceilings, plenty of storage, and multi-vehicle garages.

What Is Involved in a Custom Home Build?

Custom home builds involve designing a home completely from scratch. Builders may initially propose a layout that can then be fully customised to suit the buyer’s preferences. 

Custom home builds are ideal for buyers who want a home that is completely customised to their needs, wants, and preferences in the build.

Comparing Standard Plans vs Custom Home Builds

Build Timeline

Standard plans offer a more streamlined approach to getting a new home that is ready to move into. A standard plan will already meet the required safety and building standards for developmental approval, allowing construction work to begin sooner.

A standard plan also allows builders to accurately account for the materials and labour required for the project, reducing the risk of delays and ensuring that the build is completed on time.

Custom home builds have a much longer timeline than standard plans. The design development process can take weeks or months to finalise, with more complex requirements and approvals adding time and potential delays.

Customisation

A custom home build means that the future homeowners can personalise every aspect of the home, including materials, finishes, layout, colour schemes, and fixtures.

While customisation is an appealing prospect, it also takes time, careful consideration, and some potential push-back from the builder on what can feasibly be achieved. 

A standardised building plan can offer customisation options, particularly for additional inclusions, materials, and fittings - it does depend on the build package and the builder.

Cost-Effectiveness

A standard plan is going to be more cost-efficient than a custom build. Builders can plan and map out cost estimates for similar completed projects to provide more accurate pricing structures for standard plan builds. This also offers buyers more certainty for the overall cost of the build.

Custom home builds will need to factor in design fees, specialised building requirements, contractor fees, and bespoke material costs.  Any changes made during the construction process will also incur additional costs - orders will need to be placed for new building materials, and builders may need to make adjustments to other components to accommodate the change. 

Which Option Is Best? 

Standard plans suit buyers who want a new home that is built sooner with predictable costs and a functional design. First-time home owners and investors often find standard plans to be the best way to meet their expectations for a new build. 

Custom home builds suit buyers with a clear vision and patience for a longer process. This approach works well for unique blocks, long-term family homes, or buyers who place a high value on having a personalised space (and perhaps has built a property before!).

Whether you are looking to build a custom or standard plan home, it’s important to work with a local builder that provides options for both. As the most awarded home builder in Townsville, Keir Constructions offers quality standard home design across our Aspire and Indulgence ranges for buyers of all budgets. We also have house and land packages in Townsville that include both the plot of land and the house design in one simple purchase - get in touch with our team to learn more about our building services.