When building a new home, one of the most difficult parts can be selecting the type of builder you’ll work with. To help you get started, we’ve put together a list of the three types of builders located in the Omaha area. With a clear understanding of what each builder does and the cost associated with each, you’ll be able to make an informed decision.
Production Builders
Rather than creating totally or partially custom homes, production builders tend to build multiples of the same house each year. Having many of the design decisions made before you start can actually reduce the cost of the home. Still, you can put your own spin on the home using a curated list of colors and options provided by the builder. While a home built by a production builder is a low-stress option for many homeowners, there are some drawbacks to be aware of.
- Production builders often do not allow changes to the design plan
- Many homes by production builders feature a “cookie cutter” design prominent throughout the neighborhood.
- “Pre-planned” communities may give you limited choices when selecting the size of a lot.
- To save on costs, production builders may not always use the highest quality materials.
Semi-Custom Builders
Semi-custom builders, like Regency Homes, build a limited quantity of homes each year, typically ranging from 10 to 100 homes. Homes built by semi-custom builders tend to cost more per square foot but less are costly than a fully custom home. One of the biggest benefits of building with a semi-custom builder like Regency Homes is more freedom to customize your home. Changes to the design are more likely to be accepted, so the home can be altered to suit your needs. Semi-custom builders also use higher quality materials and offer more options when selecting a homesite.
Custom Builders
If you’re looking for a built-from-scratch home, a custom builder is just what you need! Because of the time and cost associated with building a custom home, custom builders usually complete less than 10 homes per year. These homes will also be more costly than homes from production builders and semi-custom builders. In fact, most custom builders will only build a home above a certain threshold to meet requirements set by the communities they build in. The benefits can vary from builder to builder, so it’s important to ask what is included in the price. Many require you to attend meetings to develop your home’s design and will offer the assistance of an interior designer to help make selections. Another thing to consider is how long it takes to build a custom home, which can sometimes exceed a year.
Ready to get started building the home you’ve been dreaming of? Contact the Regency Homes team for more information about our building process.
