Building your dream home can be an exciting but daunting prospect. With so many elements to consider, it pays to choose a top-quality builder who is experienced in the local area.

While it may initially be tempting to opt for a volume builder due to seemingly lower costs upfront, this often means sacrificing features you’d dreamed of or building a cookie-cutter home like many others in your area. A custom build will allow you the freedom to create your home just as you’ve always imagined.

Here are five reasons why it pays to choose a local custom builder.

No limitations

First and foremost, the main benefit of choosing the custom route rather than working with a volume builder is that you’ll have so much more control over the finished result.

Volume builders offer a range of pre-designed house plans to choose from, and while you may be permitted to make some minor tweaks and personalisation, you’ll still be required to work to the basic layout. On the other hand, a custom build is designed exactly to your specifications, with no limitations on the floorplan or features. Rather than having to select from a list of pre-approved fixtures, you’ll have free reign on every feature, from kitchen benchtops to door handles and bathroom fittings.

Complete individuality

Creating a home with a volume builder means there’ll be many other properties that look identical to yours, from the façade to the fixtures and fittings inside. By creating your design from scratch with a custom builder, you can achieve any look you want – and complete individuality to meet your personal taste. Whether you’re dreaming of a bold water feature as the main focal point, statement kitchen cabinetry or an incredible master suite with his-and-hers dressing areas, the sky’s the limit with a custom build.

Top quality results

A local custom builder will likely have worked in the area for many years, gaining invaluable knowledge of the unique challenges of the region and what could be expected in terms of local council restrictions. Their success is built on their reputation, so doing a great job is crucial to ensuring positive word-of-mouth recommendations. Custom builders tend to focus on quality over quantity, and value creating a unique, personalised home rather than just building as many houses as possible to generate revenue.

Better service

Volume builders work with a huge number of clients every year, meaning their attention is spread across a variety of projects – so you’ll likely be allocated an account manager as your point of contact who may have limited building and construction knowledge. Custom builders work with a select number of clients, meaning you’ll receive a more personalised service during your building experience. You’ll also likely have access to the directors of the company – meaning you’ll have unlimited access to their extensive construction knowledge.

Budget assurance

When choosing your volume home, you’ll select a house plan that works for your budget. But as you add on any customisations, extra charges will be added on – quickly escalating the final figure, which often doesn’t become clear until you sign on the dotted line. With a custom home, you’ll set your budget and your architect and builder will work within it. At ARCA, we’re experienced at maximising your budget to deliver the best possible result, without having to sacrifice the unique features you’ve always dreamt of including.

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If you’re considering embarking on your own custom home journey in Geelong, the Bellarine Peninsula or the Surf Coast, give us a call on 1800 436 874.