December 27, 2023
Buying a new home is an exciting process, but it comes with a lot of decisions to make. First of all, are you going to build a custom home, or purchase a spec or tract home? Do you know the difference between the three types of new home options and which one is best for you and your family? If not, keep reading. We're going to break down everything you need to know about the types of homes you can buy so you can feel confident during your house-hunting journey. We'll also discuss whether or not customizable homes are right for you so you can get started on your dream home in Georgetown, Texas. Let's jump in. What Is a Customizable Home?The first type of custom house is a customizable home. With customizable homes, homeowners get to choose everything. If you want to be part of designing your floorplan, choosing all of your fixtures, colors, and materials, this is the option for you. The perk of completely customizable homes is that you can have your hands in every part of the process, and the end product will be exactly what you want. Most homeowners love this aspect; however, some find the endless choices overwhelming. If you find yourself easily overwhelmed, a spec or tract house may be better for you, which we'll get into next. On the other hand, a good home builder can guide you through the process and remove the overwhelm of a customizable home. Plus, getting to choose customizable home floor plans is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that not many homeowners have the chance to do. You can finally have the home of your dreams that your family will cherish for decades. This option also allows you to work closely with your home builder and see the daily progress of your house. Finally, another perk of customizable homes is that you can choose your location. Simply choose the lot you want to build on and your team can get to work. What Is a Spec Home?A spec home, or speculative home, is a house that a contractor builds first and sells later. Since they don't have a buyer in mind, the builder makes most of the design choices, and the goal is to appeal to the most prospective buyers as possible. However, if you buy a spec home before it's complete, you can still make some design choices. For instance, you may be able to customize the fixtures or paint colors. If you aren't ready to be involved in the home building process and want to move into a ready-made house, this option is the right one for you. Homebuyers who need a house quickly and want a good deal usually choose the spec home route. It's a great way to get into a new house; however, you have to keep in mind that it limits your choices. You may not get your design preferences, and if you are wanting a certain builder, you have to look in the neighborhoods they build in. What is a Tract Home?Have you ever been to a neighborhood where all the houses look the same? That's because they are tract houses. Tract homes are usually found in planned subdivisions . It's easier and faster for the builder to repeat the same basic floor plans that appeal to a mass audience in one neighborhood. If you are building a house in a new planned subdivision that uses tract homes, you will most likely have your choice between three or four floorplans. Depending on how your builder operates, once you choose your floor plan you may also be able to customize some of the features. You can't change around where the bedrooms are, but you could choose the kitchen countertops and paint colors. However, your options are not limitless. Part of the goal of tract homes is to build cost-effective houses, which means the variety and quality of materials aren't the same as a custom home. For example, you may be able to choose between three to four options of mid-range kitchen countertops, or they may only use one paint supplier, so you have to choose an option from that brand. Tract homes are a great way to have some level of choice without spending a fortune. They are an ideal choice for first-time buyers who aren't ready to build a custom home; however, it's important to remember that the quality of the materials used is also reflected in the lower price. Which Home Option Is Right For You?Now that you know the options, how do you figure out which one is right for you and your family? First, consider your budget and the investment you are making. Spec and tract homes are definitely less expensive than customizable homes. However, a customizable home is a forever home that you will keep for decades, so it is a worthwhile investment. Next, how involved in the building process do you want to be? Spec homes give you the least amount of choice, whereas tract homes let you choose between a couple of design options. With customizable homes, you can make all of the decisions and be part of the home building process from the ground up. It also gives you freedom with where you build your home. Speaking of that, location is another factor to consider. Do you want to choose your lot, or even build on a piece of property, or do you want to live in a planned community? After you factor in each of these decisions, you can choose which home option is right for you. Get Started With Customizable Homes in Central Texas TodayIf you're ready to build your dream home in central Texas, Jeff Watson Homes has 30 years experience of in building customizable homes in the Georgetown area. We pride ourselves on unmatched quality, outstanding attention to detail, and exceptional customer service. You deserve the home you want. Our team can partner with you to make it a reality. Contact us today to get started on your dream house.