When you’re thinking about building a new home, one of the first big decisions you’ll face is this: Should you go custom, or stick with a production home? Both options offer unique benefits and come with a few trade-offs. The right choice really depends on your priorities, your timeline, and how much you want to personalize your living space.

Let’s walk through the key differences to help you decide what’s best for you and your future home.

What Is a Production Home?

A production home is built by a large-volume builder who constructs multiple homes at once, often within planned communities. These homes typically come with a handful of floor plans to choose from and a curated selection of finishes and upgrades.

Pros of Production Homes:

• • Faster build times. Because the builder is working from a streamlined process, you can often move in sooner.

• • Lower cost. Production builders buy materials in bulk and benefit from economies of scale, which often leads to more competitive pricing.

• • Predictability. Floor plans, finishes, and pricing are more set in stone, which can help avoid surprises.

Considerations:

• • Limited personalization. You can usually pick things like cabinets or countertops—but you’re working from a fixed menu.

• • Neighborhood uniformity. In many cases, homes look fairly similar, especially from the outside.

• • Lot selection. You’ll likely choose from lots that are already planned out and developed.

What Is a Custom Home?

A custom home is designed and built specifically for you—from the layout to the details. You’ll work closely with a builder (like us!) to bring your vision to life on your timeline and your terms.

Pros of Custom Homes:

• • Complete design freedom. Want a hidden pantry? A vaulted great room? A home gym over the garage? You dream it—we design it.

• • Tailored to your lifestyle. Custom homes are built around how you live, not the average buyer.

• • Unique curb appeal. Your home won’t look like anyone else’s on the block—it’s truly one-of-a-kind.

Considerations:

• • Takes more time. Designing and building from scratch is a process, and we want to get it right.

• • More decisions to make. From paint colors to plumbing fixtures, you’ll be in the driver’s seat for every detail.

• • Higher upfront costs. Custom builds typically come at a premium, but the investment reflects the level of personalization and craftsmanship.

Which One Is Right for You?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. It comes down to what matters most to you.

• • If you’re looking for a streamlined process with fewer decisions, and you’re okay with a more standard layout and aesthetic, a production home could be a great fit.

• • If you’re dreaming of a home that reflects your personality, lifestyle, and long-term goals, and you’re ready for a more hands-on experience, a custom home might be exactly what you need.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, your home should feel like you. Whether that means customizing every square inch or choosing from a proven plan that gets you in the door faster, the most important thing is finding a builder who understands your needs and communicates clearly every step of the way.

Curious about what a custom build might look like for you? We’d love to start that conversation. Reach out to Perkinson Homes today!