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Local custom builders are on the comeback

Local custom builders are on the comeback

by DeVore Design, September 28, 2016

Local custom builders are making a huge comeback in the new home market as homebuyers demand greater service, more one on one interactions and a home they can call their own. When the housing market collapsed, many custom builders were wiped out because banks would no longer lend them money and customers completely evaporated. The new home market veered strongly to national builders because they had the Wall Street advantage of getting the money to fund operations and finance homes. The local builders had no way to compete, however, over the last few years, the banking environment has changed. More importantly, the new homebuyer has evolved.

It appears that everyone who buys or builds a home wants it their way — even the low-priced buyer. Because of Pinterest, social media and YouTube, families are wanting more than just four white walls and tan carpet. I know this to be true because when you talk to a homebuyer these days, most of the time they know more about the products they want, due to the information available online.

The other factor at play is that retirees are healthier and more vibrant. Their retirement home is not just a place to go and wait for death. These active adults understand that a home can provide a lifestyle that encourages living. For that reason, amenities in the home are more important today than at any other time. A retiree relocating to Central Florida understands their new home will probably be their last, so they want what they want — it is not always about price.

The local custom builder is in a unique positon to satisfy the needs of new homeowners, because they can improvise, change and adapt. For a local custom builder, no two homes are the same. Most of their projects start with a customer’s dream and a blank sheet of paper. The custom builder goes into the process knowing that the homeowner will have to make a lot of decisions and that some will be hard to make, so there is a lot more patience and understanding.

There are other inherent benefits of utilizing a local custom builder for your new home. Most have highly qualified subcontractors that back their work because they have a relationship based on exceptional service and not the lowest price. Generally, the custom builder is a top performer in the industry because it takes an extensive background in construction to get a license and start a business. To a custom builder, a new homebuyer is more of a priority because typically the local custom builder has fewer jobs going on at one time.

When price is the biggest part of the new home equation, a custom builder is normally not the best fit. For homebuyers who want something a little better and something they can call their own, custom builders are the answer. After years of cookie-cutter housing, it appears the housing market is realigning itself for custom builders as new homebuyers demand more. Homebuyers planning a custom home should not delay selecting a custom builder, because demand is up and lead times are expanding.