When planning to build a home, one of the first decisions you’ll need to make is whether to buy pre-designed plans or get a custom design. Both are popular for different reasons, and we often come across people struggling to decide which one is right for them. So, in this blog we’ll look into the pros and cons of each option, to help you decide what one is best for you and your circumstances.
PRE-DESIGNED HOUSE PLANS
Pre-designed house plans are exactly what they sound like: house plans that are drawn up ahead of time for multiple unknown homeowners. They can be found online and through builders, home designers or architects, although they’re less common from the latter.
Pros of pre-designed plans
The most appealing thing about pre-designed plans is that they tend to be relatively cheap. This is because many people can buy the same plans, so the costs involved in drawing them up are divided between the expected number of sales. The exact amount depends on the project, but they could be as low as $2000. This also means it’s possible to get financing straight away, with minimal upfront investment, making pre-designed plans a good option for first-home buyers.
Many people also like the fact that they can immediately visualise what their finished home will look like before spending any money. And, once you have bought the plans, the build timeline is much shorter as you don’t need to go through the entire planning process with your designer. You’ll only need to discuss customisations before you can start building.
Cons of pre-designed plans
Ultimately, the main downside of pre-designed plans is that they’re not custom-made for you, even if they are architecturally designed.
As the home will have been designed for a generic, flat block, you may need to spend more on site preparation. This can be quite expensive, and we’ve even seen people spend upwards of $100,000 on site works for this reason—much more than they would have spent on a custom design.
Situated on a very steep hill, it would have been very expensive to prepare this block for a pre-designed home.
On top of this, you’re unlikely to find a pre-designed plan that’s highly efficient in terms of sustainability and space. The designer won’t know the solar orientation of your block, whether you need that extra living room or even how big a kitchen you need. While you can certainly search for a plan that addresses most of your needs, it will never be as efficient as a custom design. For a similar reason, pre-designed plans aren’t appropriate for renovations and should only be used for new builds or, depending on the home, additions.
Then there’s the matter of individuality. While this may not be a concern for everyone, pre-designed plans will be used to build multiple near-identical homes. As they need to appeal to a wide range of clients, they’re also less likely to have the unique and artistic elements that make a home special.
CUSTOM DESIGNS
A custom design will produce a one-of-a-kind home that’s been designed and built specifically for you and your block. The plans may be drawn up by an architect or a professional home designer that you’ve found yourself or can be sourced by your builder.
Pros of custom designs
As they’re designed around your block, custom designs will maximise the potential of your land without needing extensive site preparation. With prior knowledge of your block, your designer can also design an efficient, sustainable home with consideration for orientation, materials, carbon footprint, thermal performance, natural light and ventilation. The resulting home will be more functional and better for the environment.
At M&T house in East Fremantle a custom staggered design was required to make best use of the oddly shaped block.
It’s also worth noting that you’ll get more bang for your buck with a custom design. Not only is every dollar spent much more wisely, you’ll also be able to understand the costs of your build from the get-go. This is because your designer can work with your builder right from the start so they’re fully aware of your specific circumstances, including what site works will be needed, and will be able to take these into account in their initial plan. On top of this, you’re more likely to get a high-quality design with a longer lifespan and lower operational and maintenance costs in the long term.
With innovative design solutions like secret doors, it’s possible to build affordable, efficient homes like this one in White Gum Valley.
Located in a bush-fire prone area, this Banjup residence was designed to withstand a fire and three young boys to ensure long-term durability and reduce maintenance. This, along with off-grid elements that reduce utility bills, will result in significant long-term savings.
And let’s not forget that custom designs can be entirely unique to you! From endless wacky selections to a simple, minimalist home, anything’s possible with a custom design.
Cons of custom designs
There are, of course, a few cons that come with custom designs. Most notably is the fact that the initial costs are significantly higher. However, as mentioned earlier, you’ll likely save money during construction and in operational costs in the long-term. As the plans need to be drawn up after you’ve employed a designer, you can also expect to add at least 3 months to your build timeline.
Another factor that can be daunting for many clients is that you can’t see what your home will look like at the start. Instead, it will be a concept that needs to be refined throughout the planning process.
It may be daunting at first, but only custom designs will result in truly unique, stand-out homes like this one in Beaconsfield.
No matter how you choose to get your plans, it’s important to hire a designer and builder that you trust to listen and work with you throughout your build. And don’t hesitate to voice any concerns so they can be addressed before they become a problem. At Arklen, we love working on custom designs and can help you find the architect or home designer who will best achieve your vision. To learn more about how we’d manage your project, don’t hesitate to get in touch.