When it comes to the construction of your new home, there are two types of professionals: a custom home builder and a general contractor. While general contractors are capable of building any type of home, they aren't experts and their knowledge is limited to a certain area of expertise. A custom home builder has experience in every area of house building and is present during every step of the project, including planning and demolition.
Choosing a custom home builder
There are a number of benefits to choosing a custom home builder, as opposed to a general contractor, for your home construction project. Custom home builders don't restrict you to the floor plans of model homes, but rather work with you to choose the exact lot, neighborhood, and layout for your home. They also have the ability to tailor a design based on your lifestyle and design aesthetics.
Whether you'd rather hire a custom home builder or a general contractor depends on your desired style and budget. Choosing a custom home builder who is familiar with the style and quality you're looking for is crucial, as they're more likely to have experience with similar homes. However, there are also several pros and cons to choosing a general contractor. Read on to find out more about both types of contract and which one is best for you.
Choosing a general contractor
A major decision to make when building a new home is whether to work with a custom home builder or general contractor. While it is tempting to take on the entire project yourself, this is not a good idea. You should always hire an experienced professional with experience and expertise in the type of construction you are planning. Below is an explanation of the differences between a general contractor and a custom home builder, along with the pros and cons of each.
While a general contractor may be the right option in some situations, you should consider your own specific needs and preferences before deciding on one. General contractors may have more experience in one specific area of construction, while a custom home builder specializes in a specific area. A general contractor may have to hire specialists for certain aspects of the home building process or handle some of the project management. Choosing the right role for your new home can make all the difference in the outcome.
Cost of hiring a general contractor
Hiring a general contractor is an investment, so it's important to research the cost before making your final decision. Typically, general contractors charge between ten and twenty percent of the total cost of the project. While the average rate for independent contractors is much lower than that of a general contractor, some may require payment in full before the project can begin. In addition, the cost of labor varies depending on the size and type of the project. Large projects, such as a custom home, will have higher general contractor fees than a small patio or porch installation.
The fees charged by a general contractor include overhead costs, sales commissions, and marketing costs. A recent survey from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) found that the average fee for managing a new home project is 18.3%. The cost of hiring a general contractor should be clearly spelled out in the contract. For example, a wood-framed house, for example, requires labor to construct the framework. A construction fee for this material and labor is another direct cost.
Flexibility of working with a custom home builder
Custom home builders and general contractors both have their advantages and disadvantages. While a custom home builder is likely to do the bulk of the work on your project, a general contractor may need to hire other specialists or handle a portion of the project. Regardless of the difference in experience, both are excellent choices for your next home project. The following are some key differences between the two types of construction companies.
Local home builders offer more flexibility than general contractors. As they carry out most of the work on your project, they will be able to make changes as you see fit, whereas a GC will typically sub-contract out most of the work to specialists at pre-agreed rates. Local home builders may also offer faster service than GCs, because they will typically carry out most of the work themselves. General contractors, on the other hand, usually sub-contract out jobs to experts at agreed-upon rates. However, it is important to note that both will cost you time and money.