The difference between custom build and self build homes

Traditionally in the UK, houses are built speculatively by a developer, and then people buy them and move in. The home owner does not influence the design of the home. However, there are two routes by which clients can procure a home to their own design:

• Self-build homes.
• Custom-build homes.

Self-build homes are those in which the prospective home owner organises the design and construction of their new homethemselves. This can range from expert self builders who may, to a large extent, be able to design and construct their homethemselves, through to the more conventional route of appointing designers and a contractor to design and build the homefor them. There are a wide range of possibilities in between, and self build also includes kit homes and community-led projects. See self build for more information.

Custom-build homes on the other hand are a less 'hands-on' variation in which the prospective home owner works with a developer that can take on the design and construction of the home on their behalf and may help find and acquire a site and arrange finance. Developers may also offer serviced plots within sites that they have already purchased and may offer a range of design options from which the client can select their preferred solutions.

Whilst the scope for personalising the home may sometimes be slightly reduced by selecting a custom-build rather than self-build option, and costs may sometimes appear to be higher (although in the long-run, as the project is likely to be better controlled, the final price may actually be lower), the organisational burden is very much reduced, and there is less risk, less stress, and less potential for problems to arise.

[edit] Related article on Designing Buildings

• Building an extension.
• CDM for self-builders and domestic clients.
• Community right to build.
• Custom-build homes.
• Help to Build.
• Kit house.
• Modular buildings.
• Planning permission.
• Prefabrication.
• Right to build.
• Self-build and Custom Housebuilding Bill 2014-15.
• Self build and custom housebuilding registers.
• Self-build home.
• Self-build initiative.
• Speculative construction.
• Serviced plot.
• Types of building.
• Types of development.
• Walters Way and Segal Close.
• WikiHouse.
• VAT refunds on self-build homes.