Custom builders vs Project builders

We're going custom purely as our site doesn't suit project builders - it would not do justice, and we'd have to excavate for a slab and sit a good 2 metres below both of our neighbours (sloping block).

Instead we're going with a small custom builder who provides the designer, does the custom brief and the build. I'd prefer to do it this way rather than engaging an architect / designer and tendering out the build as at least this designer and builder work very closely together all the time, and know costings etc and what will blow out.

It will cost us most likely between 35% to 40% more for a medium to high spec (full timber floorboards, skillion roof with highlight windows, clerestory windows to one side, high spec insulation, double glazing and thermal sealing etc). As we're building on stumps it will also take longer for foundations than a slab, so more expense there. However, for a custom build which suits our block and that we're planning to live in for 10+ years, it's worth it.

You do have to be careful though that you don't overcapitalise on your land. Good luck with your choice.

I'll let you know if we're happy in 18 months time

If I built again I'd defiantly do custom. project builders are too cookie cutter and I'm a Project Manager so naturally want to be more involved.

We have a 570 corner block where the long side of the block is where street address is and i havent yet seen any plans from project builders that work with this. I guess i need to weigh up mods to a plan to change entry to the house. Or start from scratch with a custom.

Where are you looking to build, Anne? We've had one one quote from a custom builder (he builds 1 to 5 homes per year) and it sits around $1200 per sqm. This is based on specs that include 2720 ceilings, higher and lower ceilings in certain areas, high grade insulation, double glazed windows, stone bench tops in kitchen and both bathrooms, 2pac finish to joinery, decorative cornice and so on. Also includes site costs. We're in SA.

Can you share which builder this is?

NSW predominantly Sydney. Regional prices are generally cheaper as it is for any state. I've seen recent figures quoted in the past where some PH builders can get the price down to around $1000 per sq m but these are very basic, single storey homes.
Custom drawn and built homes can end up being much more expensive on a per sqm basis but as I said earlier this depends on your particular site, ease of access, complexity of the design and the level of finish and fittings you are after.
I tell all my clients - which are nearly all renos and additions, to allow for around $2500 per sq m as a starting point ( without including window furnishings or floor coverings ) and if they add up all the sq m of their job, they should be in the ballpark cost wise.
Final costs in some cases are sometimes north of that as well.

Stewie

Consider CMA Homes. They are in North Lakes. We choose Clarendon over them but I would likely go to CMA next time. Build time with project builders is ridiculous for what they do and their rules are insane.

Will add that the cost per sq metre is about $1,000-1,200 but not include extra site work, drive and landscaping. Also depends on your choice of finishes you can easily double it.

Someone else to try is Hotondo Homes. I'm pretty sure they are up your way as well. They have quite a large database of plans that they can build from or they will simply build from your own custom designed plan. They seem to be able to keep their costs pretty low too more in keeping with PH prices even though your design may be a one-off. A few people I know have built with them and were pretty happy with the price and quality.

Stewie