Purchasing a Custom Built Home? There May Be Some Drawbacks!

Are you considering buying a new home? One questions to ask - "Was it a custom built home?" There may be serious drawbacks to purchasing a custom built home. Contractors and architects will design and build homes with standards for the general public and for resale values. Individuals may have strange ideas about what they want in a custom built home!

Colors and wall coverings in a custom built home:

Individuals may have shocking ideas about wall colors. There may be wallpaper everywhere, including the ceilings - beware!

Height and locations of switches in a custom built home:

One woman I know bought a home built for giants. Every wall switch is 12" to 16" above normal height and she must stand on a chair to see her thermostat. Otherwise, the house is big and roomy!

Cabinetry and other woods in a custom built home:

In custom built homes the owner picks the type of cabinetry and woods used. From light maple colors to dark stained mahogany, with or without glass - matters. Your tastes may be entirely different.

Counter top coverings in a custom built home:

The trend today is granite counter tops. The previous owner may have chosen Formica for cost savings. Tile colors, especially back splashes can get pretty wild and are expensive to replace.

Door sizes in a custom built home:

A 24" door may be satisfactory for a closet, but bedroom doors should be 30" for ease of moving furniture in and out of the room, especially if located off a central hallway. Take special note of door sizes. You do not want to have to remove a door and frame just to get furniture into a room.

Outlet locations in a custom built home:

Contractors usually will not put enough electrical outlets in homes, but individuals will short themselves even more. Inexperience on how many outlets needed and where they are located can cause problems.

Window sizes and locations in a custom built home:

Homeowners today want open spaces with lots of outside light. Window sizes and locations can create problems in furniture arrangements. Mentally place your furniture in a room (measure if you must) to see if it will be satisfactory for your family. If there is a lot of sunlight exposure, your furniture and floor will eventually fade.

Conclusion:

After considering all the visual aspects, before purchasing a custom built home, always, I repeat always hire a good home inspector. A good home inspector will investigate areas not visible. Is the electrical service and plumbing adequate? What about the HVAC requirements. Is the foundation solid? Problems in these areas can cost thousands to repair or replace. A good inspection will ensure a good night's sleep in your new home with no worry about your family's safety.