The process of building a home is fun, scary and exciting, but it’s also one of the biggest investments you are likely to make. The first of many decisions you’ll have is choosing which builder will guide you along the journey, whether that be a custom or volume builder. We’ve collated what you need to know to make a confident, informed choice about which option is right for you.
What is a volume build?
The volume build approach is a popular option for first home buyers or people wanting to get in to the market. Homes are available at competitive prices, which is beneficial if you are working within a limited budget.
You can select from a range of ready-made floor plans that will fit your block and are given a small range of custom elements to choose from such as colours, facade and finishings. You can make limited modifications to the plan at an additional cost to customise it to your specific needs.
If you have a standard block and you find a pre-made design that suits your needs, this approach can oftentimes be a fast and simple solution to your home building needs, especially for people who aren’t ready for their forever home just yet.
What is a custom build?
Often people choose to custom build when they find they’re outgrowing their current home, have difficulty finding a volume builder that can accommodate all their requirements, or want a home that is individual and an uncompromising fit for their family.
The end result of a custom build is a home that fits your individual lifestyle needs and is designed to the specifications of your particular block. It will be a one-of-a-kind expression of the personality of you and your family, unlike any other home.
It is unique because nothing has been predetermined for you. A genuine custom home doesn’t start with a ready-made floor plan, it starts with your vision — and a little help from the experts.
Custom builders build for lots of different needs, from first home buyers to family homes. Both custom and volume building is a viable option for anyone, it just comes down to being realistic with what you want in your home and what each builder can offer you.
Advice from the experts
Jason Grollo, Director and Project Manager at one of Melbourne’s luxury custom builders, Grollo Homes, said, “If you want something that is going to take less time and aren’t too concerned with whether it is tailor-made for you, then a ready-made floor plan by a volume builder is a great option.
“At a volume builder you’re buying something that’s a competitive product, they’re building thousands of a particular type of home. This allows them to be competitive on price, and they’ve got the economies of scale to do that. You just need to keep in mind that in return you may be sacrificing on quality, customisation options and design details.
“Whereas, if you want something that’s a little bit more tailored, even if it is your first home, you can have someone design and build a home that’s unique and uses high-quality material. The type of home that’s going to be part of the family for years and years to come.”
Getting started with a custom build
To get started with a custom build, all you will need is a rough idea of your goals in terms of style and budget. It doesn’t have to be elaborate – that’s what your architect and builder are for – but you should ask yourself some basic questions:
- What style home would you like?
- The advantage of a custom build is that the style is within your control, whether you want something more contemporary or have been dreaming of your french provincial palace
- How many rooms do you think you will need and how big are the rooms likely to be?
- Starting your design from scratch means you can choose the size and use of every room in the house to fit in with your lifestyle
- Are there any other rooms out of the ordinary that you would require?
- A genuine custom home builder can build to your personality. Include a theatre room in your plan for the movie buffs, a wine cellar to show off your collection or even multi-car garage for your more valuable assets
“The great thing about building with a custom builder is that clients can provide as much or as little information as they want. That’s what the architect is there for,” Jason said.
“What’s unique about our team is that you get to meet with the architect and the builder at the same time — that’s myself and my brother Ben. That means that you will get input from an architect and builder simultaneously. This creates a synergy between construction and design, making the whole process much easier.
“Plus, we oversee the design and build of the house from the very beginning; our clients love that they get direct contact with us throughout the process, rather than dealing with the middle man.”
Still unsure?
A genuine custom built home is for the seekers of luxury and true individuals. It offers freedom of expression and allows you to specifically choose which aspects of the home you will invest your money in.
The thing to remember is there are many decisions to be made if you chose to design a custom built home. While this can be exciting and scary, the Grollo family team has over 50 years’ experience and can guide you every step of the way, making your design and build journey as easy and enjoyable as possible.
Get in contact with the Grollo team today to organise your no-cost, no-obligation meeting to discuss your dream home.