Custom build vs project build: is there a better option?

Over the last week we’ve been sharing tips on which is the right way forward if you’re about to build your forever home: a project build or a custom build? If you missed that chat, you can catch up on all of our advice here.

But this conversation isn’t quite finished, because there’s actually a third option that we haven’t discussed yet. And that third option involves our House Plan Toolkits. We’re going to take a look at why these might just be the answer you’ve been looking for.

So let’s go back to go forward.

From custom builders to toolkit creators

Our background is in custom design and build. In fact, we’ve spent close to 15 years designing and building bespoke homes for South Australian families. We still run our custom design and build business Aaron Martin Construction (AMC) today (you can have a little stalk of that over here). 

So it’s no surprise we’re big fans of the benefits that only come with custom building:

• Timeless design

• Quality finishes

• Thoughtful practises

• Sustainable building

• Comfortable living

• Functional homes

But custom building has it’s challenges

After taking many people through the custom build journey at AMC, we continued to see the same significant challenges pop up on repeat - and no amount of process tweaking seemed to be able to truly overcome them.

Here’s what we witnessed time and again:

• Incredibly long delays in the design process

• Clients struggling to articulate their vision 

• Difficulty matching wishlist to budget

• A lack of understanding of how one request can impact another

• Inaccurate cost expectations

• Designs that ultimately came in over budget

• 1-2 year delays before building could begin (waiting on design, approvals & finance) 

• Lengthy delays resulting in construction cost rises 

• Overwhelmed clients 

• Decision fatigue

A smarter third option was needed

In our eyes - we felt that future homeowners only had 2 options - to project build (which we didn’t love) or to custom design and build, which seemed to go hand in hand with a high financial and emotional cost.

We knew there had to be a better way. A way that would allow more future homeowners to achieve their bespoke home dream, without the lengthy delays, high costs and emotional drain.

We also sit in a pretty unique position. On the one hand, we have a pretty intimate understanding of construction - what leads to high build costs, process inefficiencies, poor material choices and disappointing outcomes. And on the other, after years of having a very hands on design approach over at AMC, we’ve developed a deep understanding of what makes for great design.

So we thought - what if we bring the two together: expert construction knowledge + bespoke design. And packaged it all into a simplified, accessible process?

Enter our House Plan Toolkits

A toolkit that contains all of the essential information to fast track and streamline the journey and that is readily available for immediate download.

A toolkit that would finally overcome some of the pesky custom build challenges that we previously just didn’t seem to be able to shift.

✔️ Lengthy time delays eliminated

✔️ The outcome and inclusions are clear from the beginning

✔️ Costs are controlled and stepped out

✔️ Reduce or even eliminate the overwhelm and decision fatigue

✔️ A clear set of documentation keeping the vision of all team members aligned

And because we offer the toolkits in 3 distinct packages:

1. The Foundations: perfect if you’re still exploring ideas, but want a concrete foundation to clearly articulate your vision to your design/build team

2. The Essentials: ideal if you love our look, but want to make a few tweaks of your own

3. Builder-Ready: the ultimate builder-ready package to kickstart your journey and whip through the process. No need to sit in design at all. 

You have the ability to choose where on the spectrum of custom building you sit. You can move forward with a complete set of builder-ready documentation or customise to make the home uniquely your own. But no matter which package you choose, you can feel confident knowing that you’re starting the process with clear goal posts in mind.

Custom Feel. Simpler Process. Smarter Build.

A process that lets you enjoy the beautiful, bespoke feel of a custom home, without the normal custom build price tag and stress.

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Thanks for stopping by!

Until next time,

Susie x