The Sunshine Coast is loaded with choice when it comes to choosing a home builder, and the first question you’ll probably ask yourself is “should we build with a project builder, or with a custom home builder, like Beachside Construction?”

Beachside Construction, based on the Sunshine Coast, are what is referred to as a custom home builder. We build unique, one-of-a-kind homes that are designed specifically for you. We offer a much more personalised approach where you can liaise directly with the builder and the trades themselves, and you’ll always only have one main point of contact.

Project builders, on the other hand, tend to build homes from a limited set of plans. The homes are more mass produced and offer few, if any, alterations; changes can also come with a big price tag.

So, what should you choose? Let’s take a look at some of the major differences when choosing between a custom home builder or a project builder, for your new Sunshine Coast home.

Flexibility and Exceptional Customer Service

Project Builder: Limited specification options (that’s things like type and colour of tiles, fittings and appliances)
Custom Home Builder: The choice is entirely up to you – what you choose is what you get.

Flexibility and choice are probably two of the biggest advantages to choosing a custom home builder like Beachside Construction. You’ll get to know the builder (Paul) and Client Liaison Manager (Tonya) personally and they’ll get to know you – you’re not just another number. When it comes to specification choices, you’re not limited to a certain number of selections. We work with some of the Sunshine Coast’s biggest and best home specification retailers, like Metro Tiles, Coast and Hinterland Glass and Aluminium and Sunshine Coast Flooring Xtra. Our team can work with you to source bespoke products to suit your taste. We also understand change of mind throughout the build process, so we offer flexibility for necessary changes.

 

Design and Layout

Project Builder: Minimal design options, with little to no alterations
Custom Home Builder: At Beachside Construction, we work with you to build a home that’s unique to you

Project builders tend to only offer a minimal set of plans and designs, and charge extra to make alterations. This is a good option for those who don’t want to design their own home and are just happy to select from a floorplan in a brochure.

Custom home builders work with you to build a home that you’ll love. This allows you to choose exactly what you like. This is particularly important when it comes to placing your design on your block. A custom builder will work with you to place windows so they capture the breeze and/or orientate your deck towards the morning sun. They can shrink rooms here and there to make way for bigger living spaces or vice versa – the choice is totally up to you.

 

Cost

Project Builder: Comparable
Custom Home Builder: Comparable

There’s a common misconception that choosing a custom home builder can be more costly, but let’s look at the facts:

First things first, it depends a lot on the block of land you’ve purchased on the Sunshine Coast; mainly on whether the block is flat or if there’s a slope. Why is this the case?

Project builders tend to build homes from a limited set of plans, which tend to suit flat sites. Making alterations to these plans can be challenging, and in some cases the builders might choose to remove the slope altogether. This requires excavation and depending on the gradient of the slope can be very costly.

Beachside Construction are sloping block experts – we work with the contours of your block to create your dream custom home, and working in with the contours means less excavation.

Another consideration for a project builder is the advertised price and what’s included. The base packages normally don’t include driveways, alfresco/decking, landscaping, air conditioning and sometimes flooring, and some packages may only include basic budget finishes such as tiling only in wet areas (not to ceiling), laminate benchtops and a limited range of accessories.

Custom home builders quote each project individually either based on the specifications and finishes you would like or based on your budget, in which case they can offer suggestions on where you can save money (by suggesting different design options, or more affordable finishes, fixtures and materials such as tiles or carpet options).

One of the biggest differences that sets custom home builders apart from project home builders is that they suit everything to the client.

 

Timeframe

Project Builder: Slightly slower due to volume
Custom Home Builder: Slightly quicker due to volume

With a project builder, your build start time usually depends on other projects already under construction, and can often be delayed. If changes have to be made to your design this can also lead to delays, bumping you further down the queue.

At Beachside Construction, we are much more in control of when we can begin a project. We always ensure we’re upfront with you about timeframes. With each project being managed more individually, any issues can be dealt with immediately, which helps prevent any delays once the build has begun.

 

The final verdict?

First of all, it pays to do your research and homework before selecting any builder, whether they’re a project builder or a custom home builder. Make sure you’re comparing similar house designs; determine the type of home you’d like to build and get prices for the exact same design from a shortlist of potential builders.

If you’re looking to be involved in the design of your own home – one that’s designed to your lifestyle and needs, with no hidden costs and a one on one relationship with your builder throughout your building journey – a custom home builder like Beachside Construction would be a great choice.

What really sets builders apart is the entire process, the ease of the build, the relationship you develop with your builder and the flexibility to build a home that you’ll love. You can read about the Beachside Construction process here. If you’d like to discuss your custom home build, we’d love to hear from you. Contact Beachside Construction today.