One major reason people decide to build custom homes is that they have the ability to create a home that uniquely fits their needs and lifestyle. They may start with an existing floor plan that provides a good baseline for what they want (approximate square footage, style of home, number of rooms, number of levels, and general layout), and then they make modifications to that plan. 

We do that for clients all the time. If you visit our design library you’ll find 17 different floor plans in a variety of styles and sizes. If you look closely at these floor plans you’ll find a statement at the bottom that says: 

We want to create your perfect home! If you don't like something or would like it to be different, we can fix, alter, change, adjust, or redesign your home floor plan to suit your needs! 

That’s what customization is all about. You can modify the plan to better suite your needs and tastes. Will these modifications cost you more? Yes. That’s why you’ll also notice that the prices on the plans say. “Starting $XXX,XXX.” That, too, is part of customization. You pay a bit more, but you pay for what you want. And you know what you’re paying up front. 

There is a difference, however, between making modifications to a plan before building begins and changing the plans when you’re in the middle of construction. Changing the size of a room or the location of a doorway once construction is underway is expensive—and it can delay the completion of your home. If it requires removing a part of the existing framework, that increases your labor—and material—costs. And that’s why it’s important to sit down with your builder and go over the plans carefully before work begins. 

To be honest, it can be hard for a homeowner to visualize the final outcome when a house is being built. And when the foundation is dug and the framing begins, it’s not unusual for homeowners to think: “This looks smaller than I expected.” An experienced builder has the advantage of having been through the experience numerous times—and knows that once things are complete, it will be fine. That’s why it’s so important to work with a builder you can trust. You’re going to need to rely on your builder’s experience and expertise.

It’s also why it is so important not to rush through the design stage. Take your time. Make sure the plan is what you want. Talk to your builder and ask all the questions you want before construction begins. It will eliminate stress and headaches—and it can also save you a lot of money. Modifications to existing plans may cost you a little, but changes to construction will cost you a lot.