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If you know me at all, you can probably guess that I just adore all things custom. Life is all about being customizable, right? That’s why I build custom homes for a living. It’s a professional hazard!

But not everyone defines ‘custom’ the same way I do. Actually, there are some people who think that a spec house and a custom home are on the same level. Full stop! These words do NOT mean the same thing, and I think it’s important that you understand the differences. Otherwise, you might end up being disappointed, which is not what you want from your new home.

Okay, guys — it’s time to turn some technical jargon into real words. Let’s get started!

A Spec House & Presale House Defined

Spec houses, also called speculative houses, are floor plans pre-imagined by other people. These buildings use blueprints that have been conceptualized by builders, with minimal client feedback taken at the time of purchase. Aside from spec homes, some builders (like us) also offer presale homes. These are very similar to spec houses, but they can offer a little more say in the design process.

The biggest difference between a spec / pre sale house and a custom home is that the former already exists somewhere in the world. The construction will be new, but the floor plan model will be old hat (so to speak).

What A Custom Home Is

Custom homes are all about details. Who doesn’t want a house that feels like home the second you walk through the door?Each custom home is perfectly unique, and can be changed for any whim or fancy (just drop me a quick phone call)!

Custom home clients get complete and total say in the color scheme, design, and room elements of their home. While the design time takes longer (both inside and out), clients get to make choices for everything — lighting, plumbing, tile floors, cabinets, and the list goes on! Pick your perfect chandelier, build a custom closet, and otherwise create the home of your dreams.

What’s Better: Custom Homes or Spec / Presale Houses?

You can probably guess my opinion on this one, but I’ll let you make up your own mind! Here are the pros and cons:

Custom Home Pros

  • Intricate detail & design features
  • Choices for every little detail

Spec / Pre Sale House Pros

  • Quick to build
  • Very hands-off

Custom Home Cons

  • More time-consuming than others
  • Sometimes overwhelming

Spec / Presale House Cons

  • Little to no say in design
  • Low involvement

eNg Designs & Construction Brings Custom Dreams To Life

I can definitely understand how and why some people would prefer spec houses to custom homes, it can seem overwhelming. That is what sets a custom home built by eNg apart. We are with you every step of the way, helping to make your experience of building a custom home truly a dream. If you’re curious about what it might take to build a custom home of your own, give me a call! I’d be happy to help.

eNg Designs & Construction turns dreams into reality, building custom homes from St. Tammany Parish to Baton Rouge, Louisiana.