You’ve obviously learned that not all builders are equal, but what really is the difference? There are 3-types of builders you will typically find. A tract builder, a spec builder and a custom home builder. Let’s dive deeper in to each builder type.

Tract builder. These are known as production builders. These are typically larger, established builders that are often state or nationwide. They are generally in just a few neighborhoods and build dozens of home in each neighborhood. These builders have floor plans to choose from and a design center. There often isn’t too much flexibility in what can be adapted to fit your wish list. They generally build homes whether they have buyers or not which means they may have some completed, some under construction, for sale and ready to move in. They often have a fully staged model home where you can walk right in and visualize the finished home. They typically offer select upgrades for popular items. Tract builders often have some of the most affordable options for new homes.

Spec Home Builder. Spec home builders build a lot and start building even without a buyer, speculating that they can sell the home for a profit when completed. If they have already started the home, some of the items are going to be set in stone and cannot be changed but they often build a home with some flexibility for the homeowner’s selections. Some have a show home and others don’t. You will often find spec homes on the local real estate MLS. They are often more flexible on terms like the price if it has been on the market for a while. Unlike custom builders, spec builders often require terms more comparable to preowned or tract homes regarding upfront costs like earnest money and deposits.

Custom Home Builder. You can literally have anything you want. You are limited your imagination and budget. Unlike the other builder types, custom home builders don’t start building until they have a buyer and the buyer has a lot. Typically the custom builder doesn’t provide the lot (although they often assist with helping you locate and all the details of the lot). Custom builders are flexible and focus a lot more on fine tuning the details of your home. Since they are not after a quick build and move-on a lot of extra time and effort goes into the process and is more focused on getting all the details right. While the other builder types are sometimes known to find construction methods to cut corners and maximize the bottom line - a custom home builder is more focused on the quality and finished details. While you do pay more for those details, the long-term impact and costs put in to maintain a home pay off over time.

At Mark Scott Homes - we fit in the category of a Custom Home Builder. The homes we build already have an owner before we begin. Some come to us with their property already selected, others look for recommendations and together we work with them to find the best option and help decide where the home will sit on the property to maximize views, construction methods and functionality. For us, no two homes are alike and we don’t have a catalog of plans to select from. We’ll work with you on the design or if you are already working with an Architect, we’ll work with you to finalize all the details. Our team of Interior Designers will guide you through the entire process from A to Z to give you the home of your dreams. While many of our homes are second homes, we’ll assist you beyond the build in maintaining the home for years to come. After all, who better to maintain it than those who know every little detail of it? Come let us show you the difference of a Mark Scott Home - where every detail matters!