When it comes to adding a new home to your block of land, you have a number of choices. Should you have your home built by a professional builder or company from scratch or should you opt for a kit home instead?
Of course, there are advantages and disadvantages to both that you’ll need to weigh up before you make your final decision.
Advantages of Building from Scratch
Unless you’re a professional builder, if you decide to build from scratch, you’ll have to get the home built for you. However, this gives you the option of certain customisations that you can decide on before the building of the home is even started.
The other major advantage of having your home built from scratch is that you don’t have to do any of the work yourself and once your home is completed, you can move straight in.
Disadvantages of Building from Scratch
If you get a custom home built for you, it’s going to cost you a lot more than if you were to consider a kit home. This is because you’ll be locked into using the contractors that your builder employs at a rate that is set with no room for negotiation.
You’ll also only have a limited choice of interior fixtures and fittings that you can choose from. If you want something that’s not on offer, it will need to be ordered especially for your home and this could come with a hefty price tag.
Advantages of Using a Kit Home
One of the greatest advantages of choosing to build a kit home is that you’re going to save a substantial amount of money. This is because you can choose to do some of the work yourself and engage local tradespeople for the tasks that are too difficult or that you don’t want to do.
This often means that you can negotiate on price and you’re not locked into using specific contractors.
You’ll also have complete freedom to choose the finishes of your home including many of the fixtures and fittings. This allows you to shop around and get these items at the best possible price.
Disadvantages of Using a Kit Home
The major disadvantage of using a kit home is that you’re either going to have to do some of the work yourself or you’ll have to project manage the entire build if you’re using local contractors.
This could take up a significant portion of your time and you have to be fairly organised so that your home is finished quickly and efficiently.
However, this could also be an advantage if you’re not in any particular hurry to move into your new home because you can work to your own schedule. This could mean that your home takes longer to build but also that you’ll feel a great sense of achievement once it’s completed.
Which Should You Choose?
One of the primary elements that will weigh into your decision will be the cost. If you’re looking for value and want your dream home sooner rather than later, then a kit home is definitely a good choice because it’s far more affordable and allows you to work at your own pace to get it completed.