What’s the Difference Between Spec, Custom, and Semi-Custom Homes?

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spec custom or semi custom homes

If you’re considering buying a newly built home, you’re in great company. According to the US Census Bureau, almost 1.5 million new homes were built in 2024. There’s nothing quite like the sense of confidence that comes from owning a new home, knowing it has been built to the highest standards.

If you’ve started exploring buying a new construction home, you’ve probably come across the following terms: spec, custom, and semi-custom. These are three great ways of building a new home, but they appeal to different needs, budgets, and time constraints. Let’s explore them all so you can decide which one is right for you.

Understanding Spec Homes

Spec is short for “speculative,” which gives you a hint about the meaning of spec homes. These are new homes that a housebuilder builds speculatively, based on the needs of the average homeowner. They are sold as-is and are not customizable.

The attention to detail put into spec homes makes them a great choice for many families. The interiors, kitchens, and bathrooms are designed to appeal to a broad cross-section of people. If you’re interested in buying a brand-new home but don’t want to go through the process of customizing it, this could be a great choice for you.

Defining Custom Homes

Custom homes are at the opposite end of the scale. The homebuyer works directly with the builder and, likely, an architect to create a bespoke home tailored to their wants and needs. The homebuyer can have input into every part of the design process, from the floor plan and roof style, all the way through to the door handles and worktops.

New construction custom homes are great for people who have a keen eye for detail and have the budget to design and build a truly customized home. Here are some of the decisions you will have to make along the way:

  • What style of house do you want? Think ranch style, farmhouse, craftsman, or something modern and unique.
  • How many bedrooms will it have?
  • What style of windows would you like, and where would you like them to be located?
  • What building materials should be used for the exterior?
  • What finishes do you want internally, including plumbing fixtures, hardwoods, lighting, and wall colors?

Custom homes offer homeowners a staggering array of choices, but some can find the process overwhelming. For many people, the best choice sits halfway between a spec and a custom home.

Hitting the Sweetspot: Semi-Custom Homes

For many people, a semi-custom home gives them exactly what they’re looking for: a brand new home customized to their tastes without the need to make decisions on every part of the design process.

The Semi-Custom Home Building Process

The homebuilding journey begins with viewing model homes built by the homebuilder. This allows you to evaluate the style and floor plan that works for you. Typically, homebuilders offer a range of home plans that customers can choose from and customize to suit their tastes and needs.

The next step in the process is a consultation at the homebuilder’s design studio. This is where customization begins. Having decided on the type of home you want, you can now personalize it with exterior and interior finishes and colors that work best for you.

Next, select the perfect lot in the ideal community. Homebuilders can either work with a plot of your choice, or some may have plots ready for you to choose from. Once the financing and legal formalities are completed, the home construction process will begin, exactly to your specifications.

Benefits of Semi-Custom Homes

Semi-custom homes allow the homebuilding process to start more quickly, meaning you’ll have the keys in your hands faster than if you choose a custom home. Other advantages include:

  • Faster pricing of the final design
  • Fewer choices mean less stress without compromising personalization
  • More cost-effective than custom homes

Begin Your Journey to the New Home of Your Dreams

Spec, custom, and semi-custom homes can all be great choices for people looking for a new home. However, at Charleston Homes, we have developed a tried-and-trusted process that gives homeowners exactly what they want and minimizes stress along the way.

Whether you choose a spec or semi-custom home from Charleston Homes, it can deliver everything you’ve ever dreamed of. Plus, you have the reassurance of knowing you’re buying a quality home built to the highest standards of workmanship. Our relationship with our buyers extends past the completion date, with scheduled reviews under our warranty to guarantee your satisfaction.

Are you ready to discuss the Omaha home of your dreams? Request a quote today!