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Buying a new home is your chance to find a property that perfectly fits your needs and preferences. Two popular new construction options include custom homes and spec homes. While they are both brand new, these types of homes differ significantly. Learn more about custom homes vs. spec homes to help you make an informed decision.
A custom home is designed and built at the behest of a specific buyer. The process begins by selecting a custom home builder to design and construct a home that meets your unique requirements. You may work with an architect or designer to create a floor plan from scratch or customize one of the builder’s existing floor plans. You can also choose between building on your land or in a safe, planned community. Either way, your builder helps you select the materials and finishes that best match your vision.
A spec home, short for speculative home, is built by a developer or builder without a specific buyer in mind. The builder may construct several spec homes in a new subdivision on the speculation that the design, finishes, and materials appeal to a broad range of buyers. Once the home is complete, or sometimes when it’s still under construction, the builder puts it up for sale.
With a custom home, you have complete control over the design. Whether you create a unique floor plan or customize an existing design, you get to choose the materials and finishes you like best.
Spec homes have pre-determined designs, finishes, and materials. You may be able to make minor changes, such as choosing the paint color or selecting from two cabinet styles, but the home’s overall design is already established.
Custom homes tend to be more expensive because they offer unlimited customization. You must also pay for design services, land, materials, and labor. Of course, prices vary widely based on the home’s location, size, and finishes.
Spec homes are typically more affordable because the builder constructs several homes at once in a single development, reducing the cost of labor and materials. You also only pay for the finished product, with no additional design or customization expenses.
A custom home may take six months to a year or more to complete, depending on the design and the availability of materials and labor. You must also acquire permits and conduct inspections before construction begins, adding to the overall completion timeline.
Spec homes are usually completed much faster. Builders already have the necessary permits and inspections in place once you contact them, and they use economies of scale to speed up the construction process.
If you think a custom home is right for you, turn to Landmark Fine Homes. We’re a premier builder with over 20 years of experience building great homes for great people. We also offer pre-built homes in numerous communities across the Oklahoma City metro area. To learn more about custom home building, please call 405.400.8616 or contact us online.
Building your dream home is an exciting and fulfilling experience. For many people, a surprisingly difficult part of custom home building is finding the right place to build. So you might feel lucky if you already have a plot or acreage. While it may be cheaper to build a home if you already own the land, you still have other costs to consider before getting started.
Building a home requires a financial investment, though the cost varies widely. The average cost of building a home in the United States is about $300,000, with some buyers spending as low as $100,000 or as high as $1.5 million or more. The biggest factors affecting home building costs include:
If you already own the plot or acreage where you want to build a home, you avoid paying land acquisition costs, but you must still consider several expenses associated with building on your land.
If you’re ready to build a home on your land, turn to Landmark Fine Homes for assistance. We’re the ideal partner whether you already own a lot or need help finding one in your preferred location. We also offer custom and pre-built homes in planned communities around the Oklahoma City metro area. To learn more about your custom home building options, please call 405.400.8616 or contact us online.
Buying a new home is one of the most significant investments you’ll ever make. It’s crucial to ensure your new home is quality constructed to avoid costly repairs and safety hazards in the future. Follow these steps to determine if your new home is built to a high standard.
The foundation is the most crucial element of any building. In new home construction, it’s important to have a level foundation free of visible cracks or gaps. Check the concrete for stains, which could indicate water damage, and ensure the foundation has proper drainage to prevent moisture problems.
In a quality construction, the walls are straight and plumb. Examine both the interior and exterior walls for cracks or gaps. Inspect the drywall as well for signs of damage or unevenness. The walls should also be well-insulated for efficiency and sound dampening, which you can test by knocking on them. If you hear a hollow sound, this indicates low wall quality.
The roof should be flawless to protect your home from inclement weather for the foreseeable future. Check the shingles for damage and make sure the flashing around the chimney, vents, and other roof protrusions are installed properly. Then, watch out for water stains on the ceiling, which indicate a leak.
Electrical wiring and fixtures can pose safety hazards if not installed properly. Look for any exposed wiring or loose connections. Then, test all outlets, switches, fans, and lights to ensure they’re working correctly.
Pipe leaks are a common new home construction problem, so be on the lookout for visible signs of water damage, such as water stains on the ceiling or walls. Turn on every faucet and showerhead and flush every toilet to ensure proper functionality. Then, open under-sink cabinets to check for water stains or dripping.
Quality construction incorporates durable, beautiful materials. Check the quality of the cabinets, countertops, and fixtures. Then, look for thin drywall, low-grade carpeting, and other inferior materials. Finally, watch out for scratches or dents that a clumsy crew may have left behind.
A well-constructed home has clean lines and seamless surfaces. Look for signs of shoddy workmanship, such as uneven floor tile, poorly fitted windows and doors, or gaps between walls and ceilings. Also, check the paintwork for drips, smudges, or uneven coverage. These defects could indicate that construction was rushed or not done to a high standard.
Landmark Fine Homes is one of Oklahoma City’s premier custom home builders with a reputation for exceeding expectations. We offer a diversified product line of custom and pre-built homes, which we can construct in planned communities or on buyer-owned lots. Our knowledgeable, caring team has been building great homes for great people for over 20 years, and we would love to bring your vision to life! Call us today at 405.400.8616 or contact us online to learn more.
When building your dream home, it’s important to factor in every expense that comes with the purchase, including closing costs. Far too many home buyers are unaware of what closing costs to expect or who pays them. While the buyer usually pays closing costs, home builders sometimes offer incentives to help offset this expense.
Closing costs are the fees associated with finalizing a real estate transaction, including things like appraisal fees, title search and insurance fees, home inspection fees, and lender fees. The exact costs vary by location, lender, and type of home loan, but they can add up to several thousand dollars.
Traditionally, it’s up to the buyer to pay closing costs. In some cases, a home seller may offer to cover some of the costs. But in new construction, the responsibility for paying closing costs is less clear-cut.
Some builders offer incentives to help buyers with closing costs and other home-buying expenses. These vary by builder and location but may include discounts on the home price, cash-back at closing, or interest-rate buy-downs.
Keep in mind that builders don’t usually cover the full cost of closing, so be prepared to pay some costs out of pocket, even if you receive an incentive. Also, be aware that some incentives are subject to certain conditions, such as using a preferred lender or closing within a specific timeframe.
At Landmark Fine Homes, we frequently offer deals to help our clients save on the home purchase price, closing costs, and mortgage interest rates when they choose our preferred lender. We also have incentives for buyers purchasing a home outright.
Over the past two decades, Landmark Fine Homes has become one of Oklahoma City’s premier custom home builders with a reputation for exceeding expectations. We offer a diversified product line of custom and pre-built homes ranging from $200K to $1.5 million. Call us today at 405.400.8616 or contact us online to learn what money-saving deals are currently available.
Buying a house is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make. Perhaps you’ve bought a pre-existing home in the past, but now you’re ready to build a custom home to fit your unique needs and preferences. The custom home building process can be complex and overwhelming, especially for first-time custom home buyers, so follow these tips to help you navigate the process with confidence.
Building a custom home is incredibly rewarding when you partner with a knowledgeable builder who can bring your dream home to life. To ensure top-notch results, choose Landmark Fine Homes as your custom home builder in Oklahoma City. Our trustworthy, family-run business has been building great homes for great people for over 20 years. Call us today at 405.400.8616 or contact us online to learn more.
If you’re tired of compromising on the features or location of your current home, you may be ready to move. Rather than looking for an used property, why not build your dream home from the ground up? If you go this route, you’ll have countless decisions to make as you craft the perfect living space, from selecting a prime location to designing the perfect layout to choosing high-quality fixtures and finishes.
It may seem overwhelming at first, but working with the right custom home builder makes the design and construction process a breeze. But what does a home builder do, anyway? Here’s a closer look at the responsibilities of a custom home builder.
First and foremost, a custom home builder learns their client’s wishes. This requires active listening, effective communication skills, and a deep understanding of the build process and code requirements. Expect the builder to ask detailed questions about your vision, lifestyle, and budget to create a design that meets your every need.
Once the builder understands your goals, they create a detailed plan for the home. Depending on your preferences, this may include customizing one of the builder’s floor plans or bringing your own design to the table. It might mean building on a predetermined lot or land you already own. You can even skip ahead and buy a pre-built home in a safe, planned community.
Before construction begins, the builder must obtain zoning permits, building permits, and inspections from local government agencies. The builder is also responsible for complying with building codes and regulations throughout the process.
Your builder manages all aspects of the home build, from creating a construction schedule to hiring and supervising subcontractors to ensuring each phase is completed on time and within budget. Expect to remain informed of the progress and receive updates on any changes or issues that arise during construction.
One of the most important home builder responsibilities is to deliver a safe, high-quality home. This involves using top-notch materials and finishes and ensuring the work is completed to code. The builder also schedules regular inspections to identify any potential safety hazards or quality issues and addresses them promptly.
Once construction is complete, your builder arranges a final inspection to receive a certificate of occupancy. Then, the builder hands over the keys, and you can move in! But that’s not where the relationship ends. Your builder offers continued support, providing guidance on home upkeep and addressing any issues that arise during the warranty period.
Clearly, a new home builder plays a vital role throughout every phase of the design and construction process. To ensure your complete satisfaction, consider partnering with Landmark Fine Homes. Our knowledgeable, quality-focused team has been building great homes for great people since 2000. Call us today at 405.400.8616 or contact us online to learn more about building a custom home in Oklahoma City.
Building a custom home is an exciting and fulfilling experience. The process requires careful planning and execution to ensure the best outcome. One of your most crucial decisions is choosing which home builder to hire. While some may opt for a production builder, hiring a custom home builder is often the better choice, especially if you want a personalized and unique living space. Learn more about the benefits of hiring a custom home builder so you understand why it’s worth it.
Custom home builders have years of experience in the home building industry. They understand the importance of thorough planning and attention to detail, ensuring that every aspect of your home is carefully considered. They also have the expertise to navigate complex building regulations to ensure your home is built to code. On top of these benefits, a custom builder can provide invaluable advice and guidance throughout the process.
One of the most significant benefits of hiring a custom home builder is the chance to personalize the design. Unlike production builders who offer limited floor plans and few customizations, custom home builders work with you to create one-of-a-kind results. You have the flexibility to make design decisions that suit your lifestyle, including the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, the layout of your living space, and the materials used throughout the home.
When building a custom home, you access top-quality materials and trade partners through your builder. Durable materials, including high-quality insulation, energy-efficient windows, and long-lasting roofing materials, ensure your home is built to last.
Custom home building is a collaborative effort between you and your builder. You have greater control over the process than if you choose a production builder. Your project manager will work closely with you to realize your vision, allowing you to monitor the progress and request adjustments along the way.
Custom builders are skilled at designing space-efficient homes. They understand how to maximize living areas so you don’t pay for wasted square footage. This includes utilizing multi-functional rooms, minimizing hallway space, and sizing rooms appropriately for your specific needs and lifestyle.
You invest your time, money, and energy when building a custom home. Rest assured that your efforts will translate to a higher resale value when it’s time to sell. The unique, personalized nature of custom homes makes them more appealing to potential buyers. Plus, the high-quality materials and craftsmanship result in a home that is built to last.
If you decide building a custom home is right for you, consider teaming up with Landmark Fine Homes. We draw on over 20 years of experience as a custom home builder in Oklahoma City. Whether you’re interested in a pre-designed home, a customizable floor plan in an established Landmark community, or building on your own lot, we can meet your needs! Call us today at 405.400.8616 or contact us online to learn more.
Whether you’re buying a pre-designed custom home or building your dream home from scratch, you want to work with a home builder you can trust. The right builder will ensure your home is built to the highest quality standards to satisfy your needs. But how do you know which builder to trust? Here are the steps to take when looking for a reliable, professional home builder that has your best interests in mind.
One of the first things to check is the builder’s reputation. You can do this by reading online reviews, asking for references from past clients, and researching the company’s history. If a home builder has built a solid reputation in the community, they’ll be proud to share their work and provide references from a long list of satisfied clients.
Look for a builder who has been in business for several years and has experience constructing homes similar to what you’re looking for. Also, make sure the builder is licensed, insured, and bonded. These credentials demonstrate that the builder has met the necessary legal requirements to operate their business.
A trustworthy home builder should have an extensive portfolio for you to browse through, showcasing their craftsmanship, attention to detail, and the styles of homes they’ve built. Look for a builder whose work aligns with your style preferences, so you can be confident they’ll deliver the home you want.
Expect a reputable home builder to stand behind their work with manufacturer and builder warranties. Look for comprehensive coverage that addresses both structural and cosmetic issues. While you’re at it, ask about the builder’s customer service policies. A company that prioritizes customer satisfaction will commit to resolving any issues that arise months or even years after moving into your new home.
It’s important to understand a builder’s process before signing a contract. A reputable company will be transparent about everything involved in building your home, including the timeline, the materials they use, and their trade partnerships. The builder should be willing to answer any questions without hesitation. Additionally, look for a builder that can create a timeline that suits your needs and schedule. A company that prioritizes transparency and communication won’t stop until you’re thrilled with the final product.
Choosing the right builder is crucial when buying or building a new home. By teaming up with Landmark Fine Homes, you can rest assured that you’re working with a trustworthy builder who will work closely with you to create your dream home. With over 20 years of experience as a custom home builder in Oklahoma City, we have become a leader in our field, boasting the highest commitment to your peace of mind and satisfaction. To learn more about buying or building a home with us, please call 405.400.8616 or contact us online today.
Building a new home is an exciting but daunting task. From choosing a suitable location to selecting the perfect design, the process requires great care and precision to ensure the best possible outcome.
The home builder is an essential element that can make or break your experience. This professional plays a critical role in ensuring your dream home is built to your specifications, budget, and timeframe. Take a look at why home builders are necessary in a new home build.
Building a home involves more than just pouring concrete and erecting walls. Specific codes and regulations must be met for the safety of the construction crew and future building occupants. Responsible home builders ensure the property meets all applicable building codes and fire safety regulations. From obtaining permits to scheduling inspections, you can trust your home builder to handle all the logistics.
Knowledgeable home builders have years of industry experience. Their valuable insights simplify the building process. For instance, your builder can assist with selecting high-quality materials and designing a suitable layout to meet your family’s needs. As the client, you always have the final say, but a builder’s guidance helps you make informed decisions.
Many tradespeople, from electricians to plumbers to carpenters, must come together to make a new home build successful. Organizing all these different subcontractors can be a logistical nightmare for someone without industry experience. However, reputable home builders already have established relationships with reliable and skilled subcontractors. The builder manages and coordinates these teams to ensure they work time-efficiently and cost-effectively.
Building a custom home is a significant investment, so you want the workmanship to be of the highest quality. Trustworthy home builders only work with subcontractors who demonstrate outstanding craftsmanship to ensure your new home is constructed to the highest standard.
Home builders are responsible for managing expenditures and ensuring the project is completed on time. Once you establish a budget, your home builder works hard to stay within that budget. A carefully planned project timeline also helps keep every phase moving forward as expected.
Even with thoughtful preparation, unexpected delays, budget overruns, and design changes can occur. Home builders aim to anticipate these issues early and resolve them quickly. They can also offer solutions to prevent problems from recurring, keeping the build on track and ensuring the final result exceeds your expectations.
Ready to build a new home? Having a qualified, reputable home builder on your team ensures the process goes smoothly. Landmark Fine Homes has over 20 years of experience as a custom home builder in Oklahoma City. We’re here for you every step of the way, from getting your dreams down on paper to handing you the keys to your new home. We are a leader in our field and boast the highest level of commitment to you, our valued client. To learn more about our custom home-building services, please contact us at 405.400.8616 today.
If you’re looking to build a luxury home, you want your builder to possess certain characteristics that showcase their competency and ability to deliver on their promises. Look for these top 10 qualities of a competent luxury home builder to ensure you receive a beautiful, high-quality home that exceeds your expectations.
If you’re searching for a competent luxury home builder in Oklahoma City, look no further than Landmark Fine Homes. Our team possesses all the qualities outlined here, with over 20 years of experience constructing our clients’ dream homes. Whether you want to build a custom home from scratch or buy a high-quality pre-designed home, we can help. Our team has what it takes to help you find the best location and choose the finest materials for your forever home. Contact us today at 405.400.8616 to learn more about our luxury home-building services.