The answer is simple, custom means unique to you. A one on one, step by step process of making your home, vacation get away, or investment exclusively your own. In truth, many, if not most, individual stock design purchasers end up making modifications to try and achieve that distinct personal feel despite buying a premade plan. Depending on the extent of the modifications, the price can be nearly as much as a custom design, or even higher. Everyone wants that personal touch, and there is nothing wrong with that, but would you rather start a plan with those unique aspects in mind or try to make them fit in with something that is not unique to you?

When you work directly from the beginning with a local architect or architectural designer you get to layout all your wants and needs at the start rather than trying to reshape an existing plan. If this is your forever home, you might want to consider a concept with ageing in place in mind, or an in-law suit if you have a parent that may need it one day. Whatever that special need is, they will work with you to design a house or exterior building that fits both you and your budget. You are personally involved in the plan’s creation from the start to the end. This means you don’t have to try and squeeze in that powder room somewhere you really don’t want it. That walk-in pantry you always wanted will work with the kitchen space rather than be forced to fit, and of course less wasted space. Utilizing areas for storage, like under stairs drawers, cubbies in little nooks, spice cabinets, shower niches, and so much more are rare on stock prints without modifications. You won’t feel like you’re living in a cookie cutter home, and your home won’t look just like that one down the street.

It never hurts to look at stock drawings. Especially if you aren’t quite sure what you want yet, and if along the way you do find the perfect plan for you, then consider yourself fortunate. If though, like many others, you just can’t find the plan the fits just right, then I highly recommend considering the custom design route. Make it personal, make it your own, and most importantly, make it a home.