Designing a custom home can be a magical, transformative experience. Before construction can start, though, property owners face an important question about what’s right for them: Custom home design or stock house plans?
Stock house plans may be a better fit if you prioritize simplicity or cost efficiency, or want to download your design immediately. If it’s a personalized home, the best fit for your lot, or potential for a higher resale value, custom design reigns supreme.
Find out more as we explore the differences between these two options ahead.
Custom Home Design
What Are Custom Home Plans?
Custom home plans are designed from scratch to meet your specific needs, preferences, and site conditions. Unlike stock plans, custom house plans allow for personal touches, giving you the freedom to create a space exactly how you envision it.
Why Custom Home Design Is Appealing
Custom home designs allow you to collaborate with an expert team to create a house that suits your every need. It can increase future home value, incorporate your family’s future needs, and maximize your lot’s potential, among other things.
You may gravitate toward working with a custom home designer if you’re looking for:
- More personalization in the layout and design choices of your home
- A precise fit for your lot
- Future flexibility
- The potential for higher resale value
- A multi-generational family home
Stock House Plans
What Are Stock House Plans?
Stock house plans are pre-designed and are available right away for purchase and use. They can be extremely convenient and are generally quite versatile, as stock house plans are designed to fit a range of lot sizes and styles.
The Appeal of Stock House Plans
While stock house plans don’t allow for the same level of personalization in design, they do have many advantages, including:
- Cost efficiency
- Time savings
- Simplicity
- A wide selection
Choosing the Right Option for You
Custom home and stock house plans have clear differences, and the best choice for your project will depend on your unique preferences, budget, and time constraints.
In our experience, those who would like a custom home wouldn’t choose a stock plan—it just doesn’t meet their needs or accommodate their vision. Though some modifications can be made to stock plans, if you have a specific vision, a custom plan is the better option.
When deciding between custom house design and stock plans, consider your:
- Priorities: What’s most important to you: A home built for your unique lifestyle and family, or one already designed and ready to use?
- Budget: Determine your maximum spendable amount and ask for a quote from a custom home builder to see if it’s practical.
- Timeline: How soon will you need to move into your new home?
A note on timelines: It’s important to keep in mind that, though stock house plans are ready to use, you’ll still need to apply for permits. The timeframe for permit approval varies, but it can take anywhere from several weeks to several months.
Balancing Convenience with Creativity in Home Design
Ellergodt Design is a collaborative, client-first residential design firm serving Calgary and the surrounding areas. We work closely with our clients throughout the design process to bring their visions to life.
Ready to take the next step towards building your dream home? Let’s talk. Fill out our project intake form or book a consultation to get started.
FAQs
What is custom home design?
Custom home design is the process of designing a home tailored to a client’s lifestyle, needs, wants, and style preferences. It’s a 4-step process that includes discovery, initial design, development through 3D renderings, and municipal approval.
Do custom home designs cost more?
Building a custom home usually costs more than using stock plans or buying a pre-fabricated home. However, custom homes are worth the extra money if you have a specific vision, want certain features, or are designing a multigenerational residence.
How long do custom home designs take?
It generally takes around 4 months to design a home, depending on municipal approval and client availability. Find out more details about how long it takes to design a custom home.