We know that if you’ve recently decided to go on the house hunt or are thinking about your next big move, there is a good chance you’ve come across the age-old question: custom home or spec home? This is a difficult question since it's kind of like asking, “Do I want the chef to make something solely for me, or am I happy ordering the house special?”
Our aim isn’t to make you hungry – unless it's for houses – but rather to help you choose between a spec home or a custom home build. At CKN, we’ve built both and still do, so we’re a source of authority when it comes to this topic. We’ve seen families fall in love with fully customized homes made just for them, and we’ve watched others settle happily into spec homes that hit the sweet spot between design and convenience.
That’s why we’ve put together this blog. As luxury home builders in Austin, Texas, we’ve discussed the differences between the two, which home suits who best, and when a custom home or spec home is the better choice. Afterward, you can ask us more about how to build a custom house and the benefits of custom homes or check out our associated blogs here.
What is a spec home and a custom home? How do these differ from one another? It’s simple. The difference between a spec home – otherwise known as move-in ready homes in Austin – and a custom home is build and customization.
A custom home is designed and built for you. You’ll have a say in every choice, from layout to finishes to installing that extra deep soaker tub you’ve been dreaming about. Essentially, you call the shots. If you want a mudroom for your cute dogs, you can design one. Or, if you need a home office on the main floor to turn into a future guest suite, you can do this too! If you’re building with us at CKN Homes, we’ll ensure your custom home fits your lifestyle for now and in the future.
On the other hand, a spec home is one that we, as the builder, have already designed and started building or have finished entirely. It's move-in ready or nearly there, built to suit a wide range of people. You don’t get to weigh in on where the pantry goes or what shade of white the kitchen cabinets are, but you don’t have to agonize over every little decision. For some, this is better and less hassle, and we can’t blame them.
We’ll be the first to admit that there is something incredibly thrilling about designing your own home. When you design your own home, you get to dream big and see everything come together.
Every detail meets your expectations, from the custom paint you chose, the exotic tile, and the designer lighting that matches your style to the perfectly placed laundry room. By the end of it, it's your home through and through.
That said, building custom does take time. There’s land to secure, designs to finalize, permits to get approved, and hand-picked materials to order. You’re also making a lot of decisions, and while we’re right there with you to guide the way, it’s still a time-consuming process.
On the flip side, spec homes are like the shortcut through the woods. You still get a new, well-built home, but with far less waiting and usually fewer design choices. If you’re someone who’d rather skip the tile samples and jump right into the part where you’re grilling burgers in the backyard, a spec home might be more your speed.
This is where things get interesting. It's natural to assume a custom home will be more expensive, and in many instances, it is, but this isn’t always the case, especially in Austin. If you find the perfect piece of land and build smart with a builder like CKN Homes, you could spend less than you would on a spec home since spec homes are priced at market value.
With spec homes, you’re buying something built as a product priced to sell at market value. So often, this means these homes are the more affordable choice. Additionally, they are more cost-effective 9 times out of 10 because they don't offer as much customization. This is ideal for many, but remember that what you see is what you pay for. There are no surprise costs, but there are also no surprise gains.
If you’re the kind of person who has a Pinterest board titled “Dream Home Ideas,” and it’s been updated this week, a custom home is probably right for you. You know what you like. You have strong feelings about drawer pulls. You want spaces that flex with your lifestyle, like a bathroom with a curbless shower or a garage with space for your side hustle workshop.
It also makes sense if you’re in it for the long haul. Custom homes are ideal for people looking to settle in, raise a family, age in place, or just enjoy the feeling of, “I chose this… all of this.”
Spec homes can make more sense than custom-built homes for some people. For example, maybe you’re relocating quickly or don’t want to wait a year (or more) for a home to be built. Maybe design decisions stress you out. Maybe you walked through a spec home and thought, “Hey, this is actually perfect.” All of these reasons validate the decision to choose spec vs custom.
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here’s no shame in buying a home that’s already built and ready to go. In fact, we think it's a smart move for people who want new construction without the wait or decision fatigue. And with spec homes, especially the ones we build, you’re still getting quality materials, thoughtful layouts, and solid craftsmanship. It’s a win-win situation.
At CKN Homes, we’re not going to tell you one is better than the other because it really depends on you: your goals, your timeline, your budget, and your appetite for picking finishes and revising floor plans.
What we can tell you is that no matter which path you choose, we’ll make sure it’s built right. Whether you want to personalize every last detail or you’re ready to move in and enjoy the home’s features, we’ve got your back. After all, we are experts at new construction homes in Austin, TX.
So, contact us here and let our team advise you on your best choice while telling you more about the cost of building a home and the custom home-building process.