Whenever you construct a house, there is always a question about whether the job ought to be a custom build or not. For many projects, using existing plans is perfectly fine. Here's what to know about custom home builds. 

Location 

Many properties are quirky. The upside is that quirky properties often come at discounts. A triangle-shaped lot, for example, can be a pain for construction. You may be able to buy the property cheaply, though, and then build the house custom.

Geology, hydrology, and topology also can pose challenges and present opportunities. If you've bought a property on a hill along a lake, for example, you might want as many rooms facing the water as possible. You might also have to build a split-level structure to accommodate unusually hilly and rocky conditions.

Building codes also sometimes compel customization. Most municipalities prohibit building within a certain distance of the property line. In that scenario, you may need a custom plan to fit the building within the local rules.

Specific Needs

Some homeowners have specific needs. If someone in the household uses a wheelchair, for example, it may be hard to find stock plans that include sufficient accessibility features. Ramps, hallways, and doorways all need customization, and that's just to get around the house with relative ease. As you look at things like the placement of counters and cupboards, you may decide that it'll be simpler to tell a custom home builder what you need.

Architecture and Aesthetics

Generally, cookie-cutter plans don't leave lots of room for architectural features and matters of taste. If you want to add unusual columns or a complex staircase to the house, the project probably requires a custom build.

Materials choices can also push a job toward customization. Most standard plans call for the use of traditional timbers and specific cuts. If you want to do an industrial design using mostly steel, then you may need to call a custom home builder.

Local rules can also affect your architectural choices. In some neighborhoods, your house has to have a certain architectural design for the historical preservation of the community. A custom home builder can help you to find the happy balance between those requirements and your tastes.

Engineering or Quality Requirements

Finally, you might have specific requirements for the engineering or quality of the construction. Someone who intends to store a vehicle collection, for example, might need a garage that'll hold up to the weight.

Contact a custom home builder to learn more.