If you’re shopping for new construction – whether its a home in Austin, Texas, or a new development in Charlotte, North Carolina – one of the first choices you’ll face is deciding between a spec home and a custom build. Both fall under new construction but offer very different experiences. A spec home provides speed and convenience with most decisions made for you, while a custom build gives you complete control over design, layout, and finishes. The right option comes down to your timeline, budget, and how involved you want to be in the process.
In this guide, we’ll break down what each path looks like, their pros and cons, and how to decide which one is the best fit for your lifestyle.\
What is a spec home?
A spec home (short for speculative home) is a type of new construction home built by a builder without a buyer lined up. The builder chooses the lot, floor plan, finishes, and features ahead of time, expecting to sell once the home is completed. Because they’re often finished or nearly finished, spec homes are also called “move-in ready” homes.
Why buyers choose spec homes:
- Faster move-in: Unlike a custom build that can take months or even a year, spec homes are usually ready to occupy soon after closing.
- Less decision-making: The builder already picked the design details, so you don’t have to manage upgrades or floor plan choices.
- New construction benefits: You still get a modern home with brand-new systems, appliances, and materials.
How buying a spec home works:
- Tour the finished (or almost finished) property.
- Make an offer, just like you would on a resale home.
- Go through the usual steps: financing, inspection, appraisal, and closing.
The biggest advantage of buying a spec home is getting a brand-new house without the long wait and intensive design process.
What is a custom build?
A custom build is a type of new construction home designed and built specifically for the buyer. Instead of purchasing a move-in ready property, you work with a builder to choose the lot, floor plan, finishes, and layout. This gives you full control over how the home looks and functions.
Why buyers choose custom builds:
- Personalization: Every detail, from the kitchen design to the number of bedrooms, can be tailored to your lifestyle.
- High-end finishes: You can select premium materials and upgrades that may not be available in spec homes.
- Future planning: Custom homes are often designed with long-term needs in mind, such as space for a growing family or aging in place.
How the process works:
- Meet with a builder to plan the design and floor plan.
- Secure financing (often a construction-to-permanent loan) and obtain necessary permits.
- Construction begins, which can take several months to over a year depending on complexity.
- Once complete, you move through the standard closing steps, i.e. inspection, appraisal, and final paperwork.
The biggest advantage of a custom build is that it’s truly your home, designed your way — but it requires more time, more decisions, and often a higher budget.
Key differences between spec homes and custom builds
Both spec homes and custom builds fall under new construction, but they differ in how much control you have, how long you’ll wait, and how much you’ll spend.
| Factor | Spec home | Custom build |
| Customization | Limited choices; builder pre-selects most details. Some finishes may be chosen if purchased early. | Full control over layout, finishes, and features, tailored to your lifestyle. |
| Timeline | Faster move-in since the home is already built or nearly complete. | Longer process with design, permits, and construction that can take months to over a year. |
| Cost | More predictable pricing; often lower upfront and may include builder incentives. | Higher and variable costs depending on design choices, upgrades, and materials. |
| Involvement | Hands-off process with minimal decisions required. | High involvement with ongoing meetings, approvals, and selections. |
| Best for | Buyers who want convenience, speed, and a set budget. | Buyers who want a one-of-a-kind home and are comfortable with time and cost. |
Bottom line: A spec home is best if you want a new house quickly and at a more manageable price, while a custom build is right if you value complete personalization and don’t mind a longer, more hands-on process.
Pros and cons of spec homes
Pros
- Faster move-in: Often completed or nearly finished, so you can move in quickly.
- Simplified process: Fewer design decisions since the builder selects most finishes.
- Cost advantages: Builders may offer lower pricing through bulk material savings.
- Easier financing: Similar to buying a resale home, making the mortgage process straightforward.
Cons
- Limited personalization: Few opportunities to choose layouts or finishes.
- Compromises on style: Built for broad appeal, which may not match your taste.
- Possible higher price: Some include upgrades that raise overall cost.
- Future renovation needs: You may need to update features that don’t suit your lifestyle.
Pros and cons of custom builds
Pros
- Full customization: Control over layout, design, and finishes.
- Higher quality options: Ability to select durable, premium materials and features.
- Energy efficiency: Incorporate modern, sustainable building technologies.
- Personalized style: Create a home that reflects your vision and lifestyle.
Cons
- Higher upfront cost: Unique design and specialized labor increase expenses.
- Longer build time: Often takes months to over a year to complete.
- More involvement required: Frequent decisions and project management can be stressful.
- Resale risk: Over-customization may reduce appeal to future buyers.
Should you buy a spec home or a custom build?
Choose a spec home if… you’re looking for a faster move-in, prefer a simpler buying process, and want predictable pricing without having to make endless design decisions.
Choose a custom build if… you want a home designed around your lifestyle, are comfortable waiting through a longer construction timeline, and have the budget flexibility to handle the higher costs of customization.
FAQs about spec homes vs. custom builds
1. Can “custom” homes be cheaper than a builder’s model home?
Sometimes, but not often. Custom homes usually cost more, though a simple design with basic finishes can be less expensive than a model loaded with upgrades.
2. Do spec homes hold their value?
Yes. Their value depends on location, quality, and market conditions, just like any other home.
3. How long does it take to build a custom home?
Most take 9–12 months, but larger projects can take longer.
4. Do I need a real estate agent when buying new construction?
Yes. An agent helps with contracts, negotiations, and inspections.
5. Can I finance a spec home the same way as a resale home?
Yes. Spec homes use traditional mortgages. Custom builds, however, often require a construction loan that later converts to a standard mortgage.