Construction & Process

Semi-Custom Home

Also known as: Modified Production Home

Definition

A home that falls between a tract home and a full custom home, offering some ability to modify the floor plan and choose from a wider range of finishes than a standard production home.

Detailed Explanation

A semi-custom home gives you more personalization than a tract home without the full complexity and cost of a custom build. You may be able to modify the floor plan (adding a room, changing a layout), choose from an expanded range of finishes, or add features not available in a standard production home.

Some builders specialize in semi-custom homes, while others offer semi-custom options within their production communities.

The contract for a semi-custom home may be a hybrid — a standardized base contract with additional addenda covering your custom modifications and change orders.

In Your Contract

Look for detailed specifications about which modifications are included and what additional costs apply. Change order provisions are especially important in semi-custom contracts.

Key Points

  • 1More personalization than a tract home, less than full custom.
  • 2May allow floor plan modifications and expanded finish options.
  • 3Typically faster and less expensive than a full custom build.
  • 4Contracts may be hybrid: standardized base with custom addenda.
  • 5Get all modifications documented in writing with specific costs.

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This article is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney in your state before making legal decisions.