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Writer's pictureRoss Contracting

Custom Home Builder vs. General Contractors: What’s the Difference?


Custom Home Builder Red Deer

Building a home is a significant investment, both financially and emotionally. As a homeowner, you want everything to be perfect - from the design of your dream house to its construction. In this process, choosing the right contractor is crucial to achieving your vision. Custom home builders and general contractors are the two primary options that come up in conversation. However, there are differences between them that you need to know before you put the shovel to the ground.


We'll compare custom home builders and general contractors, and help you decide which one would be better for you!


Let’s dig in and discuss this more in detail!


Custom Home Builders:


A custom home builder will work with you to design and build a unique home that meets all your requirements and custom needs. They have the expertise and experience to create a home that suits your style, needs, lifestyle, and preferences. Custom home builders offer a high level of customization, and they have the knowledge to help you select the right materials, fixtures and finishes. They typically have a team of architects, engineers, subcontractors, and other professionals who work together to create a custom home for you. Custom home builders also offer design-build services, meaning they'll handle the entire design and construction process from start to finish. This eliminates the need for you to hire multiple contractors.


General Contractors:


A general contractor is a licensed professional who oversees a construction project. They manage and organize the construction process, handle permits, and provide labour and materials. They're responsible for a wide range of tasks, from scheduling tradespeople to finding materials and suppliers. General contractors have experience in various aspects of building, but they don't specialize in custom home construction. Rather, they're versatile professionals who excel at managing large-scale projects, such as home renovations, additions, or commercial constructions. They typically work with architects and designers to build structures based on existing plans.


Why Use a Custom Home Builder?


Personal Involvement


Imagine having a home that perfectly reflects your vision and desires. With a custom home builder, you can bring your dream dwelling to life. From selecting the ideal location to designing every intricate detail, your home will be a unique masterpiece. During the initial phase, you'll meet with your builder to discuss your dreams and budget.


Next, a team of talented designers and architects will create preliminary drawings, which will be adjusted until you're completely satisfied. At Ross Contracting, we leave no stone unturned in crafting homes that showcase meticulous attention to detail. Every minor detail is taken into consideration throughout the entire development process, and it shows in every home we build.


Home Warranty:


Ross Contracting is also a proud member of Progressive Home Warranty, ensuring that your investment is safeguarded from the moment you make a deposit until long after possession.


Custom Home Builder Red Deer

Custom home builders work closely with you to ensure that your needs and lifestyle are taken into account. They communicate with you throughout every stage of the project and ensure that the final product meets or even exceeds your expectations.



When to Hire a General Contractor?


General contractors can certainly offer exceptional communication, but you may not know how often you’ll be updated on the status of the project - Will you get updates weekly, monthly, or daily, and from the contractor or the sub-contractors? Outsourcing work opens the door to miscommunication and even delays on projects.


General contractors are ideal for development and renovation projects that:

  • Exceed a week

  • Involve several subcontractors

  • Require permits

Looking for the Best Red Deer Custom Home Builder?


Choosing the right contractor is essential when building your dream home. A custom home builder can offer you a high level of customization and turn your vision into reality. On the other hand, a general contractor is a great option for large-scale projects that require organization and management. Consider your needs, vision, and project scope when choosing between a custom home builder and a general contractor. Whichever you choose, ensure that they have the experience, resources, and reputation to deliver a finished product that meets or exceeds your expectations.


What People Are Saying About Ross Contracting...


I recently completed a basement renovation with Jeff at Ross Contracting. We have been very impressed with Jeff's attention to detail, always ensuring the results will be to our liking. He thinks about things that other contractors might skip over and makes sure we have everything completed just the way we wanted. We are also glad he handled the tradespeople (plumbing, electrical, etc) because he was able to immediately handle a plumbing leak, ensuring that they replaced everything at no cost to us. Jeff handles his business with a rare integrity that is hard to find these days, and we would recommend him to any of our friends.”


- Angela Epp, Homeowner




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