The balancing act between personalization and efficiency has always been a prime concern of home builders. The difference in business philosophy from the “pick-your-own-lot-design-a-unique-home” custom builder to the nationwide tract home developer is only one of scale. The vast middle ground of production builder offering limited customization is the landscape familiar to most buyers. But the same basic principles apply to all.
Cheaper. Faster. Better. Easier.
The key to a healthy bottom line lies in streamlining the building process.
Because residential construction involves so many different specialties and trades, there has been a trend towards standardization — in floor plans, elevations, materials, fixtures and amenities. Production builders, by necessity, offer limited choices. However, cycle time is as vital for the custom builder as it is to the production home builder. The dilemma today is that buyers at all price points demand at least at least a minimum level of customization. The desire for “personal space” is real, whether it’s a starter home or a retirement cottage.
But there are many types of customization. Some builders offer a dollar limit on personal choice. Others feature a “one from Column A, one from Column B” option menu. Still others provide a dedicated design consultant or a well-staffed decorator center to help buyers choose appropriate materials and coordinated finishes.
Lighting the Way
Too often, though, customization is a word rather than a reality. But in some cases, and with the advent of innovative technology, there is a path to true customization that results in improved cycle time as well as unique, individualized solutions for the buyer, the builder and for individual contractors.
Aterra works with production builders to provide these unique solutions. Electrical wiring and lighting options are an integral part of residential design today. Energy efficiency, smart technology and low-voltage and decorative options have never been more important. Our company offers a way for a builder to streamline and coordinate electrical design, fixture selection and final installation. We act as intermediary and liaison between builder, lighting contractor, on-the job-electrician, fixture supplier, and buyer. We can offer unlimited options to the buyer at a price and on a timeline that fit a defined builder timeline. Our service can actually reduce costs and boost the bottom line by improving take rates.
By analyzing available resources, holding to a tight schedule and putting a realistic cap on costs, savvy production builders can also deliver unique services and additional value to their buyers. Everyone wins when a uniquely personalized home is delivered on time and on budget.
If offering a customized home to potential buyers is a goal for your production home building business, why not investigate modern options? Home buyers of the future are becoming less concerned with physical size, configuration and location, and more interested in technology, energy efficiency and a home’s score on the scale of eco-consciousness and sustainability.
Better, healthier homes are the future direction, and that future is now.