If you’ve been searching for a brand-new home in Edmonton, you know there are a lot of builders out there. Most of them either offer custom homes or production homes, but Sterling Homes is the only builder in Edmonton to offer pre-planned options. 

The differences between these types of builders might be subtle, but we think you’ll soon see why the pre-planned option may be the best choice for you and your family. 

Custom Homes 

A custom home is exactly what it sounds like: something you can completely customize to your own liking. If you have an unusual idea for a home, unique requirements, or just want something that’s completely original, a custom home builder is may be the right choice for you. 

Building a completely custom home means working with a large team. If you’re not basing your home off of any particular floor plan, you’ll need an architect to start by drafting the plans. Using unique building materials may require working with specialty tradespeople. This means the process of building your custom home can take a long time. At each step of the way, plans and work need to be approved by the government. 

The bright side is you end up with a home that’s truly yours, with all of the exact details you’ve specified. 

Production Homes 

Many builders who claim to build custom homes are actually production home builders. You can customize certain elements of the home, like the flooring and paint colours, but you have to stick with the floor plans and building materials they offer. For instance, you might be able to choose hardwood flooring, but you’ll only be able to select from their three pre-selected styles. 

This type of builder offers many advantages. They can usually produce a home in as little as nine months because they have the process down to a science. Their home designs have already been approved, and they have good relationship with suppliers, so there are rarely delays in the building process. Production homes are typically built in well-designed neighbourhoods where the surrounding homes are similar in nature. These communities tend to be close to popular amenities like shopping malls and grocery stores. 

Unfortunately, you can’t necessarily create the exact home you want. These types of builders aren’t able to deviate from their main floor plans. They might have additional options – say, being able to upgrade to a soaker tub rather than the regular bathtub – but the differences are slight. 

The Best of Both Worlds 

Pre-planned homes like the ones Sterling offers fall somewhere in the middle. We’re similar to many production home builders in that we do have set floor plans we work with and build in great new Edmonton communities. You can choose design options throughout the home to suit your particular tastes. 

Where we differ, though, is in our ability to make changes to the existing plans. Many of our floor plans have a variety of layouts. In the Trista model, for instance, you have different kitchen layout options, and the second floor can be designed with or without a laundry. The Tanner model, on the other hand, has two different layouts for the finished basement. One plan includes a fourth bedroom, a small bathroom, and a family room. The other layout turns the basement into an in-law suite with a complete kitchen. 

You don’t have to make these changes, but the option is available. It’s great for people who want to add a few unique touches to the space, but don’t want to take the time to design something completely original. Since we are basing your home design off of a plan that’s already been approved, the general approval process goes more quickly than you tend to see with custom home builders who are starting from scratch. 

Our designs are planned with the most popular home features in mind. You can easily get the things you want in a home when you choose Sterling as your builder. 

The best way to get a sense of what homes look like with different layouts is to come take a look. Our showhomes are available in many communities throughout Edmonton. We know you’ll be able to find a home that meets your needs.