What “Custom” Really Means: Understanding the Types of Builders

In the homebuilding industry, the word “custom” gets thrown around a lot—but it doesn’t always mean what people think it does. As someone looking to build a home, you deserve clarity on what that term actually means and how it applies to different types of builders.

At Buffum Homes, we believe in being straightforward. Every builder type plays an important role in the market. But not every builder offers the same level of customization, flexibility, or value. Here’s a breakdown of the different kinds of builders you’ll find—and where Buffum Homes fits in.

Volume Builders: Large-Scale and Streamlined

Volume builders are typically national or regional companies that build hundreds of homes each year—sometimes 200, 300, or even more. These companies operate on high-efficiency systems, building the same set of floorplans across multiple communities with very limited options for modification.

The benefit to this model is price. Because of their scale, volume builders get substantial discounts from suppliers and vendors, and those cost savings can be passed down to the buyer. The process is efficient, and timelines are generally tight.

However, this comes with trade-offs. Most volume builders require buyers to choose from a fixed list of pre-designed floorplans. Custom changes to layouts, features, or finishes are often not possible—or come at a high cost. You’re working within their system, on their land, and within their selections.

This approach works well for buyers who are more concerned with speed and price than customization.

Small-Scale Builders: Fully Custom, But Limited Resources

On the other end of the spectrum are small builders who construct just a few homes a year—often fewer than five. These builders tend to focus on high-touch, deeply personalized homes where every detail is considered from the ground up. If your priority is full creative control and one-on-one guidance throughout the entire process, this route can be a good fit.

That said, small-scale builders don’t benefit from the volume pricing or supplier relationships that larger builders do. That can result in higher overall costs, longer build times, and limited access to materials and subcontractors. While they can deliver a truly unique product, there are logistical limitations that come with low volume.

Buffum Homes: High Customization + Volume Efficiency

Buffum Homes builds roughly 25 to 30 homes per year. That puts us in a unique position—large enough to receive volume-based pricing from our vendors, yet small enough to deliver a highly customizable experience for each client.

Here’s what that means in practice:

◦ Flexible Floorplans – We don’t force you into one of three pre-selected layouts. We offer a wide range of proven floorplans that can be modified to fit your needs, or we can work with you on something more tailored.
◦ Detailed Selections – Our process includes working directly with our design team and trusted vendors to choose your finishes—from flooring and cabinetry to tile, lighting, and paint colors.
◦ Land Options – We build in Buffum-developed neighborhoods with planned infrastructure, or on private land. Either option works—we’ve done plenty of both.
◦ Vendor Relationships – Our build volume qualifies us for pricing advantages that smaller custom builders often can’t access. That helps us deliver a custom home at a competitive price point.

In short, we offer a level of customization that larger production builders can’t match, while still leveraging the efficiencies and cost benefits that come with steady, consistent build volume.

Why It Matters

Choosing a builder is about more than just the label. “Custom” doesn’t mean much unless it comes with real flexibility—both in design and in execution. Some builders use the term because they offer a few finish choices. Others use it because they allow for optional upgrades. At Buffum Homes, “custom” means that the house is shaped around you—your layout preferences, your style, your land, and your budget.

If you’re looking for a builder that allows you to make meaningful decisions throughout the process while still providing value through strong vendor relationships and efficient building practices, Buffum Homes is structured to do exactly that.

Reach out to our team if you’d like to discuss your homebuilding goals and see if we’re the right fit for your next home.