After you’ve decided to build a new home in Central Wisconsin, one of the first big decisions you’ll face is how to approach the design: Should you start with a completely custom design from scratch, or choose one of Woodcraft Homes’ many versatile floor plans and customize it?
Both choices lead to a beautiful, quality-built Woodcraft home, but the best choice depends on your unique priorities, budget, and vision. As experienced builders offering both options, we can help you weigh the factors:
Consider Starting with a Pre-Designed Woodcraft Plan If:
- You Like a Proven Layout: Our plans have been built before, meaning the flow and functionality are time-tested. You can often tour similar completed homes (like during Parade of Homes) to get a real feel for the space.
- You Want a Clear Starting Point: Pre-designed plans provide a solid foundation for budgeting and visualizing the end result, even with modifications.
- You Need Ideas & Inspiration: Browse existing plans (like our Lakeview, Americana, or Estate series) can help you discover features and layouts you love.
- A Plan is “Almost Perfect”: If you find a plan that meets 80-90% of your needs, customizing it is often more efficient and cost-effective than starting from zero. We excel at modifying plans to fit your lifestyle.
- Timeline is a Factor: Modifying an existing plan always streamlines the initial design phase compared to a fully custom process.
Consider a Fully Custom Design If:
- You Have a Unique Vision: You have very specific ideas about layout, style, or features that aren’t captured in existing plans.
- Your Lot Has Unique Constraints or Opportunities: A sloped lot, a specific view you want to maximize, or unusual property lines might necessitate a custom design.
- You Have Highly Specific Needs: Requirements like multi-generational living spaces, unique hobby rooms, or specific accessibility features might be best addressed with a custom plan.
- You Desire Complete Control: You want to be deeply involved in designing every single aspect of your home from the ground up.
- Your Budget Accommodates It: Custom design typically involves more architectural/design time upfront, which can impact the overall budget compared to modifying a stock plan.
Questions to Ask Yourself:
- What is my realistic budget range for the entire project (including design)?
- How much time can I dedicate to the design process?
- How clear is my vision for my finished home? Have I found existing plans I mostly like?
- Are there any non-negotiable features or specific needs my home must accommodate?
- Does my building site present any unique challenges or opportunities?
Woodcraft Homes: Your Partner Either Way
Whether you fall in love with one of our existing plans and want to personalize it, or you dream of creating something entirely unique, Woodcraft Homes has the experience and design expertise to guide you. We listen to your needs, respect your budget, and help you choose the path that best leads to your ideal Central Wisconsin home. Contact Woodcraft Homes today to discuss whether modifying a plan or designing a custom home is the right fit for you.