Most people can easily understand the difference between a custom home builder and a production builder, but what about tract and spec builders? How do they truly differ from each other, and why is a custom home builder generally considered to be the best choice?

A Matter of Building Volume and Design

The residential building industry is cyclical for reasons that transcend economic conditions. During peak periods of housing demand, for example, production builders tend to be very active because they are able to add many housing units in a reasonable amount of time. In other words, production builders are able to stabilize the market to some extent.

Tract builders are high volume residential developers that can add single-family residences or condominium units very quickly and efficiently. Tract builders are experts at managing large projects and saving money with cookie-cutter floor plans; they can also reduce costs by cutting back on features and extras.

Betting on the Housing Market

Active housing markets are also stimulated by speculation, which is when spec builders come in. “Spec” is short for speculative, which explains the risk that these builders are willing to take.

Spec builders usually develop smaller neighborhoods where they can apply a certain architectural vision they hope will attract prospective buyers. Spec homes tend to cost a lot more than those developed by tract builders, and they tend to be driven by an interesting strategy of neighbor envy.

A typical move by spec builders is to enter a master-planned development experiencing demand. After some market research, spec builders choose a few floor plans that they can offer with extras and special configurations that merit a higher price. The idea is to develop with more aesthetics to provide higher quality of life and attract buyers who are willing to pay more than their neighbors.

The Role of the Custom Home Builder

If you want to own a property that you can really call your own, you should contact a custom home builder. As long as you follow the residential zoning laws and abide by municipal codes, you should be able to partner with a custom home builder who can bring your residential vision to life.

Large home builders these days may conduct tract and spec building operations and still operate a custom building division. Custom builders listen to their clients before presenting floor plan ideas. One of the immediate goals is to provide flexible choices that fit the budget of prospective home buyers.

The advantage of the custom builder option is that you get to be involved in the design and construction process as it is being developed. Unlike with tract and spec builders, you can influence the finished property according to your needs.

When most people go through the home buying search, they limit themselves to homes that are already on the market. However, there may be a better alternative to finding your dream home. A custom built home could be the best option to fit your needs and your budget both today and well into the future.

Build a Home That Has All of Your Wants and Needs

A custom built home can have as many rooms as you need, as much square footage as you need and all the finishes that you desire the second that you walk in. When you build a home from scratch, you don’t have to worry about termite damage, mold or other issues that may be present in an existing home. As your home is already built to your specifications, you don’t have to spend time painting or ripping up the carpet when you first move in.

Give Your Home as Much Character as You Want

There is no law saying that a new home has to lack character. By opting for wood siding or a stone exterior, you can create a look that is decidedly yours without having to search for a home that is 100 years old or located in a neighborhood that isn’t to your liking. If you want to opt for a modern look in the living room while opting for a more rustic look in the bedroom or basement, you can get that without having to sacrifice elsewhere.

Your Custom Built Home May Have a Warranty

When you buy a home, you buy it in the condition that it is in. Therefore, you are responsible for replacing the water heater or putting on a new roof if it goes bad. However, with a new home, you don’t have to worry about maintenance for several years after you purchase it. In fact, you may be able to transfer the warranty to the next buyer, which means it will be more attractive when you ever have to put the home on the market.

When you can’t find anything to your liking among existing homes on the market, a custom built home may be for you. You get to customize it as much as you like, which means you get the home that you want and need as soon as you move in. This makes it more likely that you will stay in the home and a part of the community for many years to come.

Ask a Baby Boomer to characterize themselves these days and chances are he or she will be quick to tell you not to label them a senior citizen, a retiree or – heaven forbid – elderly. Rather, terms such as “keenager” or “seasoned citizen” or even “sonic boomers” are more accurate descriptions of those born between 1946 and 1964. It’s impossible to generalize about this generation, as they are changing the perception of what it means to be today’s elders in society. Many work well beyond “retirement age” – whether by choice or necessity – and are more active socially and recreationally than the generations before them. These empty nesters have lived through recessions and are typically savvy consumers with an intelligent approach to buying. They have a mature vision for their future, and those looking to purchase a home are likely seeking features that will not only meet their wants and needs now but also down the road.

Whether they are looking simply to downsize or envision a long-term strategy for independent living without the retirement home scenario, the concept of “aging in place” is being embraced. Defined as “the ability to live in one’s own home and community safely, independently, and comfortably, regardless of age, income, or ability level” – this stay-at-home approach requires planning. There’s no one-size-fits-all design, but when it comes to homebuying with an eye to the future, everything from the floor plan and amenities to the community in which the house is built matters.

The folks at Southern Serenity Homes know that retirement homes or communities, condos and zero-lot homes – while appealing to many – should not be the only choices that Boomers have. Their choices should refelct their vibrancy while also meeting their long-term goals. We are reaching out to that population — one that knows and appreciates quality — with our portfolio of home plans that accommodate their present and future needs. Further, the ability and willingness to upgrade features and customize the build ensures that buyers are getting the low-maintenance, energy-efficient home that suits their lifestyle and adapts to meet the realities that come with aging.

Some design concepts to keep in mind, then, include:

— Floor plans on one level or with the master bedroom downstairs ensures there are not eventually places in one’s own home that can’t be accessed.
— Open floor plans and homes with smooth, flush floors make it easier to safely navigate the house with a walker or other mobility device.
— Doorways should be sufficiently wide to accommodate a wheelchair.
— Varied or adjustable counter heights and wall cabinetry and shelving at lower heights minimize reach, therefore minimizing falls.
— If grab-bars are not already in place near the toilet and bathtub, is blocking available to support their installation?
— Bigger windows allow in more light, a plus as vision becomes weaker.
— Flex/media/office space: because Boomers are active (workout and hobby space), tech-savvy and not necessarily retired.
— Community amenities and the development’s layout should facilitate the ability to interact with neighbors.

Baby Boomers are sophisticated buyers who know not only what they want, but what they need if they are to comfortably age in place. They want quality and options, independence and security in a sound investment. Helping them to attain these goals is not only something at which we excel; it is our privilege to see these goals made a reality.

When you are getting ready to build a new home, it is important to choose the right home builders in Collierville. You will be working hand in hand with the home builders throughout every stage of the project, which means that you will need to have strong communication, a solid foundation of trust and the assurance that the work will be done to your specifications. These tips will help you to select the best home builders in Collierville for your needs.

Important Questions to Ask Your Home Builder

When you are talking to prospective builders, there are certain questions that you should ask. These questions will help to give you a feel for the way they do business. The answers can also help you to decide which building company is best suited to your personal style and your goals for the project. Some important questions to ask home building companies include:

• How many home building projects have you completed?
• Does your company do all of the work or do you use sub-contractors?
• How many houses do you build at a time?
• How long would it be until you could get started on my project?
• What types of fees and deposits do you require?
• Would you build on my property or on a lot that I purchase from you?

Getting References from Other Homeowners

When considering which home builders in Collierville to hire for your new home, you may also want to get references from other homeowners. Most home builders will be able to provide you with a list of references. You can then contact those people and ask them about their experiences with the builder. You might also be able to arrange for a tour of one or more homes that the company has built.

How to Check a Home Builder’s Credentials

Another important aspect of deciding on which home builders to hire is to ensure that they have the proper credentials to build a home in Collierville. Home builders must be licensed, bonded and insured in Tennessee. You can check on their business licensure and insurance documentation. You may also want to check their rating with the Better Business Bureau. You should also search for any lawsuits or civil penalties pending, or judged against, the home builders.

Even after nine homes in 9 years, and over $10,000,000 raised for the kids at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Southern Serenity Homes is as dedicated to the cause as it was on the first day.

Since 2008, the name Southern Serenity Homes has been synonymous with the Memphis area St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway. During that period, Southern Serenity Homes founder Greg Bridgers has hand-built nine of the most beautiful, well-appointed and finely crafted homes in West Tennessee.

Not surprisingly to anyone who knows this unselfish and dedicated builder, he will be the first to state with profound gratitude and a deep sense of pride that each St. Jude Dream Home house has been a team effort of monumental proportions, effectively bringing together dozens of the finest artisans in the area with one goal in mind: producing a home of unequalled quality and features for the benefit of the children at St. Jude.

When final ticket sales for the 2016 St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway have been tallied, Southern Serenity Homes and its many selfless craftsmen, who lovingly and skillfully bring each home to fruition, will have helped raise more than $10,000,000 for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Greg often states with pride that building the last eight St. Jude Dream Home houses has been the most rewarding experience of his years as a home builder, explaining his unwavering dedication to the project and to the kids at St. Jude.

In tribute to that dedication and to the quality of the homes he builds year after year, Southern Serenity Homes has been awarded the St. Jude National Dream Home Builder of the Year two years running, a feat that has never been done before - anywhere.

And, even though the last several years have been, by every measurable standard, some of the toughest in history of U.S. builders - as well as the housing industry as a whole - Southern Serenity Homes has not wavered in its commitment to St. Jude and its promise to deliver the best home anywhere. Having been blessed with a steady stream of customers wanting quality, value and integrity in their own dream home, Greg has continued to craft the area's finest custom homes from $200,000 to well over $1,000,000 across the Mid-South.

Whether the question concerns the St. Jude Dream Home house or a customer's personal home, when asked if something can be changed or added, Greg always answers simply, "There's nothing we can't do. If you want it, we'll find a way to make it happen."

That commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction is without question the single most important factor explaining Southern Serenity Homes' survival at a time when other home builders have not been so fortunate.

Southern Serenity Homes has constructed more than 4,250 homes, with no end in sight. Rain or shine, day in and day out, you will see Greg on the job site ensuring that every home he puts his name on is the best that can possibly be built - by anyone, anywhere.

It is that same drive and dedication to excellence that keeps Greg committed to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and the life-saving work being done there every day of the year. And even though the paint is barely dry on this year's home, he looks forward to breaking ground on their next St. Jude Dream Home house.

"Look into the eyes of the children at St. Jude and tell me you can walk away from that," said Greg, his voice quivering.

What does an “energy efficient” home look like? Does it look high-tech, ultra-modern, industrial? Perhaps, but an energy efficient home also looks just like any one of our Southern Serenity homes. From construction elements to appliances, we strive to build homes that seamlessly incorporate as many energy-saving features as possible without compromising appearance and comfort.

At the very foundation, so to speak, of the construction of an energy-efficient home is the idea of
shielding the living space – from the ground up – from the outdoors. To that end, we create a “thermal envelope” which, according to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, comprises everything from the wall and roof assemblies, insulation and air/vapor retarders to the windows, weather stripping and caulking. Simply put, it is the parts of a building that enclose conditioned spaces, including exterior walls, roof and floors. Southern Serenity implements advanced energy-saving methods to achieve a sound thermal envelope, including:

*Optimum Value Engineering (OVE): a framing technique in which less lumber is used – and therefore generating less waste – and more insulation utilized. The result is a building proven to be structurally sound while reducing heating and cooling costs by as much as 5 percent.
*Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs): a high performance building system utilizing panels which consist of an insulating foam core sandwiched between two structural facings, typically oriented strand board (OSB). SIPs are extremely strong, energy efficient and cost effective.
*Insulating Concrete Forms (ICF): forms used to hold fresh concrete that remain in place permanently, providing insulation for the structure they enclose.

A well-designed and well-constructed home with an eye toward energy-efficiency will be insulated with materials that surpass local building code requirements. It’s all about the R-value and proper installation, and our builders excel in this arena. To further ensure our homes are exceedingly efficient, we utilize radiant barrier insulation in the attic space, thereby assuring that there is never more than an 8-10 degree variance in temperature from the rest of the home. Coupled with air/vapor retarders to prevent moisture in the home, properly placed windows, weatherstripping and caulking to prevent air leakage as well as controlled ventilation, Southern Serenity homes are tight, sound and efficient.

Beyond construction considerations are necessities such as heating, ventilation and air-conditioning with not only climate influencing the appropriate equipment choices; the characteristics of the thermal envelope will guide selection of the appropriate HVAC unit. However, the heating and cooling system is not exclusively responsible for efficiently maintaining the temperature of the home. Windows, overhangs, paint color, vegetation – even appliances – are all factors that contribute to your heating and cooling loads, not to mention cost.

Wait? Appliances contribute to the operation of the heating and cooling system? Any item that gives off heat, for instance, will increase the cooling load. Water heaters, dryers, dishwashers – all give off a “waste” heat and will increase the demand for cool air. Installing high-efficiency appliances will not only help keep energy bills down; they reduce pollution and your carbon footprint.

“Energy efficient.” “Green.” “Eco-friendly.” These are no longer just buzzwords but are part of the language of home building. Energy efficiency is not just trendy; it is the trend in residential construction. Southern Serenity incorporates tried and true building methods and materials with the evolving technology available to maximize the efficiency of the homes we build, providing homeowners with superior comfort, savings in energy costs and value for their investment.

Every house has doorknobs. Every house will have floors and lights and counters and toilets. What makes all the difference, then, is the care taken in choosing the standard features that will finish out a house. We go to great lengths to ensure Southern Serenity homes are constructed and appointed — from the inside out, from bottom to top — with top-quality materials so that home buyers know from floor-plan to floor-plan the level of standard features they can expect. The trick is to accomplish this without a resulting cookie-cutter feel and we excel in this strategy. Our choices also set the standard for the homes in the community in which we build and in which you are making an investment.

All homes feature a luxurious trim package with extensive crown and shoe molding and ornamental millwork. Beautiful hardwood flooring extends from the entry throughout the kitchen and dining areas, the great-room/hearth room and all hallways, with bedrooms boasting high-quality, stain-resistant and anti-static carpeting covered by a 20 year warranty and guaranteed against manufacture defects. Stained wood treads on the staircases, complemented by wrought iron handrails, also feature lighting at step level for safety.

Rounded (or bull-nose) corners give a soft, finished feel to the walls that rise to smooth ceilings. Depending on the floor plan, the ceiling height will dictate the door height: 8-foot doors for 10-foot ceilings, 6-foot 8-inch doors on 9-foot ceilings. Vaulted or tray-style ceilings may feature recessed can lighting which is also found in the hallways, great room and kitchen. Lighting elsewhere includes pendulum fixtures over the kitchen island or breakfast bar, with custom lighting packages available, and ceiling fans with light kits can be found throughout.

Often the centerpiece of the living area, our brick or stone fireplace (a 42-inch low-profile ventless) is not only designed for functionality, but is configured with technology in mind; discreet pre-installed PVC pipe hides television and entertainment system wiring to the flanking shelves. A floor outlet in the great-room is an option, and decorative switchplates and wallplates are used throughout. Our homes are wired with Cat 5 phone lines in the kitchen, great-room/hearth room, all bedrooms and, of course, the game room with surround-sound standard in the media room.

In the kitchen, granite counters are featured in the bumped and staggered custom self-close cabinets, with the island mirroring the fireplace facade materials. The granite counter tops continue into all baths as well as the laundry room, which contains a utility sink and space for a freezer, if applicable. The bathrooms feature comfort height elongated toilets and tile-surround showers with beveled mirror trim in the master bath and furniture-style cabinets in the 1/2 bath. All hardware comes in a choice of oil rubbed bronze or brushed nickel finish.

Every home comes with an appliance package that includes: a Frigidaire Stainless Steel cook-top with custom cabinet Vent-A-Hood, double oven, dishwasher, microwave and 1/2 horsepower disposal; a tankless gas water heater and gas furnace; a Carrier High Efficiency 14 seer HVAC unit and programmable thermostats; and a 1/2 horsepower garage door with three remotes and an external key pad. Safety features run from a fully operational security system with two keypads (coverage on all operable windows and doors downstairs) to deadbolt locks on all entry doors.

All Southern Serenity homes boast a 10-year structural warranty. Each one is constructed with a floored attic on 16-inch centers, resulting in a more structurally sound building. We use TechShield Radiant Barrier roof decking, which ensures that the attic space temperature is never more than a difference of 8-10 degrees from the rest of the home, thus lowering cooling costs. We use 30-year architectural shingles on the roof, which will also have rain gutters, downspouts and splash blocks. From luxury front yard landscaping, front and rear flood lights and a rear patio, from screens on all operable windows, the wrought iron mailbox and 3-car garage, you can rest assured we have made carefully considered decisions regarding the standard features in the homes on which we put our name. Walk into any of our model homes and know that what you see there is what you’ll get in yours. Upgrades are available, of course, and guided by the builder new homeowners con be confident that they are getting the maximum value for their investment.

The Craftsman-style home has a very specific identity. Taking inspiration from the Arts & Crafts movement and nature, these homes are built with a cozy functionality that made them popular in the early 20th Century. Fast forward one-hundred years and you’ll find that the refined yet somewhat rustic design of these homes has retained its appeal. The Craftsman and Arts & Crafts philosophies mirror those of ours at Southern Serenity: with an emphasis on workmanship, we can build quality, affordable and beautiful homes. Our Fairway Hills Community of Craftsman homes proves this by building on the aesthetics of the original movement while incorporating the necessities our modern world demands.

When you select from among our three stylish floor plans – The Chestnut, The Dogwood and The Faulkner – you can be certain that the features standard to all our homes have been selected with care to ensure longevity and value.

All homes in the Fairway Hills Community feature beautiful hardwood flooring which extends from the entry into the dining area, the great room and hallway. Elsewhere, you’ll find high-quality, stain-resistant and anti-static carpeting covered by a 20-year warranty and guaranteed against manufacture defects. Tiled floors in the kitchen and breakfast area mirror the tile utilized on the fireplace front in the great room. The staircase, with wood treads, features a custom woodcrafted hand rail. Each home boasts smooth ceilings upstairs and down and a luxurious trim package, as well as traditional square-edge sheetrock corners which are in keeping with the Craftsman aesthetic. Ceiling fans with light kits can be found throughout, and custom lighting packages are available.

In the kitchen, granite counters are featured in the bumped and staggered custom self-close cabinets and complemented by a decorative backsplash. The granite counter tops and custom cabinets continue into all baths, with tiled floors and tiled shower surrounds standard. The half-bath downstairs is finished with furniture-style cabinets, and all hardware comes in a choice of oil rubbed bronze or brushed nickel finish.

While vintage in feel, we’ve kept technology in mind. Our homes are wired with Cat 5 phone lines in the kitchen, great room, bedrooms and, of course, the game room with cable connections in all bedrooms, the great room and the game room.

Every home comes with an appliance package that includes: a Maytag Stainless Steel gas double range, dishwasher and microwave/Vent-A-Hood and 1/2 horsepower disposal; a ventless gas water heater and gas furnace; a Carrier High Efficiency 14 seer HVAC unit and programmable thermostats; and a 1/2 horsepower garage door with two remotes and an external key pad. Safety features run from a fully operational security system with two keypads (coverage on all operable windows and doors downstairs) to deadbolt locks on all entry doors to the exterior vented fireplace.

All Southern Serenity homes boast a 10-year structural warranty. Each one is constructed with a floored attic on 16-inch centers, resulting in a more structurally sound building. We use TechShield Radiant Barrier roof decking, which ensures that the attic space temperature is never more than a difference of 8-10 degrees from the rest of the home, thus lowering cooling costs. We use 30-year architectural shingles on the roof, which will also have rain gutters, downspouts and splash blocks. From front-yard landscaping, front and rear flood lights and a rear patio, from screens on all operable windows to the wrought iron mailbox, you can rest assured we have made carefully considered decisions regarding the standard features in the homes on which we put our name. Walk into any of our model homes and know that what you see there is what you’ll get in yours. Upgrades are available, of course, and guided by the builder new homeowners con be confident that they are getting the maximum value for their investment.

Echoing the architecture common to the French countryside, our homes in The Fields of Hidden Springs are stately yet welcoming, marrying rustic and refined elements to re-create an Old World charm in a modern setting. Simple lines and natural materials are the hallmarks of a French Country home, which has proven to hold an enduring appeal.

When you select from among our six elegant floor plans – The Azalea, The Camelia, The Cedar, The Charleston, The Chestnut and The Dixon – you can be certain that the features standard to all our homes have been selected with care to ensure longevity and value.

All homes in The Fields of Hidden Springs are floored with beautiful hardwood which extends from the entry into the dining area, the great room and hallway. Elsewhere, you’ll find high-quality, stain-resistant and anti-static carpeting covered by a 20-year warranty and guaranteed against manufacture defects. Tiled floors in the kitchen and breakfast area mirror the tile utilized on the fireplace front in the great room. The staircase, with wood treads, features a wrought iron hand rail. Each home boasts smooth ceilings upstairs and down and a luxurious trim package, as well as rounded (or bull-nose) corners on sheetrock to give a soft, finished feel to the walls. Ceiling fans with light kits can be found throughout, and custom lighting packages are available.

In the kitchen, granite counters are featured in the bumped and staggered custom self-close cabinets and complemented by a decorative backsplash. Cultured marble counter tops are an elegant finish for the custom cabinets in all baths, with tiled floors and tiled shower surrounds standard. All hardware comes in a choice of oil rubbed bronze or brushed nickel finish.

While timeless and sophisticated in design, modern demands for tecnhology are met. Our homes are wired for with Cat 5 phone lines in the kitchen, great room, bedrooms and, of course, the game room with cable connections in all bedrooms, the great room and the game room.

Every home comes with an appliance package that includes: a stainless steel gas range, dishwasher and microwave and 1/2 horsepower disposal; a  gas water heater (2, where applicable) and gas furnace; a Carrier High Efficiency 14 seer HVAC unit and programmable thermostats; and a 1/2 horsepower garage door with two remotes and an external key pad. Safety features include a fully operational security system with two keypads, deadbolt locks on all entry doors, front and rear flood lights, a wrought iron photocell post light in the front yard and 42-inch ventless fireplace.

All Southern Serenity homes boast a 10-year structural warranty. Each one is constructed with a floored attic on 16-inch centers, resulting in a more structurally sound building. We use TechShield Radiant Barrier roof decking, which ensures that the attic space temperature is never more than a difference of 8-10 degrees from the rest of the home, thus lowering cooling costs. We use 30-year architectural shingles on the roof, which will also have rain gutters, downspouts and splash blocks.

From the fully sodded yard with Bermuda grass, front-yard landscaping package and rear patio to screens on all operable windows and a wrought iron mailbox, you can rest assured we have made carefully considered decisions regarding the standard features in the homes on which we put our name. Walk into any of our model homes and know that what you see there is what you’ll get in yours. Upgrades are available, of course, and guided by the builder new homeowners con be confident that they are getting the maximum value for their investment.