Pricing Isn’t Everything: What You’re Overlooking
Recently, we had a potential client who seemed like a great fit for us. However, as our conversations continued, it became clear that they viewed all home builders the same way—ultimately deciding to choose a builder based on just one factor: price.
The client saw home building as a product, rather than a service.
This is a common misconception, and a mistake that many people make. It’s tempting to get pricing from multiple builders and assume the end result will be the same, but custom homes are far from being a commodity. They aren’t like picking something off the shelf.
A common myth is that home building is simply a product. In reality, the true value of a custom home goes far beyond the materials used—it’s about the expertise, the customization, and the service that tie it all together.
So, here’s the big question: Is homebuilding a product or a service? Let’s discuss…
It’s understandable that when people think about building a new home, they focus on the end product. After all, you’re left with a physical structure that you can touch, live in, and make memories in. But while homebuilding does result in something tangible, it’s really about the process and the service that go into making that home uniquely yours.
Home building is more than just a product—it’s a service that brings your vision to life.
Let’s compare home building to another industry for more clarity. For this example, we will use dining at a restaurant as everyone can relate to food!
Imagine if dining at a restaurant were treated as just a product. Let’s say you ordered a steak (and we all know how particular people can be about how it’s cooked!). If you believed all restaurants were the same, you might just go for the one with the best price, assuming that the meal would be the same everywhere. But here’s the thing: if dining out were just a product, you’d end up with a meal, no ability to customize it, and no options for special accommodations. Medium-rare or well-done? Too bad—you get what you’re given. And if all restaurants were the same, you wouldn’t care about the quality or cut of the steak either.
The reality is that dining out is a service, just like home building.
Personalized Touches
When you go to a restaurant, it’s about more than just the food—it’s about the experience. You choose a place that caters to your tastes, dietary needs, and preferences. The staff takes care of you, suggesting dishes, making accommodations, and even creating a special atmosphere if it’s a celebration. It’s about the personal touches that make the experience unique.
Customer Interaction
The interaction with the restaurant staff is an essential part of the dining experience. You can ask questions, share feedback, and even make special requests. These personal exchanges aren’t something you would get from simply purchasing a meal off a shelf.
Skilled Experience
The skill of the chef and kitchen team is essential to the meal you are served. Their expertise ensures that the meal is beautifully presented, tastes great, and your steak is cooked to perfection.
Ongoing Care
Unlike a product, dining at a restaurant involves ongoing attention and care throughout the process. If something is wrong with your order or you need something extra like refills or utensils, the staff is there to handle it promptly. This kind of immediate, hands-on attention is a key part of the service.
Custom Home Building is a Personalized Service
When choosing a restaurant, you might check Google reviews or ask friends for recommendations based on their own great experiences. You’re not just looking for a meal—you’re looking for a place that matches your tastes, offers exceptional service, and makes the experience memorable. You might even be willing to pay a little more for that perfect meal, because you know the quality is worth it. After all, if you only focus on the lowest price, you’re likely not going to get the experience you’re hoping for—because not all restaurants are the same.
The same goes for choosing a builder. It’s not just about what’s on the plate (or blueprint); it’s about how the builder’s service meets your needs, solves problems, and creates a personalized experience. Home builders offer a wide range of services, and no two are alike.
Design services
Not every builder offers in-house design services, just like not every restaurant has steak on the menu. A builder with design experts on hand will work with you to create a functional and beautiful home that truly reflects your tastes and needs. It’s about crafting something unique for you, not just sticking to a one-size-fits-all solution.
Materials
Much like a restaurant’s menu, home builders have access to a variety of materials. While some builders might cut costs by using cheaper options, others will focus on quality materials that will stand the test of time. Choosing the right builder means choosing the quality that fits your vision and your long-term goals for the home.
Expertise
A great builder brings years of experience and a deep understanding of the craft. Builders who are recognized as Certified Professional Home Builders by the Saskatoon & Region Home Builders Association have met strict standards and demonstrated their expertise. This is the kind of knowledge and professionalism you’re paying for—something that truly adds value to your project.
Project Management
Building a custom home isn’t just about hammering nails and laying bricks; it’s about navigating permits, utility setup, scheduling, working with trades, and understanding the specific requirements of your location. A quality builder takes care of all of this, ensuring that everything runs smoothly from start to finish. They manage the details so you don’t have to.
Customer Service & Warranty
Much like the attention you receive at a restaurant; a home builder provides care and support not only throughout the construction process but also long after you’ve moved into your new home. A solid warranty program offers peace of mind, ensuring your investment is protected. Did you know that new home warranties aren’t mandatory in Saskatchewan? It’s an important factor to consider, and one we’ve explored in more detail here.
Summary
Choosing a home builder should be treated like choosing a restaurant—not just about the final product, but about the personalized service and experience that meet your unique needs. Many people mistakenly treat home building as a product, but in reality, it’s a service that requires expertise, customization, and ongoing care. Just as you wouldn’t pick a restaurant based solely on price, you shouldn’t choose a builder based only on cost. A good builder offers design services, quality materials, expert project management, and a commitment to your satisfaction throughout the entire process—and long after you’ve moved in. Whether you’re savoring a perfectly cooked steak or settling into your dream home, it’s the experience and the quality of service that ultimately deliver the results you desire.