Tip & Tricks

Building your dream home is a big step. You'll need to make so many important choices. The home design you choose, the building company you use, and what standards they follow all matter.

If you're thinking about things like cost, the building process, or customer service, then you should know all your options. When you start your home-building journey in Melbourne, you usually choose between two types of home builders: volume builders and custom home builders

What Is a Volume Builder?

A volume builder is a company that constructs a large number of homes each year, typically using a set range of standardised designs. In Melbourne, volume builders are some of the biggest names you’ll see advertised, with extensive display home villages across outer suburbs like Clyde North, Tarneit, and Craigieburn.

These builders operate at scale. They’ve refined their construction processes to deliver homes efficiently, often at a lower cost per square metre compared to custom builds. Because they build hundreds or even thousands of affordable homes annually, volume builders can negotiate competitive prices with suppliers and trades, passing some of these savings onto buyers.

Volume builders are ideal if you’re looking for a cost-effective, straightforward build with clear inclusions, predictable construction timeframes, and fewer design decisions to manage. This approach suits buyers who prioritise budget certainty and a faster build over full design flexibility – a common choice for first-time home buyers and investors building in Melbourne’s new estates.

Pros of Volume Builders

Volume builders are a good option for people who want a quick and low-cost build. The pre-designed homes make use of tried-and-tested steps and cheap materials. Benefits include:

• Faster Turnaround: Single and double-storey homes are built quickly due to well-set-up processes that optimise efficiency and reduce construction time.
• Fixed Pricing: Costs are clear and help you avoid unexpected money shocks during the building journey, ensuring a smoother experience overall.
• Wide Range of Pre-Designs: Choose from many styles of homes to fit all kinds of needs, ensuring that there's something for everyone.
• Peace of Mind: With display homes, you can see what the final product will look like before you buy, giving you a clearer idea of your potential investment.

Cons of Volume Builders

While volume builders offer many advantages, there are also notable downsides to consider. Some of the cons include:

• Limited Customisation: Standard designs often limit the addition of unique features, resulting in homes that feel generic rather than personalised.
• Standardised Quality: While mass production is efficient, it often compromises quality with lower-grade materials and finishes, impacting the durability and aesthetic appeal of your home.
• Higher Competition: Securing your desired block of land or design may become competitive, leading to rushed decisions or compromises on your preferences.
• Potential Resale Issues: Homes may not retain value like custom homes, potentially limiting your market when selling to buyers seeking unique features.

What Is a Custom Home Builder?

Custom home builders design and construct homes that are completely tailored to your individual needs, own land, and personal style preferences. In Melbourne, custom builders are often engaged for builds on sloping or narrow inner-suburban blocks, knockdown rebuilds in established areas, or bespoke acreage homes on the city fringe.

Unlike volume builders, custom builders work with you to create a unique floorplan and façade design, ensuring your home suits the orientation, slope, and dimensions of your specific block. You’ll have the freedom to choose your own materials, fixtures, finishes, and layout, whether you want a split-level home to maximise views, a high-end architectural design for a prestige suburb, or simply a layout that works better for your family’s lifestyle.

Custom builders generally offer a more personalised experience throughout the entire build process, with direct communication between you, your designer, and your builder. However, this approach often comes at a higher cost per square metre and longer home building and approval timeframes compared to volume building, reflecting the bespoke nature of the work.

This option suits buyers who value design freedom, want to maximise their block’s potential, or have specific aesthetic and functional requirements that off-the-plan designs can’t accommodate.

Pros of Custom Home Builders

Choosing a custom builder gives home buyers a number of benefits during the building process. Some of these include:

• Bespoke Inclusions: You get a home built just the way you like it, with the features you want to ensure it meets your unique needs.
• Exceptional Quality: Custom builders use high-quality craftsmanship and top-shelf materials to make your home strong and good, ensuring that every detail meets your specific desires and needs.
• Adaptability: They're good for knockdown rebuild projects or blocks of land that are hard to build on, especially when considering unique site challenges.
• Personalised Guidance: A dedicated team helps you through each part of the build, ensuring that every detail meets your expectations.

Cons of Custom Home Builders

While opting for a custom home builder carries various advantages, it's not without its challenges. Here are some potential downsides to consider:

• Higher Costs: Custom homes typically have a higher cost due to tailored designs and premium materials, which can strain budgets if unexpected expenses occur.
• Longer Timeline: Creating a unique design from scratch generally requires more time than buying a pre-built home, with potential delays in construction or permit approvals requiring patience and flexibility.
• Design Uncertainty: Building a custom home can lead to decision fatigue due to the overwhelming choices, requiring a clear vision and decisive planning to navigate the options effectively.
• Limited Availability: Depending on the builder, there may be constraints in terms of available timelines or resources, which could affect your overall building experience.

Cost Comparison: Volume vs Custom Builds

When choosing between volume and custom builders, it's important to consider your budget, as volume builders tend to be cheaper upfront due to mass production, while custom builders offer unique services at higher prices that reflect their specialised work.

Volume Builder Costs

Volume builders offer clear, manageable costs, making them ideal for first-home buyers. Their fixed pricing allows you to know your expenses upfront. Many provide affordable turnkey land packages (link to new article) and designs using existing plans and bulk material purchases.

However, the initial price usually covers only basic features; upgrades like high ceilings or premium finishes will increase costs significantly. While these builders can save you money, options for personalising your home may be limited. If you're looking for unique touches beyond standard inclusions, be prepared to compromise on savings.

Custom Home Builder Costs

Custom home builders approach pricing differently. Your cost depends on the level of personalisation, material choices, and additional features you select. Working with a trusted new home builder ensures transparency throughout the whole process. Initially, prices may seem higher than those of other builders, but the value lies in the details, including architectural design and quality fittings tailored to your needs.

Every dollar is invested in creating your custom home. Builders like Infinity Built prioritise collaboration to ensure your home has true value, making your investment stand out. If you seek a personal touch that lasts, spending more for this experience often pays off.

What You Get for Your Money

When investing in a custom home, it's important to understand the true value of the builder you choose to work with. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect:

Timeline Comparison: Volume vs Custom Builds

How long your new home will take to build is a major factor when choosing between a volume builder and a custom builder in Melbourne.

Volume builders generally offer the fastest turnaround. If you choose a single-storey home or a standard design on a flat block, especially in Melbourne’s outer suburbs, your build might be completed in as little as 16 to 24 weeks once construction begins. This speed is possible because volume builders have established processes, reliable trades, and use designs that have been built many times before.  

However, these promises usually only apply to ideal site conditions, and they do not include the pre-construction phase. In Melbourne, finalising contracts, selecting finishes, obtaining developer approval, and getting council permits can add several months before the actual build starts.

Custom builders, on the other hand, take more time because every home is designed specifically for your block, your lifestyle, and your preferences. The construction stage for a custom home in Melbourne can take anywhere from eight to eighteen months, sometimes longer for complex architectural projects. This does not include the additional time needed for design work, planning, and approvals. If you are building on a sloping block or in an established suburb with heritage overlays, this process can take even longer.

Sample Timeline Comparing Volume vs. Custom Builds in Melbourne

Note: Planning overlays, sloping blocks, and knockdown-rebuilds in Melbourne’s established suburbs may further extend the timeline for custom builds.

Design & Flexibility

The level of design flexibility your builder offers will shape every part of your new Melbourne home.

Custom builders provide the greatest freedom. You are not locked into set floor plans or a limited list of finishes. Instead, you can:

• Collaborate with your builder and designer to create a unique layout
• Adjust ceiling heights, window placements, and room sizes
• Add features such as butler’s pantries, home offices with optimal natural light, or seamless indoor–outdoor living spaces
• Tailor your home to suit a sloping block, a narrow frontage, or comply with heritage guidelines

This flexibility means your home can truly reflect your family’s lifestyle and adapt to your long-term needs. If you want a particular architectural style, specific energy-efficiency features, or a layout that maximises your block’s orientation, a custom builder can make it happen.

Volume builders, by comparison, offer a selection of pre-designed homes and upgrade packages. With these builders, you can usually:

• Choose from several façades and colour schemes
• Make some minor changes to layout or inclusions
• Select from a menu of fixtures, appliances, and finishes

However, significant structural changes are generally not possible. For many buyers, this level of choice is enough to personalise their home, but it will not suit those with specific design requirements or unique block conditions.

Long-Term Value & Resale

When you think about the long-term value of a new house in Melbourne, you have to consider a few important things.

1. Thoughtful design increases appeal to future buyers.

The floor plan, natural light, and finishes you select now will play a big role in how attractive your home is to the next owner. Properties with practical layouts, functional spaces, and good flow are more likely to sell quickly and at a better price.

2. Quality construction pays off over time.

Homes built with durable materials and solid workmanship will require less maintenance and are less likely to suffer from common issues such as damp, cracks, or faulty fittings. Features like double-glazed windows, quality flooring, and proper insulation not only improve your daily comfort, they also help your property stand out in Melbourne’s market.

3. Modern touches add lasting value.

Elements such as higher ceilings, updated fixtures, and energy-efficient appliances are popular with buyers across Melbourne. Including these features can set your home apart and may result in a stronger resale price in the future.

4. Planning for future needs helps protect your investment.

A home that can adapt to different family structures, such as offering flexible living zones, additional storage, or space for a home office, often holds its value better over time. If your house is designed to suit a variety of lifestyles, it will appeal to a broader range of buyers when you are ready to sell.

How to Choose the Right Builder for Your New Home Build in Melbourne?

Choosing the right builder is crucial for your home building journey, whether you prefer a custom design or various layouts from a builder.

Who Should Choose a Volume Builder?

Volume builders are a good choice if you want your brand new house to be built quickly and at a lower cost. They're great for anyone who needs to keep to a budget and prefers designed-for-you homes. If you don't want a lot of changes to the look or features, volume builders can help you get a nice, simple home quickly and without any fuss.

Who Should Choose a Custom Home Builder?

Custom home builders are a good choice if you want a new home that embodies your taste and needs. They let you choose unique designs and features that fit your lifestyle. If you care about luxury and have specific needs, these home builders can work well with you. You get more say in the home building process and the materials that go into your new home.

Why Choose Infinity Built to Build Your New Home?

With Infinity Built, the whole home-building process is smooth and enjoyable. Right from the first design talk, our expert team puts your family's needs first. We have over a decade of experience and will guide you every step of the way.

You get honest updates and outstanding customer service during every discussion. This level of care shows in the exceptional quality and custom designs tailored to you. Whether you're looking for a single or double-storey home, you get a memorable experience.

Final Thoughts

Starting your home-building journey requires some thought. Before you choose either a custom home or a volume builder, you first need to establish your family’s needs. Each option has its pros and cons, and ultimately affects the long-term value and overall experience.

Working with a trusted builder that puts focus on outstanding customer service will make things a lot easier. It gives you peace of mind as you move through the building journey. In the end, what matters most is that your ideas get turned into a brand-new home you and your family can enjoy for many years.