Custom Home Plan vs. Stock House Plan: Which Should You Choose?
When deciding to build a home, there are countless variables and factors to consider. Navigating the process can feel overwhelming, especially for first-time builders. At Moser Kelly Design Group, we approach every project with purpose, ensuring that your home-building experience not only meets but exceeds your expectations. We collaborate closely with our clients to consider all aspects of design, resulting in a highly intentional final product.
One of the most significant decisions in home construction is choosing between a custom home plan and a stock house plan. To help you navigate this choice, we’ve outlined insights into both options—how we approach them at MKDG and the key factors we consider when crafting our designs.
Our Stock House Plans: What You Need to Know
All stock plans are originally designed for a specific location and purpose.
They are intended for traditional neighborhoods, whether new or old.
Most stock plans are designed to engage with the street, meaning primary living spaces—such as the kitchen, living, and dining areas—are located at the front, often with access to a front-facing porch. They may also have semi-private screened porches on the side or towards the rear.
Private outdoor spaces, such as courtyards, side yards and rear yards, are carefully thought out in the design. They can be enclosed by the main house, as well as with detached outbuildings, like garages, carports, or guest houses.
These plans are typically suited for conventional in-town lots that are narrow and deep, rather than wide and shallow.
They accommodate various living patterns and lifestyle preferences, such as different primary bedroom locations (upstairs or downstairs), varying numbers of bedrooms and baths, and either open or more defined living spaces.
All our stock plans feature traditional proportions and architectural details that can be adapted to reflect different styles. For instance, our Selah cottages began as "Lowcountry" designs but were later adapted into Craftsman-style homes.
The purpose of stock plans is to offer a curated, yet flexible, selection of housing types—ranging from outbuildings to large homes—that are readily available for both developers and individual homeowners. Simply put, we don’t always need to reinvent the wheel!
Considerations When Selecting or Designing a Home
When choosing a house plan—whether stock or custom—several factors should be considered:
Programmatic Needs: What rooms, spaces, and living patterns are important, both indoors and outdoors?
Budget and Local Building Climate: What are the construction costs and material availability in your area?
Natural Resources and Geography: How can the design make use of the site’s unique features?
Environmental Mindfulness: Are there trees or other natural elements that should be preserved?
Views: What sightlines and scenic advantages are there?
Lot Orientation: In the Southeast, porches typically face west or south to manage sunlight exposure. Porches can shield interiors from harsh sunlight while providing enjoyable outdoor spaces with fans and shade.
Prevailing Breezes: How can natural airflow enhance comfort and energy efficiency?
Topography: Does the site have slopes or elevation changes that impact the design?
Parking Considerations: Is there a rear alley, side street, or front-entry driveway to accommodate vehicles?
Lots with unique conditions—such as large trees to preserve, rear-facing views, irregular shapes, or steep slopes—often require custom design solutions to fully capitalize on the site’s advantages.
Final Considerations Around Cost
Stock plans can be significantly more cost-effective, provided they don’t require extensive modifications.
If a stock plan needs substantial changes, the design costs can quickly approach those of a custom home.
We can help you determine whether an existing plan is a good starting point or if a custom design would be more cost-effective and better suited to your needs.
Our team is committed to guiding you through every step of the design process—whether you choose a stock plan or a custom home. Our goal is to create spaces that are not only functional and beautiful but also deeply intentional, reflecting both your vision and the unique character of your site.