General Contractors vs. Custom Home Builders

siteROOST Web Design • January 27, 2023

Which Home Building Option in Centre County, Pennsylvania is Best for You

Building a new home is a significant decision. This article can assist you in comparing general contractors and custom home builders, whether you have a clear plan or none at all. If you want a custom home builder in State College, Boalsburg, Lemont, Lock Haven or Centre Hall areas, Triple E Homes is a reputable team of home-building experts who can help. It is crucial to understand the distinction between general contractors and custom home builders to ensure that you are making the best possible decision for your unique home-building project.

What is a General Contractor

A general contractor is a professional who manages and oversees the construction of a building or project. They are responsible for recruiting and hiring a team or subcontracting specialized workers, overseeing the work being done, and ensuring that the project is completed to specifications. They also handle obtaining necessary house-building permits and coordinating the work schedule. A good general contractor is able to manage all aspects of the project and keep the team on schedule.

What is a Custom Home Builder?

A custom home builder is a professional who handles all aspects of building a custom home, from budgeting and planning to design and execution. They work with you from the initial stages of the home-building project to the final touches and will manage every aspect of the house-construction process. This can make the building process easier for homeowners, but it is important to note that this type of service is typically an investment. Additionally, some builders may specialize in certain areas of the building process, so it is important to take this into consideration when comparing different builders. Triple E Homes custom home builders provide a full-service experience from start to finish.

Which is Best for Me?

Choosing between a general contractor, a custom home builder and self-managing the construction of your home can be a difficult decision. It's important to consider the roles, price points, and goals of each option before making a decision.


Acting as your own contractor may seem like a cost-effective home-building solution. Still, it’s important to keep in mind that it can be challenging without the experience and connections that a professional contractor possesses. Additionally, some general contractors may specialize in small renovations or specific projects rather than whole home builds. Hiring a professional contractor or custom home builder can help coordinate all aspects of the build and ensure that permits and other legal requirements are met.


Custom home builders typically have specialized expertise in designing and building unique, custom homes. They have experience working with architects, engineers, and designers to create a home that meets the specific needs and desires of the homeowner. They also offer a more personalized service than general contractors. They work closely with the homeowner to understand their vision and preferences and tailor the building process to meet those needs.

Another big benefit of investing in custom home builders is their quality assurance. Custom home builders typically have a reputation for delivering high-quality work. They are focused on the specific details of the build that make a house a home. These details come in every shape and size for every part of the home build. At Triple E Homes, we handle the entire process from design to construction, which simplifies and increases the efficiency of the building process for homeowners. We also often guarantee the final product and will follow up with the homeowner to ensure that everything is in perfect condition.


It is key to remember that while some more inexpensive home-building options might seem initially appealing, you often get what you pay for. When you decide to act as your own contractor, you must ensure that all permits are up to date, in order, and on time. If you hire a contractor or custom home builder, they will take care of this for you. Ultimately, the best option is the one that best meets your specific needs, goals, and budget.


At
Triple E Homes, we provide exceptional service and expertise for custom home building. Our hands-on approach ensures that we're with you every step of the way, from initial planning and design to the final touches. We pride ourselves on open communication throughout the process to ensure your complete satisfaction. Once the project is complete, we will even follow up with you to ensure everything is in perfect condition. We don't just build a big property, we pay attention to the small details that make a house a home. Reach out to us today to schedule a consultation, and let us help bring your dream home to life.

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A home should be as unique as the family who lives there. At Triple E Homes, we specialize in building custom homes that are unique and one-of-a-kind. 

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