Builders and project managers face numerous obstacles, from managing client expectations and keeping projects on schedule, to coordinating with suppliers and maintaining high-quality standards. This only gets more complicated when new builds have custom options, with communication between sales teams and those on site making sure every house is specified properly. Here, we explore some of the most common challenges in customising new builds and how solutions like Housebuilder Pro can help builders streamline processes, enhance buyer satisfaction, and make every home a dream.
Managing client expectations
One of the most significant challenges in homebuilding is managing client expectations. Homebuyers often come with a clear idea of what they want, but transforming these ideas into a functional and aesthetically pleasing home requires careful planning and realistic communication. Misalignment between what a client envisions and what is feasible can lead to frustration on both sides.
How to overcome it: Structured selections and clear communication
Housebuilder Pro helps bridge this gap by storing all of a client’s choices in a centralised system, making it easy to track every choice and change. This level of organisation ensures that both the builder and the client are always on the same page. With Housebuilder Pro, you can take clients through each room of their home and show them product options, clearly identifying what is included, what can be upgraded, and which features are optional. This transparency allows clients to visualise their selections, understand the costs of any extras, and make informed decisions—minimising misunderstandings and increasing satisfaction. Better still our customer portal enables the buyer to see every choice they’ve made, make decisions from their own home and see how their build is progressing.
Handling customisation requests efficiently
Clients often want to put their personal stamp on their new home, leading to numerous customisation requests. While this is one of the benefits of a custom build, managing and tracking these changes can quickly become overwhelming for project teams. If not managed properly, these changes can result in delays, miscommunication, and errors in execution.
How to overcome it: Digital specification management
Housebuilder Pro simplifies the management of customisations by allowing builders to create detailed specifications for each house type, linking products, product groups, and areas together. This structured approach ensures that each customisation request is accurately documented and linked to the appropriate room or area. Additionally, the system automatically updates these specifications in real-time, making it easy for builders to accommodate bespoke requests and update pricing where needed. Once the client’s selections are complete, Housebuilder Pro generates a comprehensive choices list that can be shared with both the buyer and the site team, ensuring that everyone involved has a clear and up-to-date view of the project.
Coordinating with site teams
Even with detailed specifications, translating a client’s vision into a reality on the construction site can be a daunting task. Site teams need clear, concise, and accessible information to ensure that every customisation and special request is implemented correctly. Miscommunication between the sales office and site team can lead to costly errors and delays.
How to overcome it: Seamless site handover with Housebuilder Pro
Housebuilder Pro allows builders to generate a site view of the client’s choices, presenting all customisations and preferences in a format designed specifically for site teams. This site view form is generated once the buyer has finalised their selections in either the MyHome Customer Portal or the Housebuilder Pro system itself, ensuring that site managers have a complete and accurate specification to work from. With everything clearly laid out, site teams can focus on executing the project to the client’s exact requirements, reducing errors and rework.
Keeping up with product and specification changes
Homebuilding projects can span several months or even years, and during this time, product availability, building regulations, and client preferences may change. Builders need a way to keep their product catalogue and house type specifications up to date to ensure that selections remain relevant and compliant.
How to overcome it: Centralised product and specification management
With Housebuilder Pro, builders can easily maintain and update their house type specifications and product catalogues. The platform enables users to create a master specification for each house type, linking products and options to different rooms or areas within the home. This flexibility allows for easy updates and ensures that every team member and client has access to the latest options, minimising confusion and ensuring compliance with current standards.
Bringing custom homes to life with Housebuilder Pro
Customising new homes is a complex process with unique challenges at every stage, but with the right tools, builders can turn these challenges into opportunities to exceed client expectations. Housebuilder Pro offers a comprehensive solution for managing client choices, budgets, and project specifications, empowering builders to deliver high-quality custom homes on time and within budget.
By streamlining communication, maintaining accurate specifications, and providing transparency in cost and choices, Housebuilder Pro helps builders focus on what matters most—bringing each client’s dream home to life.
