This document compares two homes built by different builders, Builder A and Builder B. Builder A's home has many custom exterior and interior details like arched entryways, covered porches, outdoor kitchens, spas, pools, high-end appliances, and custom cabinetry. Builder B's home has minimal landscaping, lighting, and custom features with more generic finishes. While Builder A's home currently lists at a higher price point, Builder B's all-in build price of $1.5M for a 4,832 sqft home works out to a comparable $315 per square foot.

1. A Comparison of Two Homes
Builder A Builder B
Corbels with a stucco detail
running behind them establish
the style of the home.
Generously sized
lights for those
evening dinner
parties.
Wood cladding on the garage doors
(often required by the subdivision).
A one-of-a-kind Entry makes a statement as guest
enter (helps resale value as well).
Wrought
iron details
on the
windows.
A general lack of detail. Where is the exterior
lighting? Is this landscaping adequate for the
HOA? Nice tile roof.

2. A Comparison of Two Homes
Builder A Builder B
Arched
entry with
covered
front
porch (and
arched
double
doors).
This is
what
greets
guests.
Irrigated and
beautifully-landscaped
Fountain inside private courtyard
Minimal landscaping, no irrigation, undersized exterior lighting, no
covered areas. At a minimum, gutters will be needed due to rainfall
directly on windows since the overhangs don’t extend far enough to
cover the windows.
Wrought
iron details
Additional
exterior
lights

3. A Comparison of Two Homes
Wolf/Subzero commercial grade
appliances throughout.
Refrigerator has custom cabinet
panels to match kitchen.
Custom light fixture
that adds character
to the space.
Wood beams on a
vaulted ceiling.“Builder
Grade”
lighting.
Undersized cabinet-faced
vent hood
Two Whirlpool brand full size units that have
been wrapped in cabinetry to look like a
commercial grade appliance.
Pre-fabricated,
manufactured cabinetry.
All custom
cabinetry
with
uppers
that are lit
and
glassed.
No ceiling
treatment.
Flat ceilings
with no
beams.
Oversized vent hood
placed on a reclaimed
beam with a pot filler
for convenience.
Faux finish on
cabinetry makes it
appear antique.
Speakers
for whole
house
audio
Builder A Builder B

4. A Comparison of Two Homes
Spa with spillover to pool.
Covered porches
with tongue &
groove paneling on
the ceiling.
Outdoor
speakers
No covered outdoor
living, other than this
trellis area that is not
accessible from a
covered area of the
home.
Outdoor kitchen
contains grill, sink,
undercounter
refrigerator, lots of
countertop space
and storage.
All outdoor areas are
tiled in natural stone.
Builder A Builder B
Multiple covered
areas even upstairs.
Wrought iron
balconies.
Appropriate
outdoor
lighting adds
charm.
Outdoor kitchen
lacks sink, storage,
and countertop
space.
No pool or spa, minimalist
landscaping. Back yard (sod)
doesn’t appear to be
irrigated.

5. A Comparison of Two Homes
Stucco fireplace under a trellis placed next to the
neighbor’s home. Not very private and unusable in rain or
hot Summer days, but nice place for seating. No lighting.
Builder A Builder B
Covered porch right off main living is very private. Ceiling details contain beams
and wood tongue & groove & ceiling fans. Double-sided fireplace, all stone. Ample
living space includes dining as well. Opposite side contains the Outdoor Kitchen.

6. A Comparison of Two Homes
Builder A
Great Room
Great Room
Builder B
Note: Ceiling
heights add
architectural
interest and provide
different
experiences for the
different spaces.
They help evoke
emotion, which is
what what makes
someone walk in a
home and “fall in
love” with it.Ceiling heights are all 10’ throughout this home. This small pop-
up ceiling is the only ceiling detail in the home. Fireplace unit and
mantle seem undersized for the large stone backdrop.

7. A Comparison of Two Homes
Builder A:
Zillow.com listing for home on Pecan Chase
Original Listing price: $1,925,000
Current asking price: $1,831,000 (after 6
months on the market)
Size: 5,135 sq ft
Lot Value (from Travis County): $200,000
Cost to Build: $317/sq ft (Current Asking price)
Cost to Build: $335/sq ft (Original Asking price)
Builder B:
Newhousebuilder.com
(http://newhousebuilder.com/portfolio/album/
barton-creek-home/)
All-in price (excluding lot only): $1,522,080
Size: 4,832 sq ft
Lot Value: N/A (owned by client)
Cost to Build: $315/sq ft
Sources