Building a custom home is one of the biggest projects you’ll ever take on. Unlike buying an existing property, a high-end custom build is a chance to create a home that reflects your lifestyle, taste, and future plans. But where do you begin? The process can feel overwhelming, especially with so many decisions and moving parts.
To set yourself up for success, here are three key things the team at Nixon recommends knowing before diving in:
Define Your Vision Early
The most successful custom builds begin with clarity. Before you engage an architect or builder, spend time thinking about how you want to live in your home.
Lifestyle needs: Do you entertain often? Need a private office? Want seamless indoor-outdoor flow?
Future-proofing: Will your family grow? Do you want aging-in-place features?
Style preferences: Modern minimalism, timeless character, or something in between?
Having a clear sense of your vision ensures your design team can translate ideas into a cohesive plan. Create mood boards, gather inspiration, and be ready to communicate what “high-end” means to you–because it’s different for everyone.
Get Real About Budget and Priorities
A high-end, custom-built home is a significant financial investment. Establishing a realistic budget early on helps guide design decisions and prevents costly changes later.
High-end builds often involve premium finishes, bespoke features, and architectural detailing, so it’s important to:
Understand the difference between must-haves and nice-to-haves.
Allow room in the budget for contingencies – unexpected costs are normal in custom projects!
Be transparent with your architect and builder about your budget so they can tailor the design suitably.
Think of your budget as a tool: it should drive smarter decisions, not limit your creativity.
Choose the Right Team from the Start
The people you surround yourself with will make or break your build experience. Our clients, Genevieve and James, learned this the hard way before finding their place with Nixon, saying, “Our experience with other builders before Nixon made us feel like we never wanted to build again and to run for the hills! I met Mike initially when we were tendering out the build, and he was genuine and restored my trust in the building process. He made it enjoyable!”
A strong team – architect, builder, and consultants – works collaboratively to bring your vision to life while keeping the process as smooth as possible.
When selecting your builder:
Look for proven experience in high-end, architectural homes.
Ask for examples of previous projects and speak to past clients.
Consider their communication style – do they listen, advise, and keep you informed every step of the way?
Engaging your builder early in the design phase often leads to better outcomes, as they can provide practical insights into buildability, materials, and costs before plans are finalised.
