MacDonald Highlands has earned a reputation as having some of the most beautiful and innovative architectural design in Las Vegas. Many people think all homes in MacDonald Highlands are fully custom, however, there are also many semi-custom homes located throughout the community. Understanding the differences will assist buyers in determining which property provides the best long-term value, especially considering price per square foot.
Below is a comparison of semi-custom and fully custom homes in MacDonald Highlands.
1. Fully Custom Homes – Each Detail Was Hand Selected By The Buyer.
Fully custom homes in MacDonald Highlands are created from the ground up. The homeowner, an architect and a builder collaborate to develop every aspect of the project. This can include:
Floor plan and layout
Style of the architectural design
Selection of materials and finishes (stone, tile, hardwood, etc.)
Placement of windows and doors
Engineering of structural elements (beams, columns, etc.)
Design of outdoor living spaces (patios, pool, landscaping, etc.)
Design of the pool and the surrounding landscape
All custom homes in MacDonald Highlands are developed by the top designers in the industry such as Blue Heron, Merlin, Sun West, etc.
2. Semi Custom Homes – Modified Floor Plans Using An Existing Base Plan
Semi custom homes allow homeowners to have some degree of flexibility when building their dream home. However, this flexibility comes at a lower degree of customization than fully custom homes. Builders provide a base floor plan or architectural design as a starting point, and then give the homebuyer the ability to make certain modifications to fit their needs and preferences. Some examples of common modifications made by semi-custom homebuyers may include:
Structural changes within predetermined limitations
Changing kitchen layouts
Adding upgrade materials or finish packages
Altering outdoor spaces
Reconfiguring optional rooms
Although semi custom homes are still considered to be luxury homes, they do not have the same level of customization as fully custom homes. However, the overall aesthetic of semi custom homes is modern and upscale.
3. Fully Custom Homes Offer Breathtaking Strip Views, Unparalleled Design Options & Flexibility
Due to the unique elevation of the land in MacDonald Highlands, fully custom homes are able to take full advantage of the panoramic Strip views and dramatic elevations. Architects will design each view corridor specifically for each individual lot, providing the maximum opportunity to capture stunning views of the Strip, mountains, sunsets, and natural light. Some of the most popular features of fully custom homes in MacDonald Highlands include:
Retractable glass walls
Infinity edge pools
Cantilevered decks and floating staircases
Multi-level homes carved into the side of the hills
Because of these features, fully custom homes typically receive the largest premium in resale dollars.
4. Semi Custom Homes Offer Excellent Value For Money Compared To Fully Custom Homes
Semi custom homes are typically priced lower than fully custom homes for several reasons:
Less time spent on architectural development
Less time spent developing structural plans
Less material ordering and waste
Faster construction times
For those seeking to enjoy a luxurious, modern home without the expense of a completely architecturally-driven masterpiece, semi custom homes offer great value.
Christopher Homes, along with a few other top builders, creates the finest semi custom modern residences in the area.
5. Fully Custom Homes Are Reflections Of The Homeowner’s Personal Taste And Lifestyle.
Each fully custom home is a reflection of the owner's personality and lifestyle. Owners can choose amenities that reflect their interests, hobbies, and lifestyles. Examples of the types of amenities that owners of fully custom homes might desire include:
Home gyms
Wellness rooms and cold plunge areas
Wine galleries
Movie theatres
Guest suites with multiple bedrooms and bathrooms
Executive offices
Private courtyards
Some of these customized features are part of the reason why fully custom homes appreciate in value and sell at higher prices.
6. Semi Custom Homes Will Appeal To Buyers Looking For Less Complexity.
Not every luxury buyer wants to spend two years designing a home. Semi custom homes will appeal to:
Relocating families
Executives needing quick access to a new residence
Buyers who want modern design but don't need the complexity
Investors who seek stability in the long run
Because of their ease of use, semi custom homes will generally sell faster than fully custom homes.
7. Aesthetics
Fully custom homes tend to exhibit:
Bolder architectural design
More glass
Lighting design
More advanced engineering techniques
Larger artistic elements
Semi custom homes tend to be:
More functional and streamlined
More consistently laid out
More functional for everyday life
Finished in a variety of modern color schemes
In terms of aesthetics, both categories of homes in MacDonald Highlands are of high quality, but they look very different.
8. Long-Term Appreciation
Custom homes:
Will generate the highest premium
Will appreciate faster
Will attract more out-of-state buyers
Will set records for selling price in the community
Semi custom homes:
Will maintain steady long-term value
Will attract a larger number of potential buyers
Will sell quickly in the $2 to $4 million price range
Will represent excellent value for the money
Although both categories of homes have proven to be successful, the top-tier custom estates in the community clearly lead in terms of long-term appreciation.
9. Inside Information
As John Gafford, Henderson luxury real estate expert, I accompany my clients through both the semi custom and fully custom homes in MacDonald Highlands.
My role is to help my clients decide:
Whether semi custom or fully custom will meet their lifestyle needs
Which lots will be ideal for a custom build
How semi custom compares to fully custom in resale
Where the value lies in the community
Ultimately, it is not a matter of whether a homebuyer prefers semi custom homes or fully custom homes.
It is simply a matter of how you wish to live your life.
Conclusion
MacDonald Highlands offers a wide range of luxury homes, both semi custom and fully custom.
When buyers understand the benefits of both types of homes, they are better equipped to select the ideal home based on their own vision, budget and long-term investment strategy.
Do you want guidance on choosing the correct type of home or would you like to see the strongest options currently available?
Call now at 702-577-1143
