Three tiers, only one is really custom:

• Volume/project builder - fixed catalogue plan, minor amendments allowed, catalogue inclusions. $2,200 - $2,800/sqm.
• Semi-custom - catalogue plan as a starting point, moderate structural changes, upgraded inclusions. $2,800 - $3,500/sqm.
• Full custom - architect or in-house designer draws your plan from scratch, unlimited spec choice, structural freedom. $3,500 - $7,500/sqm.

Most Adelaide "custom" advertising sits in the semi-custom bracket. Ask for a completed floorplan-from-scratch example on their previous 3 builds and you'll immediately see which tier a builder actually operates in.

• Unusual block - sloping, narrow, corner, wide-frontage or a heritage overlay. Catalogue plans rarely fit.
• Specific lifestyle - home office cluster, pool sitework, aging-parent wing, dual-occ, art collection walls.
• Design-led household - if you have Pinterest boards, magazine tears and an interior designer on speed dial, custom will save you future frustration.
• Long-hold home - if you plan to stay 15+ years, the design premium amortises well.

• Standard block, standard family, first or second home.
• Budget under $700k for build alone.
• Timeline under 14 months.
• You do not have strong opinions about the floorplan.

1. Ask for 3 completed custom builds from the last 24 months, in your budget bracket.
2. Visit at least 2 in person. Ask the owners how the process actually went, not the builder.
3. Compare their proposed contract types - fixed price with capped variations is safest for custom. Cost-plus is highest-risk.
4. Ask who does your design - external architect, in-house designer, or "we'll modify one of ours". The answer matters.
5. Confirm named site supervisor. Not "one of our team". A specific person.
6. Check their delay-damages clause and past history of overruns.
7. Insist on independent inspections at frame, lock-up and pre-handover.