Why Herriman Homeowners Ask This Before They Build

If you’re planning to build in Herriman, Utah, you’ve probably seen both options when researching: “custom home builder” and “general contractor.” They can sound interchangeable, and many homeowners assume they do the same job.

They don’t.

A general contractor typically manages construction. A custom home builder usually manages the entire custom home-building experience—from planning and design coordination to construction and final delivery.

Understanding the difference is important because it affects:

• Your budget control
• The design process
• How decisions are made
• Who solves problems
• Your stress level during the build

This guide breaks down exactly what a custom home builder does vs. a general contractor, with a focus on what Herriman homeowners should expect in Utah.

What a General Contractor Does

A general contractor (GC) is responsible for managing the construction phase. That usually includes:

• Scheduling subcontractors
• Ordering materials (sometimes)
• Coordinating inspections
• Managing the construction timeline
• Ensuring work is completed properly

A GC can be excellent—especially when the scope is clear and the homeowner already has plans and selections finalized.

What a Custom Home Builder Does

A custom home builder often functions as a full-service partner who can oversee:

• Pre-construction planning
• Budget forecasting
• Design coordination and constructability input
• Selection guidance (materials, finishes, layout tradeoffs)
• Permitting and inspection coordination
• Full construction management
• Quality control and final delivery

In other words, a custom home builder tends to be more involved before the first shovel hits the ground, helping prevent costly changes later.

The Biggest Difference: Pre-Construction vs. Construction-Only

This is the most important concept for homeowners to understand:

1. General Contractor: usually construction-focused
2. Custom Home Builder: usually pre-construction + construction-focused

In Herriman builds, the “pre-construction” phase matters because Utah projects commonly involve:

• Lot grading considerations (especially on sloped lots)
• Engineering requirements
• Energy efficiency planning
• Basement planning (common in Utah homes)
• Permits and inspections

The more complex the home, the more value a builder brings by getting everything right early.

What a Custom Home Builder Typically Handles (Start to Finish)

Here’s what many Herriman homeowners get from a custom home builder relationship:

1. Feasibility and Lot Review

Before a plan is finalized, a builder can help evaluate:

• Site access
• Utilities
• Drainage and grading
• Soil and excavation considerations
• Basement feasibility
• Potential cost impacts of lot shape or slope

This prevents the common scenario where a homeowner falls in love with a plan that doesn’t fit the lot or budget.

2. Budget Forecasting and Value Engineering

Custom builds rarely stay on budget by accident. Builders help maintain cost control by:

• Offering pricing guidance during design
• Recommending cost-saving alternatives
• Preventing layout decisions that drive cost unnecessarily
• Identifying high-cost design features early (large spans, complex roof lines, oversized basements)

Herriman homeowners benefit from this because home designs here often include:

• Large open kitchens
• Great rooms with high ceilings
• Finished basements
• Oversized garages

Each one impacts structure, mechanicals, and costs.

3. Design Coordination and Constructability Input

Even if you hire an architect, a custom home builder often helps ensure the design is buildable and efficient. That includes:

• Reviewing plans for structural practicality
• Identifying potential construction conflicts
• Coordinating with engineers
• Planning mechanical layouts early

This is one of the biggest “hidden” values: constructability prevents change orders.

4. Permits and Inspection Coordination

While both builders and GCs can help with permits, custom builders often lead this process early and thoroughly:

• Submitting plans for review
• Coordinating corrections and resubmissions
• Scheduling inspections throughout the build
• Ensuring code compliance

In Utah, permitting and inspections can affect schedule significantly, especially for structural, electrical, and plumbing components.

5. Subcontractor Management and Scheduling

Both builders and GCs manage subs. The difference is often:

• Builder has an established long-term team and system
• GC may assemble subs per project

A consistent team can reduce miscommunication and rework.

6. Material Ordering and Long-Lead Item Planning

This is a major timeline factor in custom homes.

Custom builders often plan for:

• Windows and doors
• Cabinets
• Trusses
• Specialty finishes
• Appliances

Ordering these at the right time keeps the project moving. Ordering late creates weeks of delays.

7. Quality Control and Warranty Support

A reputable custom home builder typically provides:

• Regular walkthroughs
• Punch list completion
• Post-move-in support
• Warranty coverage and service coordination

What a General Contractor Typically Handles Well

A general contractor may be a great fit when:

• You already have completed plans
• Your finishes and selections are finalized
• The scope is clearly defined
• You want direct involvement and decision-making

A GC often excels at:

• Managing trades during construction
• Keeping a clean jobsite
• Coordinating inspections
• Delivering a defined scope efficiently

In other words, if everything is already planned and designed, a GC can execute effectively.

Which Is Better for a Custom Home in Herriman?

It depends on how you want the process to feel.

Choose a Custom Home Builder if You Want:

• Guidance from concept through completion
• Budget clarity during design
• Fewer surprises during construction
• A streamlined decision-making process
• A single team responsible for the outcome

Choose a General Contractor if You Want:

• To hire your own architect and manage design decisions
• More control over selections and vendors
• To treat the project like a managed construction job
• A clear, pre-defined scope before construction begins

Common Mistakes Herriman Homeowners Make When Choosing

Mistake 1: Hiring based on price alone

Lower upfront pricing often becomes higher total cost due to change orders.

Mistake 2: Assuming “builder” automatically means “better”

A builder is only better if they have a proven system, experience, and communication structure.

Mistake 3: Starting construction before selections are finalized

This causes delays and rushed decisions, especially with cabinets, flooring, and fixtures.

Mistake 4: Not clarifying who owns the budget

You want to know: Who forecasts costs? Who manages allowances? Who controls change orders?

Questions to Ask Before Hiring (Herriman-Ready Checklist)

Ask either option:

• Who pulls permits and schedules inspections?
• How do you manage allowances and change orders?
• What’s your process for budget forecasting?
• What’s included vs excluded in your bid?
• Who is my day-to-day point of contact?
• How do you handle delays and supply chain issues?

These questions reveal whether you’re hiring a true system—or a guess-and-check approach.

Final Answer: Custom Home Builder vs General Contractor

If you want the cleanest summary:

A general contractor mainly manages construction. A custom home builder often manages the entire custom home experience, including pre-construction planning, design coordination, budgeting, and construction delivery.

For many Herriman homeowners, the right choice depends on how much guidance and structure you want from day one.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is a custom home builder the same as a general contractor?

Not exactly. A GC typically manages construction, while a custom home builder often provides full-service planning and delivery.

Can a general contractor build a custom home?

Yes, especially if plans and selections are finalized. However, the homeowner may need to manage more decisions.

Do custom home builders cost more?

Sometimes the management fee may be higher, but the total project cost can be lower due to fewer change orders and better planning.

Who should pull permits in Herriman?

Typically the builder/GC handles permits, but homeowners should confirm this in writing.

Which option is less stressful?

Most homeowners find a full-service custom home builder reduces overwhelm, especially for complex homes.