What is a 'spec' home?

A 'spec' home, derived from 'speculative,' is a home that is designed and built by a builder without a specific buyer in mind. Instead, the builder speculates that they will be able to sell the home to a buyer after the home is completed. It's a manifestation of anticipation, crafted with the hope that the finished home will meet the desires and expectations of future homeowners.

At The Byers Project (TBP), our mission transcends building mere structures; we craft spec homes that are not just move-in ready but are designed, ensuring every corner resonates with the promise of comfort, quality, and timeless style. Currently, our endeavors are concentrated in and around Charlottesville, VA, shaping communities that champion our values of durability, practicality, livability, and sustainability.

Our vision doesn’t stop here; we aspire to eventually bring the TBP hallmark of quality and care to every state across the US, crafting homes that stand testament to our commitment and fostering communities that bloom with life, love, and endless possibilities.

Do you build custom homes?

At The Byers Project (TBP), our focus is firmly on crafting spec homes rather than custom builds. Our resources are dedicated to purchasing land and building homes that align with our mission of providing long-lasting, strong, and sustainable living spaces. We work efficiently and uphold stringent standards to ensure every home we create is not only of the highest quality but is also offered at the most optimal price to future homeowners.

Our commitment to affordability involves a thorough evaluation of various factors, including manufacturing costs, shipping options, bulk ordering, and market adjustments, among others. This meticulous approach ensures that we continue to create homes that embody our core values of durability, practicality, livability, and sustainability, without compromising on affordability and accessibility for our buyers.

What is the difference between a spec home and custom home? 

Spec Home

Ownership: The home builder owns the land and the home during construction.

Design Decisions: The builder makes all design and construction decisions with the intent to appeal to a broad market.

Purchase Process: Buyers typically purchase the home when it is move-in ready or near completion.

Advantages: Often a quicker and potentially more affordable route to homeownership, without the decisions and potential stress of the building process.

Custom Home

Ownership: The future homeowner usually owns the land during construction.

Design Decisions: The homeowner is heavily involved in all decisions, from design to finish selections, ensuring the final build is tailored to their specific desires and needs.

Build Process: The build process is often longer, as the home is built to the owner's specifications, and may involve more complex or unique construction elements.

Advantages: A fully personalized home designed around the individual needs and tastes of the owner.

Both home types come with their own set of advantages and potential challenges. Whether choosing a spec home for its convenience and accessibility or opting for a custom home for its personalized touch, each path offers a unique journey to homeownership.

Do you use steel framing?

Sometimes, yes. At The Byers Project, we prioritize the longevity and durability of our homes, ensuring they stand the test of time. While steel is inherently susceptible to rust under certain conditions, our construction process mitigates this concern:

• Enclosed and Covered: Our steel structures are enclosed and covered, significantly reducing exposure to rust-inducing elements.

• Corrosion Protections: We utilize steel that is treated with high-performance corrosion protections. Methods like galvanizing, which applies a protective zinc coating, and the use of specially-coated weathering steel are implemented to resist corrosion effectively.

• Additional Protective Coatings: Beyond corrosion, our steel is often treated with additional protective coatings, including fire-resistant applications, to enhance safety and durability.

Through these careful selections and applications, rust and other potential detriments to the steel’s integrity are notably minimized, safeguarding your home’s strength and stability throughout its lifespan.

What are the HOA requirements for your homes?

While some homes may be constructed differently behind the scenes, once completed, they bear the beautiful and traditional appearance of any other home. The process involves creating blueprints, having steel fabricated by a manufacturer (if that is the case), shipping it to the property, erecting the frame, and finally enclosing it with a visually appealing exterior.

At The Byers Project (TBP), adherence to all relevant rules and regulations is paramount:

• Regulation Compliance: We ensure our homes meet all local, state, and federal rules and regulations.

• HOA Standards: When building within a Homeowners Association (HOA), we ensure our homes comply with all applicable standards and aesthetic requirements. However, not all TBP homes are built within HOAs.

• Permits and Approvals: Every TBP home, irrespective of the building material, goes through a rigorous process involving permits, inspections, and approvals from qualified engineers before it can be sold.

Your peace of mind is our priority, and we ensure that each home we build, steel-framed or otherwise, complies with all necessary guidelines and maintains the highest quality and aesthetic standards.

Why don't homes come with landscaping?

At The Byers Project, every ounce of our effort and resource is devoted to crafting a house that you can confidently call home. While our homes don’t come pre-landscaped, this decision is twofold:

• Cost Efficiency: By not including landscaping, we manage to keep costs down, offering you a quality-built home at the best possible price.

• Personal Touch: We believe that landscaping is a deeply personal aspect of making a space your own. It presents a fantastic opportunity for you to inject your own style and preferences into your new property from day one.

Whether you opt for a simple, budget-friendly approach to landscaping or decide on a more extravagant layout, you'll have the freedom to shape your outdoor space in a way that truly reflects your desires and lifestyle. It's your canvas to paint, providing an exciting project to embark upon as you settle into your new home! 

Water-Saving Landscapes to Fit Your Lifestyle.

What else is included with the home purchase?

Welcome to a home where transparency and inclusiveness are part of the package! With every purchase of a TBP home, we include a comprehensive digital PDF featuring:

• Complete Construction Drawings: Gain insights with access to detailed documents that outline your home from the foundation to the roof, including elevation, exterior, interior, electrical, and plumbing plans.

• In-depth Construction Notes: Immerse yourself in the journey of your home’s creation, with notes that take you through each stage of the construction process from start to finish.

This comprehensive document, while non-modifiable, offers a thorough look at your new home’s structure and systems, providing a valuable reference for the future. We believe in equipping you with detailed knowledge about your new space, ensuring that you’re well-acquainted with every nook and cranny of your new abode.