When planning a new home, many homeowners compare hiring an architect with building through a volume or project builder such as Metricon, Clarendon Homes, Plantation Homes, Coral Homes, G.J. Gardner Homes, Simonds Homes, Porter Davis (historically), or McDonald Jones Homes.

Both pathways can deliver a completed home, but the design process, flexibility, cost structure, and long-term outcomes differ significantly.

Understanding those differences helps you choose what aligns with your goals.

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What Is a Volume Builder?

Volume builders, also known as project home builders, operate at scale.

Companies such as Metricon, Clarendon Homes, Plantation Homes, Coral Homes, G.J. Gardner, Simonds, and McDonald Jones typically:

• Offer pre-designed floor plans
• Build across multiple estates
• Provide fixed pricing packages
• Limit structural modifications
• Standardise construction methods

These builders focus on efficiency and repetition to control cost and delivery time.

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What Does an Architect Provide?

An architect-led process differs fundamentally.

Instead of choosing from a catalogue of plans, an architect:

• Designs specifically for your block
• Optimises solar orientation and ventilation
• Responds to slope, views, and privacy
• Develops tailored spatial layouts
• Coordinates consultants
• Produces detailed architectural documentation

The home is created around the site, not selected to fit it.

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Cost Comparison: Architect vs Metricon or Clarendon

One of the most common searches is:

Is it cheaper to build with Metricon or an architect?

Generally:

• Volume builders advertise lower base prices
• Architect-designed homes involve upfront design fees
• Customisation increases cost in both models

However, it is important to compare like-for-like inclusions.

Project builders may include standard finishes and fixed façade options, while architect-designed homes often incorporate bespoke materials, custom joinery, and site-responsive design.

The difference is not just price, it is level of design involvement.

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Design Flexibility

Volume Builders (Metricon, Plantation, Coral, Clarendon, etc.):
• Limited layout adjustments
• Pre-set façade options
• Standard inclusions packages
• Modifications charged as variations

Architect:
• Fully customised layout
• Flexible materials and detailing
• Designed specifically for orientation and lifestyle
• No pre-set catalogue limitations

If your site is narrow, sloping, irregular, or located in a complex planning area, catalogue plans may not optimise the land fully.

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Site Responsiveness

Most volume home plans are designed for flat, standard suburban lots.

Architect-designed homes respond to:

• Slope
• Views
• Privacy
• Sun path
• Neighbour proximity
• Planning constraints

This responsiveness can improve comfort, natural light, and energy efficiency.

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Documentation and Quality Control

Architectural documentation is typically more detailed.

This can:

• Improve pricing accuracy
• Reduce construction variations
• Protect design intent
• Provide greater transparency

Volume builders rely on systemised documentation suited to repetition and speed.

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Timeline Differences

Volume Builder:
• Faster plan selection
• Streamlined approvals in estates
• Standard construction timeframe

Architect:
• Longer design development phase
• Custom approval pathway
• Greater detailing prior to construction

The trade-off is flexibility versus speed.

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Resale and Long-Term Value

Architect-designed homes often:

• Stand out in competitive markets
• Offer stronger architectural identity
• Age more gracefully
• Provide better internal spatial quality

Volume homes may appeal to buyers seeking predictability and familiar layouts.

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When a Volume Builder Makes Sense

A volume builder such as Metricon, Clarendon, Plantation, Coral, G.J. Gardner, Simonds, or McDonald Jones may suit you if:

• You are building on a flat, standard block
• Budget certainty is your highest priority
• You prefer choosing from existing designs
• You want a streamlined selection process

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When Choosing an Architect Makes Sense

An architect-led approach may suit you if:

• You want a fully custom home
• Your block is sloping or irregular
• Orientation and sustainability matter
• You value design individuality
• You want full creative control

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Final Thoughts

The choice between an architect and a volume builder is not about which is “better.”

It is about alignment.

Volume builders such as Metricon, Clarendon Homes, Plantation Homes, Coral Homes, G.J. Gardner, Simonds, and McDonald Jones deliver structured, catalogue-based solutions.

Architect-led projects offer tailored, site-specific design with greater flexibility.

Understanding these differences allows you to choose the pathway that fits your budget, block, and long-term vision.

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