While there is a common misconception that spec homes are often small, cookie-cutter homes, this isn't necessarily the case. Spec homes can be beautifully designed with unique elements found throughout. So what exactly is a spec home? Spec homes are designed and built by the builder without the input of the homebuyer.

Purchasing a spec home can be an excellent option for prospective homebuyers who don't have the time or energy to spend building a custom home. However, buying a spec home may mean that you are limited in your options for customization. There are many ways to customize your spec home to make it feel like your own custom build. Check out a few of our favorite ideas below.

Add an Entryway Truss

You can never go wrong with enhancing the curb appeal of your home. While most of us spend the majority of our time inside when we're at home (especially in those cold Montana winters), upgrading your home's exterior a bit can make a world of difference in terms of the beauty and value of your home.

Adding an entryway truss is an excellent way to make your home feel unique. Covered entryways are a great choice for those looking to create a cozy, intimate feeling when entering the home. Doing so with timber trusses adds a timeless feel and allows you endless customization options.

With timber trusses, you can pick the truss design, stain color and texture of the timbers, and type of joinery. Classic timber frame joinery like mortise and tenon will create a sense of true craftsmanship, while hardware can add more of an industrial feel. Whatever look you choose, a beautiful entryway truss is sure to instantly boost the curb appeal of your spec home.

Create Outdoor Living Spaces

If you aren't ready to make changes directly to your spec home, consider enhancing your outdoor living area instead. Your backyard is an extension of your home and can easily be customized to something extraordinary. Outdoor kitchens and bars or pergolas that provide extra entertaining space are wonderful ways to customize your spec home. Outstanding outdoor living spaces are in high demand right now, and we're sure you won't regret creating a beautiful space to unwind and take in some fresh air.

Include Accent Walls

While updating the paint colors throughout your home is one of the quickest ways to make it feel like your own, re-painting doesn't necessarily give you a true custom feel. On the other hand, accent walls add different textures, lines, and patterns, creating interesting contrasts that tend to make a room pop. Shiplap or Tongue and Groove are excellent options for accent walls as wood typically has a lot of natural character, and they are both fairly easy to install. Consider choosing something with an interesting texture, such as Marks Lumber's circle sawn shiplap to add that one-of-a-kind feeling.

Install Wood Flooring

If you're looking for a larger project that will instantly enhance the look and feel of your entire home, consider installing wood flooring. As a tried and true favorite, the natural beauty of wood flooring adds character and warmth to any style of home.

If you're looking to go one step further, use your wood flooring as the star of the show by choosing something with a unique flair. Marks Lumber's circle sawn wood flooring is the perfect choice for a flooring upgrade that will give you that custom home feeling in any spec home.

Creating your dream home isn't just for those designing and building from scratch. You can make your spec home into something that feels custom and is unique to your personal style. Contact Marks Lumber today and speak to one of our qualified salespeople about how our circle sawn timbers, flooring, and siding can help make your home stand out.