---
title: "What Is Spec home? Building Glossary | Halo Homes"
description: "A spec home is a house a builder designs and builds before a buyer is chosen, then sells when it is finished."
url: https://build813.multisites.ai/glossary/spec-home
publisher: Halo Homes
phone: +1-813-956-1972
quote: https://build813.multisites.ai/contact
---

![Close view of a modern exterior with wood slats, dark panels and a glass railing](https://build813.multisites.ai/_astro/exterior-detail.DTHg20IY_Z17LlSt.avif)

# Spec home

A spec home is a house a builder designs and builds before a buyer is chosen, then sells when it is finished.

A spec home, short for speculative home, is built before a buyer signs. The builder picks the plan, finishes and lot. You buy what exists, so you have little say in the design.

The U.S. Census Bureau's industry code lists speculative builders under for-sale builders, who build single-family housing on their own land for sale. A custom home works the other way. You or your design team set the plan first, often through [design-build](https://build813.multisites.ai/glossary/design-build) or [design-bid-build](https://build813.multisites.ai/glossary/design-bid-build). The owner then holds a [fixed-price](https://build813.multisites.ai/glossary/fixed-price-contract) or [cost-plus](https://build813.multisites.ai/glossary/cost-plus-contract) contract. See [the design-build process](https://build813.multisites.ai/design-build-process).

[Halo Homes can helpCustom home construction](https://build813.multisites.ai/services/custom-home-construction)

## Related terms

-   [Design-build](https://build813.multisites.ai/glossary/design-build)
-   [Design-bid-build](https://build813.multisites.ai/glossary/design-bid-build)
-   [Fixed-price contract](https://build813.multisites.ai/glossary/fixed-price-contract)
-   [Tear-down](https://build813.multisites.ai/glossary/tear-down)

## Sources

1.  [U.S. Census Bureau: NAICS 236117, New Housing For-Sale Builders](https://www.census.gov/naics/?input=236117&year=2022&details=236117)

![Front of a two-story white modern home with wide stone steps and palms](https://build813.multisites.ai/_astro/front-entry-stair.uOUDI-Bb_ZQcaix.avif)

## Start your home.

Tell Halo about your lot, your plans and your timing. A call or a short note is enough to begin.

[Start your home](https://build813.multisites.ai/contact)

Or call [(813) 956-1972](tel:+1-813-956-1972)