Would it surprise you if I told you an architect thinks you should build a custom designed home?  Probably not.  Sorry, Charles.  :)

In discussion with Charles (ok, virtual discussion, on Facebook) Charles Hendricks, an architect in Harrisonburg, raised the following perspective....

You will pay more per square foot for a custom home. However, if you design a home with only the square footage you need, right sized room, and limited hallways you reduce the premium. If you add energy-efficiency into the equation you further reduce the difference. If you add in maintenance of systems you further reduce the difference. I argue, as you might expect, the best value is custom design.

So, yes, I admit -- I agree with Charles, and here's the basic concept....

House 1 - a 4000 SF home for $550K.  Some rooms that you might not end up using much or using well.  Some rooms that are too large.  Some rooms that are too large.  You paid $137.50 / square foot.

House 2 - a 3400 SF home for $550K.  Every room and space in the home is one that you need and will use well.  No rooms are too small.  No rooms are too large.  You paid $161.76 / square foot.

So, yes, with House #2, you are getting less "value" in the conventional sense of the price that you paid per square foot of home that you purchased.  But many would quickly understand that House #2 might actually have much more value in that it would (nearly?) perfectly fit your life, lifestyle and needs.

An interesting perspective Charles, thanks!