"High-end custom builders who work directly with homeowners do spot building, and the moratorium had no major effect on us."

Some custom builders also build on land they own which is known as a spec home - short for speculative.

To a certain extent, the liability issue affects custom builders of airplanes, too.

Tom Lewis, a custom builder in Florida, calls this type of floor plan "a home within a home."

Additionally, he has trained many better known custom builders through his classes he gave 1973-1992.

The new houses are a mix of build-to-suits and speculative ventures by half a dozen custom builders.

Mr. Banner, 47, is a custom builder who works mainly in the same area.

It is always a problem for a custom builder to supply a review model because, obviously, they don't tend to carry stock, as such.

He worked at custom builder Seven cycles and now at 333fabrication based in Seattle.

Building a frame, custom builders say, is a matter of constant compromise.