Choosing the Right Builder for Your New Home

There are many deciding factors in choosing the right builder for your custom home.  It is essential for you to have a good relationship with the builder, as they are ultimately the person who will bring to life your dream home. Settling on a mediocre, run-of-the-mill builder, can affect you not only during the build, but for years to come.  Here is a list of five tips to consider when choosing the right builder.

Focus on Quality

A custom home is not a temporary place of residence, but rather a place that your family will call home for years to come. Look at the builders’ quality. Ask yourself, is their work aesthetically pleasing, will it be a place that you want the world to see. To have family and friends gather during special events such as holidays, birthdays and get-togethers.

Focusing on quality in all aspects is essential. Talk to the builder ask about the structural materials that they use. Are they strong and sturdy, do they allow you to not worry about repairs and problems in the future? Are the upgrades or additional products considerably better? Make sure that the products your builder chooses are high quality so your home will last a long time.

Do Research

Not every custom home builder is qualified for you. Be certain to find a builder that you connect with. One of the best ways to figure out if the home builder is who you want is by doing your research. The internet can be a powerful source for finding your custom builder. Search for a builder that fits your needs, design, and price range. Browse through builder portfolios make sure they are licensed professionals, search through past floor plans, get an idea of the work they do. However, the internet shouldn’t be the only source for finding your home builder.

Most home builders have a model home where individuals, couples and families can visit and talk with builders and others who work with them. Take time to sit down and have a meeting. Get to know the builder. Ask questions about things that are important to you. Look at attributes that you want for your builder. Do your research.

Be Specific

A custom home isn’t a temporary residence. It is a place that will be home for a long time. Build what you want and what will best fit your needs. In order to accomplish this, you need to be specific in what you are looking for. Start by finding a house plan that you love. Next, make it yours by making necessary adjustments. Whether that is adding more bedrooms or bathrooms, fireplaces, and a back deck or by taking them away and making a grand room for all to enjoy. Get a comprehensive price quote. Make sure you are within the budget that you have set. Continue to be specific. Get exactly that you want. Check the builder, make sure that they are trustworthy, honest and up front with you.

Transparency is Critical

Whenever buying anything from a car to a home you search for someone who can help you find what you want at the best price. It is so important that they are open, upfront and honest with you. The best builders are fully transparent. They are happy to talk, trustworthy and willing to work with you from the beginning. Their biggest concern is that you are completely satisfied. During the first meeting you have with the builder, they will give you a layout of the process, a timeline and a comprehensive estimate with no jargon. Make sure it is easy to understand and they don’t imply any “small print” details.

Questions are Crucial

Everyone has questions, and questions are important. When meeting with the builder make sure that you bring a list of questions to discuss with them. Some great questions include:

• How long will it take to prepare an estimate?
• Do you strive to build energy efficient homes?
• Who will be “in charge” of our project?
• How many times and how often will we meet?
• Do you use sustainable, long-lasting, high quality building materials?
• How long is the building process estimated to be?

Click here to view more questions to ask and prepare for your building meeting.

In the end, choosing the right home builder is vital to having a good experience while building your dream custom home. If you don’t like something, don’t hesitate to speak up. Do your research. Find someone who is transparent, and honest. Ask questions and don’t settle for answers. Be specific in what you are looking for. Make sure the materials that are being used are high quality materials that will last. Most importantly make building a home a good experience.