With so many builders of various types around how can you evaluate them and find the one that is right for you? Before you start you need to know what to look for in a builder and what makes one builder better than the rest. Using a skilled builder who uses quality products will make the difference between a dream home and an architectural nightmare. Don’t wait until the house has been built or nearly finished to find you have the wrong builder.
To help you compare apples with apples keep these points in mind.
Does the Builder Have an Established Track Record?
Has the company been in business for a long time and do they put out a good number of houses yearly depending on the state of the economy and the size of your town? If so you can be confident the builder is quality builder. If he or she were putting out shoddy work the business would have went under years ago. Read reviews, check out the company’s reputation.
Is the builder a Member of the NAHB (National Association of Home Builders) or other well recognized Builder Organization?
It’s a good sign if the builder is a member of the NAHB or some other well-known builder organization. These builders have to meet higher standards of workmanship and professionalism than builders who do not an affiliation.
Does the Builder Offer a Home Builders’ Warranty?
Builders who are sure of the quality of their work are not afraid to offer a warranty and they will stand behind their work.
Is the Builder a Custom Home Builder?
Quality builders will usually be willing to work with you to customize your new home as you want it. A quality builder will also offer a good selection of home plans in a wide range of home styles and offer plan customization. Most good builders will offer 'special order materials if necessary. Special order materials may cost you more but this is because the builder has to pay more for these items. Many good builders will be capable of offering custom home plans drawn up just for you, but if a builder doesn’t it doesn’t necessarily mean the company is less than stellar. If you have your heart set on something the builder doesn’t offer in their standard plans, ask if you can have built a home designed for you by an architect and built by the builder. Most good builders are willing to work with you to provide you with the home you deserve.
Is the Builder Willing to Let you See the Work as it’s Being Done?
If the builder is willing to let you do walk-throughs of your home at various stages while it’s being built you have found a good builder. If they let you see what they are doing while the house is being built they have nothing to hide—they are proud of their workmanship and their workers. This is the builder for you.
Take the time to make sure you have the builder that will build the most expensive purchase you will ever make right.
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