Selecting the Best Builder for Your New Home

Selecting the perfect builder to turn your house plans into a three-dimensional work of art is a difficult undertaking. You will want to discuss at length the areas in which the builder specializes and the types of homes that they have built in the recent past.

We suggest that when you are interviewing builders, you focus on those whose niche seems to be building homes similar in design and budget to the home represented by the home plans you have selected. Because most builders do have areas of specialty, or “niches,” it is important that a good match between buyer and builder be made prior to beginning the construction of your home.

The first step to selecting a builder is narrowing the list of available options. If there is a lot of new home construction in the area where you will live, seek the names of the builders of homes similar to yours. Ask for references from friends and relatives. It might even be a good idea to ask the designer or architect who designed the plans for your home. Create a list of around ten possible builders, and call to schedule a brief interview with the companies.

It is important to check the references of every builder you are considering. Check with the Better Business Bureau or the Chamber of Commerce in your community or state for anything suspicious. Ask to see proof of required certifications, bonding and insurance from the builders.

Ask for references! This may be the most important step in the review process, and if any steps are going to be skipped please do not make it this one. Any builder who is reluctant to provide references should be looked at with suspicion – a reputable builder will most likely happily provide as many references as you request.

Have a prepared list of questions when you first meet with the builder. Show them the home plans and if possible, the building site. Ask them what their concerns would be with the project. Ask them what they foresee as a potential problem, if anything. It is best to share with the builder the expected budget for the project, as the builder may see issues that have been overlooked in budget preparation.

Get a feel for the communication comfort between yourself and the potential builders. Because the builder is someone with whom you will be in almost constant contact during the building of your home, it is important to ensure a good rapport. If you are uncomfortable with the builder for any reason, it may be a sign that this particular builder is not the best match.

Be wary of high pressure sales. If a builder tells you that you need to sign a contract with them immediately in order to lock in a price, you should take some time to think about whether that is a situation you want to find yourself in.

Take time to check the provided references, find out what types of problems occurred in their previous projects and listen to great reviews as well.

Once you have decided on a specific builder for your home, and it is time to contact the construction of your home, it is necessary to ensure that builder is willing to put their promises on paper. If there is any hesitation on the part of the builder to put details in writing, it is important to investigate the reason for their hesitation and to negotiate an acceptable agreement.

Finally, after the details of the construction plan have been arranged it will be necessary to determine a payment structure for your builder. Ask them their preference, but also investigate your options as the home builder. Talk to the provider of your funding, if applicable. Sometimes, the bank will have certain requirements that must be met prior to funds being released.

After all of the details are finalized, it is time to begin construction. We wish you the best of luck in the construction of your new home!

This home building article by:
Michelle McClory with BuildingPlans.com

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