You should find a builder who is local and active in building homes in your area. Speak to real estate agents, friends and relatives who may have recommendations for you. Ask if they have had a good experience with a local builder or if they know of acquaintances who have.
Also, check local advertising, builders’ websites, as well as the yellow pages. These advertisements will help in determining the type of homes a particular general contractor builds and the approximate pricing that you may expect to pay. But this also accomplishes something else. Advertising costs money. It is an investment. You want a builder that has a reputation at stake and that has invested in his business. (Remember, an ad in the yellow pages is a somewhat long term investment. A builder pays for these for the entire year. This can help you weed out many of the less experienced or less serious builders.)
Check Them Out:
Sometimes people feel that it will be insulting if they ask a builder for references. Or they don’t feel references are necessary because they “have a good feeling” about this or that builder. Big mistake! A builder will only be insulted if he has something to hide. You want a builder that is quite proud of his references… and you want to actually check those references. “Good feelings” can very quickly sour. You may also want to check with the Better Business Bureau. See if they have any comments about this builder. Also, take note of whether or not this builder is a member of the BBB.
Ask your builder about homes that he has recently built in the area. Take a look at them. You may even be able to chat briefly with the owners. Ask if they are happy with their home. Would they recommend the builder? Would they use him again? (Of course, you don’t want to be too nosy, expecting a tour of their home or wearing out your welcome. But they will remember being in your situation. Many are quite happy to share their thoughts and recommendations.)
Know What You’re Getting :
There is a pitfall that you want to avoid. You definitely want to try to get the best value for your money but remember, you will be living in this home for a long time. You want a home that will still look good long after you’ve moved in and will still have value years from now if you try to sell it. Be careful not to sacrifice quality for quantity.
Some (especially first time home buyers) are too easily swayed by “price per square foot.” A lower price per square foot may be a good deal or it may be due to the builder using inferior products. Make sure you know what his price includes. Does the price include high, vaulted, or tray ceilings? Is there any crown moulding? What is the quality of the cabinets, the countertops, the flooring, the windows, etc.? No builder is going to say “I build with cheap, inferior products,” so you will have to ask for some specifics. These are also things you want to look for when you see other homes by this builder.
Yes, finding the right builder entails some homework and some footwork. But building a new home is a big project and taking these steps can help that project go much smoother and give you results that you will treasure for years to come.
