It’s stressful enough trying to build a home. Choosing between local home builders can either take away some of the hassles or add to it.
Most buyers know the value of shopping around for the right builder, but don’t always know the right questions to ask.
Not all builders are the same, and it’s up to you to choose the right one for your unique needs.
Here’s what you need to know about choosing a reputable builder for your dream home.
Look in the Right Places
Most quests for services start with an online search, but that shouldn’t be your go-to for home builders.
Rather, you should check your local home builder’s association first to see if you can get recommendations.
Reputable home builders are usually members of these or similar organizations. It’s a layer of credibility you don’t want to overlook.
Once you make your short list, do online searches to read reviews and find out more about their caliber of work.
Collect Quotes
While you want to choose a good builder, you don’t want to select one you can’t afford.
Meet with a few builders to get quotes on your new home. Costs can vary between builders, even those in your local area.
Also, ask what is included in the quote you receive to avoid any surprise costs.
Things that might not be included in the quote are job site cleanup, landscaping after the work is finished, or certain materials or appliances. Get as specific as possible so you can gauge your total cost.
Ask for Referrals
Unless they’re a brand new home builder, they should be able to provide you with referrals of previous clients.
If possible, see if you can visit the homes they’ve built and talk with homeowners. Ask about their experience with the builder.
If you can’t get direct access to clients, check online for reviews or star ratings.
Also, you could ask to see photos of finished homes they’ve built. Find out how long each project took to complete. This can give you some perspective on what to expect with your own home.
Consider the Home Builder’s Experience
Though lack of experience shouldn’t be an automatic disqualifier, it helps to partner with a builder who’s been in business a while.
Experienced builders are more likely to anticipate problems and estimate accurate costs. They can better prevent issues that can throw your project into a tailspin.
New or inexperienced builders may still be able to do the work. However, you could run into more problems and higher costs as a result of their inexperience.
Not All Local Home Builders are Equal
If you want the best home building experience, it’s critical you do a thorough search for the right builder.
Going with the lowest cost builder isn’t always the best solution, especially if they run into complications that could increase your costs as a result.
Consider the total picture when choosing between local home builders so your home dreams don’t turn into nightmares!
Ready for more home building inspiration? Head back to our Consumer Resources blog.