How to Find the Right Home Builder
According to the latest census data, an estimated 569,000 houses were built in 2013, a number that has been increasing over the past few years. When you decide to build your home, you want to be sure you find the right builder for your need. Different construction companies excel at different tasks, so you want to find the one that will be able to create your dream home. When researching different home builders, keep the following factors in mind.
What Type of Home Do You Want?
When looking at home builders, the first consideration you should make is the size, location, and price range of the home you want to be built. If you are unsure of what you want, tour different neighborhoods and look at established homes to see what features you like. Your choice of companies will vary depending upon if you want a newly constructed home in a new development compared to a custom built home on a recently acquired lot or piece of land. If you have a particular architectural style in mind, you also want to be sure that the builder has experience in building that type of home.
Are They Experienced and Licensed?
Experience and reliability are two essential features to look for in a potential homebuilder. Therefore, you want to be sure that you review the experience of your prospective builders. They should also have all the requisite licenses and be fully insured. Do not be afraid to ask for references and past clients, as well as to be prepared to discuss their work history and past projects. You should also ask details about whether they have in-house plumbers and electricians or use another company for these jobs. Another way to ensure that they are a reliable and professional company is to check if they are members of professional organizations such as the Home Builder’s Association and to check their accreditation with the BBB.
Tour Previously Built Homes
Before you make any final decisions on a home builder, be sure to physically tour properties that they have worked on in the past. For development properties, you can usually tour a model home to get an idea of the appearance of the finished home. For custom-built projects, ask for referrals from past clients and determine whether you may be able to tour those homes. During the tour, look closely at the craftsmanship to judge the quality of the work. If you do not feel comfortable with your ability to assess construction work, consider bringing along a friend or family member who may be a better judge.
The more research you do before deciding on a home builder to use, the less chance you have of encountering problems during the construction phase. By taking the time to research the company and ask questions, you will feel more at ease with the partnership. You want to be sure to find someone with whom you feel comfortable and trust to bring your dream house into a reality.