How to Choose Your Custom Home Builder?

Answer 1

It is perfectly fine, and often times suggested, to consult a potential custom homebuilder to determine if your ideas match up with their skills and prices. In fact, interviewing more than one and establishing criteria of likes and dislikes is the best way to make sure you select the best custom home builder for you and your needs. It can be upsetting to jump into a relationship with a homebuilder only to find that his level of quality is less than you would expect or that he has a history of unhappy customers. When you are dealing with a project like your dream home, you want to feel confident in the homebuilder's ability to complete the project and construct a home that has the features you desire with the quality and value you expect. This is one time when surprises are unwelcome.

While it may seem like a daunting task to identify, interview, and select a custom home builder there is good news; by asking a few simple questions of your potential custom home builder, you can quickly get a feel for what the builder is all about. Whether you set up an interview by phone, e-mail or in person, don't be afraid to take some time and come back with follow-up questions. Leave no stone left unturned, so that you and your home project are protected from unprofessional custom home builders. You may find that a face-to-face interview is ideal when it comes to really getting a good idea about the builder and his style of business and home construction. Setting up a relatively rigid set of criteria can also help to take the emotion out of an extremely emotional decision. Selecting a custom home builder should be based upon fact, not feeling. Regardless of the type of interview you conduct, be sure to include the following questions:

What is your process for custom home construction? You will want to understand how the builder does things as well as get a time-frame for the type of home construction you are seeking.

How many years have you been in the home building business? While there may be some excellent newbie home builders, ideally you want to choose a custom homebuilder with some years of experience under his or her belt. Someone with experience knows how to handle challenges that may come up during the building process. Knowing your builder is experienced also helps to give you piece of mind and confidence.

May I speak to a few of your past customers? This is where you really get the true story about a business-through the former clients. Asking to speak with custom homebuilders' clients allows you to cut through the marketing message and shiny exterior and really get to the meat of what the builder is all about-good and bad.

As you learn more about custom homebuilders and the way the process works, you will likely come up with more questions. The more the better! It is important to take charge of your home building project and make sure you feel completely confident in your builder before committing to the relationship. Remember, the custom home builder only has to live with the house until you move in, you have to live in it until you can move out. Be sure to make that stay the best one possible!