Ask Your Builder

One of the most vital decisions you’ll make as you begin the process of bringing your custom home to life is selecting your builder. Here are few factors to consider as you interview companies to select the one that’s right for you:

HAVE A GAME PLAN

What’s the level of service and company size you’re seeking? Some clients like the efficiency of dealing with a large company that has the resources to offer many services in-house, while others want the personal touch of a smaller firm that pulls experts into each project as needed.

Does the builder/project manager share your vision and enthusiasm?
Does the builder typically handle projects in your square footage and price range?
Is the builder willing to make both you and any professionals you retain active participants in the planning and construction process?
What are their strengths and philosophy and do they match what you are seeking?

REPUTATION & RESOURCES

How long has the company been in business?
What is the experience level of the principle people who will be involved in your project?
Is the company a member of any local and/or national building associations?
Check with the Better Business Bureau for any complaints.
Walk through homes that are under construction and talk with the subcontractors on site.
Are they knowledgeable and skilled?
What can you tell about the quality of the home they’re building?
Are they considerate of the site?

COMMUNICATION

Does the builder have a process in place for communicating with clients? Are you comfortable with frequency of and means of communication – phone calls, faxes, internet progress reports, etc. – that they are describing?
If you are frequently out of town, is the builder willing to work with your schedule?
How are major changes and decisions handled?
How are minor changes and decisions handled?

PRICE

Establish a clear understanding of pricing and all terms
Learn whether the constructions loan will be in your name or the builder’s name. Establish guidelines for payments if it will be in your name.
Remember, the lowest bid isn’t necessarily the best – take all other factors into consideration.
Shopping builders by square foot cost is not practical.

CONTRACTS & SERVICE

What warranty does the builder offer on their work as well as the work of subcontractors?
Do they offer any quality guarantees?
How willing are they to fix problems after the home is completed?


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Home Buyers Ask Your Builder Bottom Line Green Approach Step By Step Design Services Installation Plans Specifications FAQ Home Buyers Contact Form Home > Home Buyers > Ask Your Builder One of the most vital decisions you’ll make as you begin the process of bringing your custom home to life is selecting your builder. Here are few factors to consider as you interview companies to select the one that’s right for you: HAVE A GAME PLAN What’s the level of service and company size you’re seeking? Some clients like the efficiency of dealing with a large company that has the resources to offer many services in-house, while others want the personal touch of a smaller firm that pulls experts into each project as needed. Does the builder/project manager share your vision and enthusiasm? Does the builder typically handle projects in your square footage and price range? Is the builder willing to make both you and any professionals you retain active participants in the planning and construction process? What are their strengths and philosophy and do they match what you are seeking? REPUTATION & RESOURCES How long has the company been in business? What is the experience level of the principle people who will be involved in your project? Is the company a member of any local and/or national building associations? Check with the Better Business Bureau for any complaints. Walk through homes that are under construction and talk with the subcontractors on site. Are they knowledgeable and skilled? What can you tell about the quality of the home they’re building? Are they considerate of the site? COMMUNICATION Does the builder have a process in place for communicating with clients? Are you comfortable with frequency of and means of communication – phone calls, faxes, internet progress reports, etc. – that they are describing? If you are frequently out of town, is the builder willing to work with your schedule? How are major changes and decisions handled? How are minor changes and decisions handled? PRICE Establish a clear understanding of pricing and all terms Learn whether the constructions loan will be in your name or the builder’s name. Establish guidelines for payments if it will be in your name. Remember, the lowest bid isn’t necessarily the best – take all other factors into consideration. Shopping builders by square foot cost is not practical. CONTRACTS & SERVICE What warranty does the builder offer on their work as well as the work of subcontractors? Do they offer any quality guarantees? How willing are they to fix problems after the home is completed?