Most people think that buying property is better than having your dream house built. However, nothing is more fulfilling than living in a home that features your personal preferences and taste. And when you are careful about choosing a new home builder, you can be assured of the success of your home construction project.
Here are six proven tips to help you find a quality builder who will give you a comfortable abode that you can enjoy for many years to come.
1. Determine your needs
There are builders who construct a wide range of properties while others specialize in constructing specific types or styles of houses. The building process, materials, and trade contractors may vary depending on your preferred home style. So if you want a two-storey home, it’s best to find one who specializes in constructing this type of property.
You may need to sacrifice some aspects of your vision for your home because it can be challenging to build a house that meets every single specification you provided. Still, a reputable home builder can guide you and even provide you with some expert tips and insights on what will work best for your needs and preferences, along with what complies with responsible building practices.
2. Look for experience
There is a reason why people say that experience is the best teacher. This, however, does not necessarily mean that you should avoid considering hiring new firms, especially if their staff includes seasoned pros.
The point is to look for the company’s years of experience in the home construction industry and in building the type of home you want. A builder who has completed at least 20 properties that are similar to yours is more likely to know the specific issues that may arise with building your home, and the best ways to resolve them properly.
3. Check for licenses and insurance
Licenses indicate that the builder complies with industry standards. Insurance, on the other hand, will guarantee that they are covered throughout the home construction process. This means that if something wrong should happen while they are building your home, you will not be liable for the costs associated with the accident.
4. Read customer reviews
Reading reviews from the builder’s previous customers will give you an idea of how they accomplished previous projects and how they are likely to deal with your requests. Be mindful though when you come across negative reviews because some may not be true. So it is best to speak personally with the builder’s past clients to get a feel for how the builders work.
Moreover, check how the builder’s response whenever they are given honest reviews. A builder who takes their customer feedback seriously and makes improvements to further satisfy their clients is definitely your best bet.
5. Ask about the service warranty
One advantage of having a custom home constructed is that all of the systems, components, and products used are brand-new. This means that they will be under warranty and will most likely last for years. On top of offering the structural warranty, this should also be transferable to new owners should you sell your home later on.
Moreover, hire a builder who not only delivers fast and courteous service with warranty, but also talks to you about the make and materials used on your new house. This way, you can determine how to properly care and maintain your home so it can remain fresh, clean and structurally sound.
6. Obtain several quotes
It is practical to hire a qualified builder, but you don’t want to pay more than what is required. As such, you must obtain quotes from at least three reputable builders. Read through each estimate and understand everything that is included in it.
When making an analysis, don’t just look into the final cost. Observe the builder’s preparation methods and attention to detail as well. Opt for the lowest bidder only when they are capable of constructing a high-quality home without issues and delays.
When it is time to sign the contract, ask the builder to go through the whole document with you so you can be sure to understand everything it contains before signing it. Any word or phrase you don’t understand must be clarified first to avoid disputes in the future.
Most importantly, check if the contract includes everything you have discussed. Otherwise, ask the builder to modify the contract and sign it only once you have understood everything and it contains all the important details you have agreed upon.
Choosing which builder to hire can be overwhelming. But with careful comparison and observation, you can be assured that the amount of time, effort, and money you have invested will result in a happy home that you will enjoy for many years.
AUTHOR BIO
Ben White is the Sales & Marketing Manager of Danmar Homes. He has had a passion for home construction from an early age as he grew up in construction and followed in the footsteps of his parents. At Danmar, we believe in building great homes of value for families that want to build an asset and their financial future through housing and developments.
