What Makes a Good Home Builder?
Building a new home is likely one of the biggest investments you will ever make. That’s why you need to shop for a home builder as carefully as you would shop for a new home. With more than 400,000 home builders in the United States, all of whom vary significantly in the services they offer and the quality of their work, it’s important to carefully research and compare your options before making a final decision on who you will ask to build your new home. To make the decision process easier for you, we’ve detailed the most important things to look for in a home builder.
1. They Are Experienced
One of the first questions you want to ask a builder is how long they have been in business. Home building is a complex process that is learned through experience. Look for a builder who has been in business for several years and has a track record of success as proven by a diverse portfolio of homes and a history of satisfied customers.
2. They Are Trustworthy
A trustworthy home builder will have a builder’s license as well as general liability and worker’s compensation insurance. They should be able to show proof of their licensing and insurance upon request. This proves that they adhere to proper procedures and safety standards in their work and are a trustworthy company that an insurance company is willing to insure.
You can also judge the trustworthiness of a builder by the way they handle negotiations and contracts. Before you begin working with a builder, you should receive a contract detailing all the specifics of the work to be completed, the timeline for completion of each stage of the building process, and the finances involved. All negotiations and changes to existing agreements should be put in writing and signed.
3. They Have a Solid Reputation
A builder who is experienced and trustworthy should have a track record to prove it. There are several ways to gain insight into a builder’s reputation including:
- Looking at Better Business Bureau ratings online
- Searching for online reviews
- Talking to homeowners who live in communities built by the same builder
- Contacting the building inspection department of your local municipality
- Doing a public records search
If you are unable to find positive reviews and information that verifies the experience and trustworthiness of a builder, this may be a red flag indicating that you should consider another builder instead.
4. They Use High-Quality Materials and Workmanship
The quality of your new home is dependent upon the quality of the materials used and the work performed. The best builders use only the highest quality materials to ensure durability and sturdiness. They also take care of materials they are using during the building process by storing them correctly to ensure they are not damaged by rain, sunlight, or other weather conditions.
Good builders also ensure high-quality work by using proper installation standards and procedures for all components of a home. They hire tradespeople, such as electricians and plumbers, to perform all specialized work in the construction process, as well as third-party inspectors to verify the quality of their work at each stage of the building process.
You can assess the quality of a builder’s work by asking specific questions about the types of materials the builder uses and the tradespeople and inspectors they will hire to perform work during the construction process. You can also inspect a builder’s model homes for quality by looking at the condition of flooring, cabinetry, tiles, countertops, and fixtures. Talking to homeowners who live in a home built by the same builder may also provide insights.
5. They Offer the Customization and Design Options You Are Looking For
The biggest advantage of building your own home is being able to personalize it according to your preferences. Some builders offer a limited selection of options while others offer much more. Before you decide on a builder, it’s important to consider how many choices you’re comfortable with, what aspects of the home you want customized, and any specific preferences you have. Then talk to the builder directly about your preferences to ensure that their customization and design options meet your needs.
6. Customer Service
The service you receive when you first inquire about a builder is likely to reflect the service you will receive throughout the construction process. You want a company that takes the time to understand your needs, responds to your calls or emails promptly, answers your questions clearly, and is transparent in its communications. Take notice of the way you are treated when you tour a builder’s model home or community, and ask as many questions as possible to ensure you get all the answers you need to make an informed decision.
NewHomesMate Is Here to Help You Choose a Builder for Your New Home
Building a new home is a big investment, and you want a knowledgeable and experienced home builder who you can trust to do the job. Finding and deciding on one involves asking a lot of questions and doing careful research to obtain all the information you need to make a wise choice. At NewHomesMate, we’re committed to making the process of finding a good builder easier. We’ve teamed up with some of the best builders in your local area to provide industry-leading tools for finding and buying a new construction home. Learn more about us and start searching for your new construction home with NewHomesMate today!