Choosing the Right Home Builder   

When it comes to building a home, your homework is going to be the biggest investment you’ll make in the process. Of course, you’ll want to have the right team for the job, pay a fair price, and be completely satisfied with the finished product

What new construction gives you is ample opportunity to build a home to your specifications. However, this can present a serious drain on the wallet if you don’t reign in your ambitions. A good builder will help you to identify what’s truly most important and capture your vision, then turn it into a reality.

To get from concept to construction to home sweet home, you’ll have to find the right builder. To that end, you’ll first have to decide what route best suits you.

Types of New Construction

Essentially, there are three kinds of ways to get into new construction: spec homes, development communities, and residential acreage. Spec homes are ones, which are built by a developer and have some customization options, but basically, you’ll be choosing which the “model” and features you want. In development communities, the homes aren’t built until the lot is sold, you then work with the developer to build a more customized house. Lastly, you can purchase a lot or acreage yourself, then find a builder.

Regardless of the route you choose, you’ll obviously want to find a quality builder who can give you what you want for a price you can afford.

How to Choose a Home Builder

Finding new construction services aren’t difficult, but unfortunately, there are enough out in the local market which have questionable practices. So, start by asking people you know who have their home custom built, or go straight to the National Association of Home Builders website and start there. Once you have a few names, here are some other tips for finding the right builder:

• Check with the local Better Business Bureau. Look up each firm on the BBB’s website.
• Check their licensing. Go to the state’s professional regulation site and search for each firm to see if they are licensed.
• Check local court records. Just because they have a license doesn’t mean they haven’t had trouble in the past. Look for lawsuits current and past.
• Ask to see a portfolio of their previous work, complete with addresses. Look through the portfolio, and then drive by the homes.
• Make sure they are adequately insured. Ask about the types and amounts of insurance each holds.
• Speak with each one about their approach and payment policies.  You’ll likely be asked to start with 30 percent, and pay installments as milestones are reached.