Let's be frank: Custom home builders don't always have a
great reputation with the general public. That's
why so many people view the idea of having their own
home custom built with trepidation, if not outright
fear. However, despite these popular perceptions, many
builders are quite reputable. In fact, most are
honest and forthright in their business practices.
The choice of a builder may be the most important
decision in the custom home-building process.
Choosing a builder early in the process - ideally before
you've settled on a site or design for your home - can
set the stage for a successful home-building experience.
CHOOSE EARLY - CHOOSE WISELY.
Why might you prefer to choose a builder early on?
Builders say the process is so complex that most owners
need professional guidance from the beginning to avoid
mistakes in site selection, home design and written
specifications.
Builders say your budget probably shouldn't be among the
top criteria in selecting a builder. No builder
can quote an accurate price for a custom or semi-custom
home until he or she knows the type, style, finishes and
features of the home, the site conditions and the type
of contract you want to use for construction.
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Rather than focusing on cost, you may well want to base
your decision on the builder's competence, reputation,
professionalism, warranty coverage and experience. Here
are seven criteria to consider:
1Reputation
Look for an established builder with an extensive client
list.
2Area of operations
Choose a builder who is familiar with the area where you
want your home to be built. Local knowledge is important
because residential construction is very regional in
nature. An out-of-the-area builder might not be prepared
to handle variations in local building codes,
subcontracting practices, inclement weather patterns or
other factors.
3Type of home
Select a builder who has extensive experience
constructing homes in your price range and general
design style.
4Compatibility
Building a home is a highly personal and emotional
experience. That's why you'll want choose a builder with
whom you'll feel comfortable.
5Warranty
The builder should be willing and able to offer you a
comprehensive written warranty on your new home.
6Financial stability
Some builders run their businesses better than other
builders do. Make sure the building company you select
is financially viable.
7Financial strength
Success in the home-building business is earned by
building a quality product at a fair price. A builder
who is financially successful likely will still be in
business during the warranty period for your new home.
Further, successful builders are in the best position to
contract for the services of top subcontractors and
suppliers-the people who will actually build your home.
Beyond these factors, the most important consideration
is the quality of the builder's homes. Cost is not a
direct measure of quality. Rather, good quality is the
merging of good design with appropriate products and
materials that are installed with superior workmanship.
The most expensive window might not look or perform any
better than a substantially less expensive window. But
improper installation of that window will diminish its
quality, regardless of its cost. Generally, costly
finishes and fixtures won't offset shoddy application or
installation.
Some home buyers locate a builder through a real estate
agent. Certainly, no group of people has better
knowledge of the local real estate market than the real
estate agents who work in that market on a daily basis.
Whether an individual real estate agent is well-versed
in home construction is another matter. Some agents are
very savvy about builders and home construction while
others aren't at all knowledgeable about local builders
or the new home design and building process.
Many real estate agents shy away from marketing and
selling brand-new homes while others prosper in this
specialty. If you decide to ask a real estate agent to
help you select a builder, be sure to consult an agent
who understands the realities of new home construction.
Reputation