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Which builder is the right one for you?
Some custom home builders don't always have a good reputation with the general public. That's why many people view the idea of having their own home custom built with distress, if not outright fear. However, despite these perceptions, many builders are quite reputable. In fact, most are honest, considerate and forthright in their business practices.
The choice of a builder may be the most important decision in your home-building process. Choosing a builder early in the process- ideally before you've settled on a site or design for your home–can be the first step in a successful home-building experience.
It might be wise to choose a builder early on. Builders say the process is so complex that most people need professional guidance from the beginning to avoid mistakes in site selection, home design and specifications.
Many industry professionals suggest that your budget probably shouldn't be among the top criteria in selecting a builder. A builder can't quote an accurate price for a custom home until he or she knows the size, type, style, finishes and features of the home, the site conditions and the type of contract you want to use for construction.
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 some points to consider:
bullet   Reputation
Look for an established reputable builder with an extensive client list.
bullet   Area of operations
Select a local builder who is familiar with the area where you want your home to be built. Local knowledge is important because 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, terrain or other factors.
bullet   Type of home
Choose a builder who has extensive experience constructing homes in your price range and general design style.
bullet   Compatibility
Building a home is a very personal and emotional experience. That's why you'll want to select a builder with whom you'll feel comfortable.
bullet   Warranty
The builder should be willing and able to offer you a good comprehensive written warranty on your new home.
bullet   Financial stability
Some home builders run their businesses better than other builders do. Make sure the building company you choose is financially viable.
bullet   Financial strength
Success in the home-building business is typically 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 home. Furthermore, a successful builder is in the best position to contract for the services of top subcontractors and suppliers–the people who will actually construct your home.
Beyond these factors, the most important consideration in selecting a builder is the quality of the builder's homes. Cost is not a direct measure of quality. Rather, quality is the merging of good design with appropriate products and materials that are installed with excellent workmanship. The most expensive door might not look or perform any better than a substantially less expensive door. But improper installation of that door will diminish its quality, regardless of its cost. Generally, costly fixtures and expensive finishes won't offset poor application or installation.
Some home buyers locate builders 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 community on a daily basis. Whether a particular 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 building process. Some real estate agents shy away from 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 aspects of new home construction.