Choosing the Right Builder

One question anyone getting ready to build that custom dream home has to answer is who will design the home?  While there are “design it yourself” software programs available, beyond using them to develop ideas of your own, the end result will in almost all cases be better if you secure the services of a professional architect or home designer.

Some home builders offer combined services where they will both design and then build your dream home; but there are some distinct advantages to hiring an independent architect or designer.  First and foremost, an independent will not limit your vision to the capabilities of the builder.  A construction firm has an inherent vested interest in keeping home designs within the confines of the kinds of construction with which they are most familiar.  So do yourself a favor and hire an independent professional to design your home.  Extensive research on your own to develop ideas and learn what kinds of new design trends are out there is not only prudent, but many feel it is necessary.  One of the great drawbacks of custom home construction is the new ideas the homeowner generates after construction begins.  This leads to often exorbitant cost overruns and increased construction time.  So before you meet with your designer, have a good idea of what you want.  

Once you have completed plans for your home, where do you go to start looking for the right builder?  Here are five sources to consider:

1. Your Architect
2. Your Real Estate Agent
3. Personal Referrals
4. Professional Homebuilders Associations
5. Local Government Councils.

Your Architect

Architects are well aware of quality home builders in your local area.  In addition, if your home design has some unique features, they are generally in a good position to know which builders could handle the plans they have created.  Regardless of how impressed you are with your architect, get the names of several builders from him or her.  In addition, don’t stop with your architect.  Use other sources to find other potential builders.  The more you interview, the better.  Remember, some architects or home designers may be getting a finders fee if you end up hiring a builder they suggested.

Your Real Estate Agent

If you used a real estate agent to buy the lot on which you will build your home, ask them for referrals of builders they know that do quality work.  Once again, be aware that the referrals you will receive may not be totally objective.  This is just one more source from which you can develop an exhaustive list of potential builders.

Personal Referral

If you have friends, relatives, or business associates who have built their own homes, talk to them about the experience they had with their builder.  You’re more likely to get an objective opinion.  No matter how glowing a recommendation you might get for a particular builder, avoid the temptation to take the easy route and go with that builder instead of interviewing several.

Professional Homebuilders Associations

Professional associations generally have high standards for membership companies so you’re not likely to find an unscrupulous builder from this source.  No association will make recommendations.  They will merely provide you with information about their members and from that you can select the builders you feel comfortable interviewing.

Local Government Councils

Most councils maintain lists of approved builders in a local area but will make no recommendations.  They are a good source as builders with multiple consumer complaints are not likely to be on their list.

For every builder that ends up on your interview list, try to get the locations of some of the homes they have built.  Visit these homes and if you’re the outgoing type, ring the doorbell and see if the homeowner is willing to talk to you about their experience with that builder.  Good luck in choosing the right builder!