Choosing the Right Builder
Learn how Atmos supports buyers in making one of the most consequential decisions of their custom home journey: which builder to hire.
When buyers partner with Atmos to bring the home of their dreams to life, they receive support and in-depth explanations of their options when it comes to choosing a builder. On top of the benefit of choosing from only Atmos-vetted builders for their particular project, buyers can also rely on the insights of their Project Manager (PM) in order to make a thoroughly informed decision.
We spoke with Nick Donahue, CEO at Atmos, and Brandon Kinnaird, Head of Homebuilding at Atmos, about the elements to consider when choosing a builder for your custom build and Atmos’s steps to streamline the process and alleviate stress.
Contracts
One of the trickiest elements to navigate in choosing the best builder for your custom home is the contract itself. While some elements of builder contracts adhere to industry standards, others vary greatly from one project to the next. PMs can help clarify where contracts differ so that you have the full picture before signing on with a builder.
Quality
In order to choose the right builder for your custom home project, you’ll need to evaluate quality alongside price. Without a partner like Atmos, this task can pose a challenge. Fortunately, Atmos helps to vet all builders initially and will also help buyers evaluate builder quality for their particular needs. For example, Atmos may be able to coordinate a conversation with previous clients of that builder.
Atmos PMs are also extremely familiar with the specialities of varying builders. For example, a builder may offer high-quality modern homes, but may not have much experience with classic or farmhouse styles. This background can help you choose the right builder for your specific project.
Escalation Clauses
Due to the uncertainty of supply chain timelines and material costs in the last few years, many builders have built escalation clauses into their contracts. These can come in various different forms.
Many builders utilize a system that allows for a 5% increase or decrease for each line item without any change to the buyer. This means that if the cost of your selected flooring material increases by 3%, the builder will compensate for that extra cost. On the other hand, if that material cost increases by 6%, you’ll see a change to your overall costs. In other cases, builders leverage an entirely different escalation clause. PMs can help you understand the differences and the pros and cons of each structure.
Atmos Vetting
Atmos vets all builders long before they make it to the bidding process, both as an overall partner and as a possible builder for a buyer’s particular job. Atmos takes location, price point, and home style into consideration. In addition, the team at Atmos will vet builders based on communication and buyer satisfaction. By speaking with subcontractors and even previous buyers, the team at Atmos ensures that all partner builders are committed to getting the job done right.
PM Support
With so many moving parts, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed by the prospect of choosing the right builder for your custom home project. Fortunately, when you work with Atmos, you’ll have PM support at every step of the way. PMs will walk through contract details, share quality and price considerations, and point out any curve balls such as escalation clauses. With this information organized and only vetted builders to choose from, this decision becomes much less daunting.
Building your own custom home doesn’t have to feel like a full-time job. With support from an experienced and dedicated team of PMs, partnering with Atmos makes designing and building a custom home a manageable endeavor. Create something that’s all your own, without the stress of doing it on your own. Get started with Atmos today!
