How to Evaluate Which Home Builder is Best for the Job
Building a custom home can be overwhelming for many—especially first-timers, that’s why it’s important to work with the right partner.
When you first decide it’s time to build a custom home, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the amount of choices you face. And if you’ve decided to go it alone, you will be responsible for vetting and selecting the right custom home builder. (Here’s 11 easy steps for building that dream home in case you’re not sure where to start!)
Although the home building process doesn’t end up being quite as perfectly produced as your favorite HGTV show, one of the most important things is selecting a team that shares your dream.
Here’s what to carefully consider when selecting a home builder for your project:
Are They Qualified for the Job?
Although licensing, certification, and the right insurance coverage are massive considerations, you also want to make sure that the builder you’re considering is qualified for a custom home build project. Not all builders will have custom home design experience, so it’s important to take a look at past projects they’ve worked on and ensure they understand what you’re expecting with your project.
Ask the Important Questions
There are a few non-negotiable questions you need to directly ask a builder you’re considering using. Some of these questions include:
What are your qualifications as a custom home builder?
How will you help ensure my build will stay on budget?
Do you have all the necessary insurance policies?
During construction, how often will you communicate with me?
What types of warranties do you offer on your custom homes?
Based on a builders’ answers to each of these questions, you can start to form an opinion about whether you should consider them for your dream house project. Read more about what you need to know when building a custom home.
Reputation is Essential
Nowadays it’s easy to see how past clients have rated their builders post-project, thanks to the great wide web – namely, Google Reviews. Ask friends and family for recommendations if possible but be sure to Google their name and search their website or social media sites for testimonials and reviews.
If you’re still unsure, you may be able to request references from the home builder so you can have any questions answered by someone who was previously in your shoes and can honestly share how their experience with that particular builder went. See how choosing the wrong builder can change everything in your build.
Transparency and Communication is Key
Do you feel confident that this builder will not only stick to your budget closely but will communicate openly and frequently throughout the process? If you’re concerned that they will not keep you updated on the project at every stage and you will need to chase them for regular “check-ins,” it may be worth looking elsewhere. There’s nothing more frustrating than being out of the loop during such an important process.
Building a custom home can be overwhelming for many, especially first-timers. That’s why it’s important to consider working with someone that will intercede throughout the process and help you to find highly reputable contractors for every stage of the build. Atmos Home Concierge is that solution. With an easy-to-use digital platform and an extensive network of expert builders, architects, designers, realtors, and more, it simplifies the home building process, from concept to move-in.
