So you’ve decided to to build a home and your faced with selecting a home builder. Choosing the right builder is as important as choosing where to build. If you like most when you decide to build a home you already have a pretty good idea what type of home you want. One of the biggest concerns is knowing your buying a good quality home from a builder who has a proven track record of success . Here are some tips I learned from the National Association of Home Builders or NAHB about people like yourself should do when they decide to have a home built instead of purchasing a pre-owned home.
Once you have complied a list of builders to interview, do your homework! This is not always easy because it may require you to invest a significant amount of time but the effort you put into your project can be well spent and save you thousands of dollars.
Here are some things to consider.
Who should I be asking?
So besides the questions of “How much does it cost?,” and “When can we move in?”. The builder may or may not know the answers to every question so it’s important to know where to go and who is best qualified to provide you with the right answer. Remember the builder builds homes, Realtors market real estate and the local planning department can be a major resource to some important things to consider like what is the 5 year plan for the area? A Interior designer can help you work within a budget to make sure you get the most out of your space. A landscape architect in designing the best option based on your lifestyle.
Look at new homes whenever you can. Home shows and open houses sponsored by builders are good opportunities to look at homes. Model homes and houses displayed in home shows are often furnished to give you ideas for using the space. You may also ask a builder to see unfurnished homes.
When examining a home, look at the quality of the construction features. Inspect the quality of the cabinetry, carpeting, trimwork and paint. Ask the builder or the builder’s representative a lot of questions. Get as many specifics as possible. If you receive the answers verbally rather than in writing, take notes. Never hesitate to ask a question. What seems like an insignificant question might yield an important answer.
If you ever desire a referral at anytime throughout the process whether your just getting started or in the middle of the process as a professional luxury home photographer, I have had the privilege while photographing some incredible homes, met some extremely talented individuals including Builders, Architect’s, Interior Designers, Attorneys and Realtors and would be happy to share their names with you!