You are taking the initial steps towards constructing your custom home. You have probably been reflecting on your dream for some time or even spent several nights looking at different websites or magazines to get ideas. It is probable that you have already selected the perfect lot or drafted how your floors will be. When embarking on the journey of building a custom home, there are things you should be careful with. Choosing the correct home builder is certainly the most impactful choice you’ll make along the path to your dream home. Select wisely and you’ll have a smooth walk. You will eliminate the all-too-familiar building horror stories and end up with a home resembling the one you have been dreaming of and creatively satisfying experience. Here is what you should consider when selecting a custom home builder.
When to select a custom home builder? The best time to pick a builder is either prior to beginning the design stage with an architect or soonest after engaging an architect. Involving a custom home builder in the design stage will ascertain that the design of your home and the amount you hope to spend stay aligned in the whole process. A great custom home builder is going to do even more during the architectural design stage. For example, the builder will collaborate closely with your architect, keep plan progress on schedule, provide exclusive design ideas, and lessen impending constructability issues. Also, he/she will propose high-performance home specs, offer cost-saving and value-engineering options, offer helpful construction insights and expertise, and generate initial quotations based on the preliminary design.
Where to start your search? First, you need to know that in many states, any person can call himself/herself a builder as there are no certifications or permits needed by the authorities. Due to this very minimal obstruction to entry, hundreds of people have joined this industry. It is always great to begin your search by conversing with real estate experts, neighbors, relatives, friends, and coworkers. It is likely that a person you are acquainted with has heard about or worked with a custom home builder. Although these talks may not reveal a stellar home builder, you may know the ones to avoid and this is similarly vital. If talks with those you trust don’t reveal superstars, cautiously research on the website. Do not do a general search but a specific one like ‘esteemed custom home builders’. You should list down some would-be builders without including those with unpleasing ratings or reviews.
Interview your top choices. This is the most time-demanding and vital process. Schedule a one-on-one meeting with every builder and request a visit to a finished custom home and a current job site. With the meeting, you’ll have the opportunity to assess the transparency, organization, and effectiveness of a builder’s systems and processes, the strength of his/her staff and appropriate experience, and the builder’s communication style and personality. With the site visit, you’ll evaluate the quality of structure and finishes, job site spotlessness and safety measures, and how hands-on and well-informed the builder is with their projects.