There are many qualities to look for in a "good builder.” You will want someone who can create a comprehensive bid on paper, manage a team of artisans and subcontractors, manage a budget, and someone who is committed to communication and customer satisfaction.
Equally important, a builder must have: the ability to listen, to be a partner with you in solving problems along the way, and to be honest and fair. Here are some paths you can follow to help you select the builder that is right for you:
ASK FOR REFERENCES AND CHECK THEM OUT. Thoroughly investigate at least 3-4 references for each builder you consider. The references should be people for whom the builder has completed a construction project.
Just phoning and asking a few questions is not always enough. Visiting the homes of the references, may help tremendously so you can experience their quality. Remember that the homeowner (not the builder) very likely chosen the colors, room size, and cabinets – so limit your opinion of the construction to the actual building and not to the furniture or cabinetry color.
Spend time either in person or on the telephone with the references to discuss the builder's honesty, patience, ability to listen and problem-solving capability. Be sure to do this when the builder is not there, as his/her presence may inhibit the homeowners from giving you the frank and candid answers you need.
Specific questions you should pose to references include:
- Did the project run smoothly? If not, what went wrong?
- Did the job finish on schedule? If not, what held it up?
- Were the cost estimates accurate? If they went over, where and why?
- Was the builder helpful in solving budget or layout problems?
- Did he/she make helpful suggestions or bring up ideas you had not thought of? Were the builder’s explanations clear and logical?
- Was the builder frequently present on the job?
- Have you had any major problems with the house during the time you've been occupying it? If there has been a problem, was the builder efficient in answering your calls and following up with you?
CHECK CREDENTIALS. Ask your prospective builders if they belong to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) or any other national or local building organization. Then you can check with that organization to see if the builder is a member in good standing. Keep in mind that there are many good builders who choose not to affiliate themselves with any industry association. Your decision on which builder to select should not be based on this type of credential alone.
LOOK FOR A BUILDER WHO CONSTRUCTS THE TYPE AND SIZE OF HOUSE YOU WANT BUILT. Builders often have areas of expertise. If you plan to build a cottage from stock plans for $150,000. don't talk to a custom builder who designs high-end $600,000 homes.
SELECT A BUILDER WITH EXPERIENCE. It's hard to stay in the construction business a long time, and it would be difficult for a charlatan to do. There's nothing wrong with new builders in the field, but let somebody else hire the new ones. This may be your once-in-a-lifetime chance to build your own home. Choose someone with proven experience.
ASK THE BUILDER HOW OFTEN HE OR SHE WILL BE ON THE JOB SITE. In addition, verify the answer with their references. You deserve and are paying for the builder's time and attention. Ideally, your builder should be on your job site every day. In some cases, two or three times a week is acceptable. If the builder's daily presence is important to you, one expert suggests selecting a builder with a small company (fewer than 20 employees) who can be on the job all the time because your project will be a major one for them.
I always prefer to believe the best of everybody, it saves so much trouble. ~Rudyard Kipling
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