Oct 4, 2018Top five things you should look for in a Custom Home Builder.

So you want to build your dream home but where do you begin? Building a home is a major investment and you’ll want to make sure you have the right people in place to bring your vision to life. It all starts with your builder. They are key to how your home will come together and it’s important that you choose one during the design process. This is so that they can provide valuable construction input and preliminary pricing. To help you get started, here are five things to consider when choosing the right custom home builder that will work just for you.

1. Do Your Research - Consult with a home builder association in the nearest city to where you would like to build and gather a list of reputable custom home builders. Look at their websites and social media channels. Do you like their work? Do they have a good reputation? 
2. Know Your Budget – Make sure to have a budget in mind and to communicate this to the builder during the first meeting so that everyone is on the same page and a proper quote can be provided. It will also help set the direction for the design and construction of the home.
3.  Show and Tell - Talk to past clients and tour finished homes. Make sure to look at the workmanship and details when doing your tour. Also, ask to visit a current construction site, and meet the site lead. See how they work, and make note of how organized and clean the site is.
4.  Process – Find out how the builder approaches each project. This will give you a good idea of how they work, how organized they are, and how well they communicate with their clients, and other suppliers. It is also good to know what the builder’s track record is with timelines and budgets, and how transparent and accessible they are. 
5. Build Better - If it’s important to you to build a home that is greener and more energy efficient, you may want to consider a custom home builder with a strong philosophy and track record in this area. Some of the ways that your builder can help make your home more sustainable is by making it quieter, with better air quality, less energy consumption,  and a lower carbon footprint, to name a few. Your home could also be built in a way that is more in line and complementary to its environment.

At the end of the day, choose well, your builder will be with you for the next 6-12 months, so make sure you like them and have a good working relationship with them.