When you decide to build a new home, you want to choose the right builder. With so many options available, it may be difficult to determine which builder will meet your needs, build you the dream home you envision while also giving you the quality you want at a price you can afford. These tips can help you determine if a builder is right for you and your family.
Focus on Quality
This is going to be the home where you and your family live, so you want to be sure that the materials used are good quality and that the home will be well constructed. Ask the builder if you can tour homes they have built in the past to see what quality materials they use. You can also ask for references but be sure to actually call and check with past customers to get their opinion of the builder. Builders often place their business signs in a yard where they are working. If you ride by and see a homeowner in the yard of a completed home you know had the builder’s sign in it, stop by and ask in order to get an opinion from someone other than a reference given by the builder. Also, ask about the structural materials used that you cannot see.
Conduct Research
Narrow your search down to several builders in the area before you make a decision. Review the company websites and read customer testimonials. Most builder websites offer floor plans that you can search as well to get an idea of what types of homes they build. Word-of-mouth is a great way to find good builders as your family and friends may be able to recommend a few that they have used in the past. You can talk to people at work, at church or at community events as well. There are builder review sites online that provide you with testimonials from customers who may be less biased than those provided by the builder themselves.
Look for Transparency
Legitimate builders will be as transparent as possible, answering any questions you may have throughout the process. They should be able to provide a timeline and a comprehensive estimate. If there are any cost overruns, they should be able to explain them in detail and provide you with written documentation regarding why a price has increased. Good builders have no issue telling you what materials they plan to use or where they plan to obtain them. They should also provide any warranty documentation on items that come with a specific manufacturer’s warranties.
Negative Reviews Don’t Need to be a Deal Breaker
Even the best companies occasionally make mistakes. Keep in mind that your builder and his staff are human. It is possible you will come across a negative review about the builder you are considering for this reason. In fact, you probably should see a few negative comments, even if they are as simple as delays or a miscommunication that was resolved. What you want to look for is the way the builder handled the problem. If they immediately addressed it, you know that if something does come up, they will deal with it quickly. You should be able to ask your builder about negative comments you read and they should explain what happened without placing blame on others or simply blowing it off as a “person who complains a lot.”
Ask Questions and Communicate
If this is the first time you are building a home, you may feel your questions are silly. The fact is, you are investing a considerable amount of money in your home and a good builder understands that. No question is silly or dumb and they should be willing to answer anything you need to ask. You also want to be sure that you are able to communicate well with the builder. A builder who brushes off your questions or, even worse, your requests, is not communicating well with you. You can develop good communication early in the relationship by making sure the builder understands your wants and needs. You must also gain an understanding of how the builder likes to receive communication early in the relationship.
If you are considering building a new home, contact us at Southdown Homes. You can call us at 610-873-1900 or visit our website to learn more about the Southdown Experience.
