Panorama 360°
facebook
About 8.9 million people have relocated since the beginning of the pandemic. Some have decided to move into bigger houses to give themselves work from home. That’s an increase of 94,000 people year-over-year.
Are you thinking of building a new home? You’ll need to find the right home builder first.
With the best semi-custom home builder at your side, you can build the home of your dreams. Choosing a home builder can make a big difference in the end results, though.
Need help making the choice? Here are the tips you need for finding and picking a home builder you can rely on.
Start your search with these easy tips today!
1. Start Researching
Before choosing a home builder, it helps to research your options in the area. Start by making a list of exactly what you need.
For example, do you have a specific type of home, style, or price range in mind? You can start narrowing your options down based on these criteria.
Do you need a semi-custom home builder or someone who can do entirely customized projects? You might find it’s easier to work with a semi-custom builder. If you’re a first-time buyer and don’t know what you need, you can rely on their previous experience.
Some builders specifically make starter homes for new buyers. Maybe you want to build a multi-million dollar home instead.
Either way, it’s important to choose a builder who suits your goals.
Make a list of the items you absolutely need in your new home as well. You can speak with each builder on your list to ensure they can achieve those goals.
Searching
First, ask your friends and family members if they’ve worked with a semi-custom home builder in the area. They can help point you in the right direction. Take the time to ask about their experience working with that builder.
Otherwise, head online. You can use Google or call your local home builders association. The builders association can provide you with a list of builders you can call.
Explore each builder’s website. Do they meet your needs and expectations? You might need to call them to get more information.
2. Look for Experience
During your research stage, try to learn as much as possible about each builder’s experience.
How long have they worked as a home builder? Have they built a lot of homes in the area?
Choosing someone with inexperience could become obvious once they’re done building your home. Instead, look for someone with years of experience in the industry. An experienced builder who has outlasted competitors has likely earned the respect of their clients.
Choosing a home builder with experience will also give you peace of mind that they’re capable of meeting your expectations.
3. Make Sure They’re Licensed
It’s not enough to find someone with experience. You need to make sure they have all of their paperwork in order, too. In fact, the law requires builders to have specific licenses.
Ask each builder on your list for proof of their license. The license could indicate they have the right skills for your home project. It also means they meet the construction industry’s standards.
If a builder can’t provide proof of their license, keep searching.
Do they have insurance, too? What happens if someone is injured while building your home? You don’t want them to hold you liable.
Instead, make sure the company is responsible for their crew. They should have worker’s compensation paperwork filed as well.
4. Read Up on Reviews
Anyone can claim they’re the best home builder in the area. You don’t have to take their word for it. Instead, ask for references and reviews.
Speaking with a few of their previous clients over the phone will give you a better idea of what it’s like to work with that builder. Did the client have any trouble getting ahold of the builder? You don’t want to end up with a bad communicator.
Do they abandon projects halfway through? Did they meet the client’s expectations?
You can check online for reviews, too. Explore the Better Business Bureau website or the company’s Google My Business listing.
5. Look at Their Past Projects
You can also look for proof of a builder’s capabilities by exploring their portfolio.
Are you impressed by their previous projects? It’s important that their finished products meet their expectations. If not, you might want to look for another builder.
Make sure to take a look at their recent projects and models. After all, people learn through experience.
Ask if you can see any of their recently built homes in person. What you see in high-quality photos might not speak to the home in-person.
This is your chance to find someone who is capable of achieving your goals. If the builder doesn’t match your needs and style, find someone else.
6. Discuss Your Project
Choose three builders from your list and schedule a call or in-person consultation. Let them know about the specifications you want in your home.
Do they feel capable of handling your project? Do they have experience building a house in a similar style?
Speaking with the home builder will help you determine if they’re the right fit for accomplishing your goals.
7. Check The Price
The average down payment for a new home is $59,880.
Before choosing a home builder, make sure they understand your budget. Can they build your home within your budget? Make sure to break down every cost.
Get an itemized list of exactly what you’re paying for before signing a contract.
Your builder should help you find ways to achieve most of your goals without going over budget. Otherwise, you might need to make adjustments.
8. Make Sure They’re Right
Take the time to review your notes. Which of the home builders you met with is the right fit?
Are they able to finish your project within your needed timeframe?
Trust your gut before making your choice.
Building Home Sweet Home: 8 Tips to Help You Find the Right Home Builder
Choosing a home builder doesn’t have to feel stressful. Instead, use these tips to find the best home builder around! With their help, you can start building your dream home in no time.
Eager to get started? So are we!
Contact our semi-custom builders today to get started.
