7 Tips For Choosing a Home Builder

Are you planning on building a home and need a reliable home builder? Here are seven helpful tips for choosing a home builder.

When building a custom home, there are many things to be considered. The most crucial decision is which home builder to work with. There are many home builders to choose from, and it is vital to find the one who meets all your needs and preferences. 

Many potential homeowners decide not to buy new construction. Many renovate an older home or build a new one. Building a home as a first-time homeowner or a seasoned pro can be difficult, and there are many factors to consider. 

The cost of building a house will vary greatly depending on many factors, including the location, size of the home, current market conditions, and, most importantly, the home builder. While choosing a home builder, you'll want to get the most bang for your buck. 

Building a home is a large project that can be extremely overwhelming, but working with a good home builder will take a huge load off your back. You want someone who is reliable, experienced, hard-working, and priced right. It is a large decision. Fortunately, we have collected the best tips to help you choose a home builder. 

Keep reading to learn the best tips for choosing a home builder. 

1. Research, Research, Research

Doing your own research is vital when starting any process. Not only will it be helpful to work with a professional, but you should also have knowledge of the process to find that professional. 

When building a custom home, each home builder will have their own way of going about things. There are also many different products, design processes, and communication tactics. You want to find the best home builder who can work with your schedule and budget. 

The home builder is building your dream home; most of the important decisions will be up to you. It is important to know what the best home styles are, what products to use, and more. It is best to know what you want before finding a home builder. 

Not only should you be researching the building process, but research the home builders in your area. You may want to make changes to your plan, so an acceptable and flexible builder is essential. This can be as small as changes in cabinets or even bigger things like the size of the home. 

2. Ask For Recommendations

References are extremely important when searching for a builder. You should ask each potential builder for recommendations, then call, email, or meet in person with those references. This will give you a better idea of the quality of their work and if past customers were satisfied with the finished product. 

Another way to find a good builder is by asking friends, family, colleagues, or neighbors for recommendations. If you know someone who recently built their own home, always speak with them about their builder. You can also ask them about common mistakes that can be made throughout the process. This will ensure that your home is built by a reliable and experienced home builder. 

Home builders typically have strong relationships with real estate agents, lenders, contractors, and inspectors. You should definitely get in contact with your real estate agent and ask for referrals or recommendations. If you heard multiple negative comments about specific builders, then it is a good sign to steer clear of them. If you find a builder with a seemingly good reputation, then local realtors should sing their praises. 

3. Inquire About a Builder's Business Practices

You should always inquire about a builder's business practices. Ask for proof of their workers' compensation and liability insurance. These elements will not only protect yo from liability for job site injuries but your property from damage from work performed on the home. 

A good rule of thumb is that the better the business management is, the better the service for homeowners will be. You want builders who perform with integrity because you will be working very closely with them. 

It is a good idea to ask them questions and pay attention to how they answer. You don't want to be working with a builder who blows off your questions or gives nonchalant answers. Here are some important questions to ask your potential home builder before deciding on the best:

• How Long Have You Been Building Custom Homes?
• Do You Have a Portfolio?
• How Customizable Is My Custom Home?
• How Close Do You Work With The Architect and Interior Designer?
• What Is Your Estimating Process?
• Who Will Be Assigned To My Project?
• How Long Will The Project Take?
• What Is The Builder Looking For With A Client Relationship?
• What Services Do You Provide To Overcome Challenges?

4. Ask about Contracts, Pricing, and Payment Schedules

A good and qualified builder will provide you with a written estimate and a detailed contract before starting any of the work. This contract will detail what work needs to be done and how much everything will cost.

If you do not have a contract, you won't be protected if something goes wrong. Don't hire anyone who tells you a contract "isn't necessary." A contract will outline the details of the project, including the specific tasks that need to be completed, how much each party is responsible for paying, and other relevant information. 

Ensure the contract includes a specific timeline. You may have heard horror stories of building projects going past the schedule for several reasons, including weather, labor strikes, payment delays, and more. You should always ask your builder how they would handle these types of situations, especially if you are on a tight schedule for move-in. 

In addition to the timeline, a payment schedule is a critical part of the contract. If the builder is relying on payments from the owner for the construction, the payment schedule must provide a steady stream of money in order for everything to be done in time. 

Pricing may vary depending on the builder, materials, and size of the project. You should not choose a home builder simply on the price. A lower price does not mean a better result, so don't pick a builder because they quoted you less than a different builder. 

5. Ask For The Builder's References and Contact Them

A great way to evaluate a home builder's experience is to ask for references and contact them. This will show how long the builder has been in business. Longevity suggests financial stability, which is necessary for a builder to finish the job. 

A good builder will have several references who can talk you through the pros and cons of working with this builder. You want to know the type of person you're working with. A reliable builder should be knowledgeable about the construction standards, proper materials, processes, and technology, as well as an understanding of the minor details and tools needed to complete the construction. 

Your area may have a local builders' association. These groups keep their members informed about new equipment, tools, technologies, business practices, and more. Looking for a builder who is involved in this association is an indicator of a builder's commitment to professionalism and the residential construction industry. 

Raleigh is home to the Raleigh-Wake County Home Builders Association. This is the second largest home builders' association in the nation. As a member of the HBA, they are also a member of the North Carolina Home Builders Association (NCHBA) and the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). This is a great place to start if you are beginning the search for a home builder. 

6. Check For Licenses and Certification

Before choosing a home builder, you should ensure they have their license and certification to build your dream home. Homeowners occasionally discover, throughout the process, that their builder is not licensed. In order to avoid this possibility, you need to discuss this with potential builders before committing to one. 

According to the North Carolina Builder Institute (NCBI), clients should look for general contractors with an Accredited Builder or Accredited Master Builder designation on their license. 

The NCBI offers several designations for associate members, such as an Accredited Remodeler, an Accredited Residential Superintendent, an Accredited Associate, and an Accredited Master Associate. In order to achieve these levels of expertise, a builder will complete a certain number of mandatory hours for courses through the NCBI. 

7. Identify Your Needs

Our last tip is to identify your main needs. Similar to starting a home search, you should identify your top needs in a home and the things you are okay with not having. In order to find the best builder, you need to know what type of home you want and how much you want to spend.

Most home builders specialize in certain home types, so defining your requirements will help you narrow down your search. No matter the home type you are interested in, you need to ensure the builder knows everything about the process. 

In order to identify your needs, start with a budget, create a list of house must-haves and nice-to-haves, check house-hunting websites, and talk with your realtor. This can be an overwhelming process, and you'll need to make a lot of difficult decisions, so working with the best builder is incredibly important. 

Methodology

We used information and data from several different sources, as well as our own data, to determine everything you need to know about choosing a home builder. Most of the data was sourced from the following sources:

• National Association of Home Builders
• Raleigh-Wake County Home Builders Association
• North Carolina Builders Institute 

FAQ: Choosing a Home Builder

Here are some commonly asked questions about the best tips for choosing a home builder. 

How do you choose between two builders?

When choosing between two builders, one of the best things to do is evaluate their reputations and their contractors. Their level of expertise, experience, and reliability will heavily impact the results of your home.

How do you negotiate with a home builder?

When negotiating with home builders, it may be hard to negotiate prices, but you can negotiate upgrades. Remember to factor in mortgage rates, keep your emotions in check, and be prepared to walk. 

Who is the #1 home builder in the USA?

D.R. Horton is the largest home builder in the US for the past 20 years. With almost 80,000 closings in 2021, bringing in more than $27 billion in revenue, they are extremely well known.

How many builders should I get a quote from?

It is recommended to get at least three quotes; requesting more than three can be counter-productive. 

How do I choose a building structure?

When selecting a structural system, there are many factors to consider, including the site conditions, the architectural design, the functional requirements, the material availability, the construction methods, and the environmental impact.

Choosing a Home Builder - The Bottom Line

Homeownership is the American dream, and building your dream home from the ground up is a great choice if you don't want to go through the home-buying process. While you will be avoiding putting an offer down on a home and bidding wars, building a home is still a strenuous process. 

As you decide where to build your next home, consider the Triangle, which has many homes with amenities and local favorites surrounding your family. Whether you are searching for a single-family home, townhome, short sale, or apartment complex, you are bound to find the best home in Raleigh for you and your family for the best price. 

There are tons of great home builders in the Raleigh area to check out. Make sure you are doing thorough research, asking questions, and talking with multiple builders. You will be working closely with this builder, so finding the perfect person for the job is essential. 

Before you buy your next home in the Triangle, feel free to contact one of our helpful real estate specialists, as they are eager to help you find the perfect home. We know that buying a home can be overwhelming, but a real estate agent can walk you through the entire process.