How Do I Select the Right Builder?

By Bill MacLeod

So, you’re thinking about building your next home, and you haven’t quite decided if you are up to the task. There are right ways and wrong ways to go about it, and it can be an enjoyable project or a hair-raising experience. The idea of building can be exciting. You have the ability to create something. It can be lovely and a direct reflection of your personality and creativity. Yet we have all heard the horror stories: long delays, huge cost overages, shoddy work, or needed repairs that go overlooked by the builder. I personally know of two couples who filed for divorce in the middle of their building process. So, how should you go about
building? Here are just a few tips:

Attitude
Not everything is going to go exactly as it is planned. Learn to worry about the important things, and let the rest of it “go with the flow.” Next time you see an ice storm, watch the trees and bushes that bend but don’t snap. Expecting sunshine all the time is simply unreasonable.

Know What You Want
If you and your spouse can’t agree, then forget building. There are too many decisions. Good builders can help you anticipate and make the right decisions. They can even help you with ideas for the overall plans. But, don’t get your heart set on building until both you and your spouse know you can agree on what you want. Your marriage may depend on this. Warranties: All working components in a home (appliances, furnaces, water heaters, and more) have their own manufacturers’ warranties. Contrary to what many people believe, there is no state-required builders warranty for the overall home and construction. Ask for a copy of the builder’s written warranty. If there is no written warranty, then there is no warranty.

Plans and Designs
Try to select a building site before finalizing on a specific design or style. Some lots are ideal for walkouts, styles of some neighboring homes may clash with yours, and lots with views shouldn’t be ignored. I know of an angled home that was designed around a gorgeous tree located in the center of the lot. Some builders draw their own plans, but most pay someone else. You may go through their designer, or find a designer yourself. Up front, find out the total costs and expectations in either case, and don’t be surprised if your builder wants to do the final plans even if you have your own design. Tell him what you are willing to pay for your new home, and to stop you if you are unreasonable. Then also tell the builder you will not pay for the plans if the cost of the house exceeds your limit. If the designer can’t estimate cost, you will spend a lot of time and money for nothing. I have found that most designers tend to follow a select pattern of style; e.g. traditional, tudor, contemporary, and gothic. Good traditional designers are not necessarily good at contemporary styling. Don’t try to make them over. Find a designer that already thinks like you.

The Builder
Here is your single biggest decision. Forget the low bid. Unless you are an expert at this, there are too many ways of cutting corners and hiding costs. Go through as many of your builder’s new homes as you can. Talk to people he has built for. Compare. There are realtors who specialize in new construction. Their knowledge may save you thousands of dollars and eliminate immeasurable headaches. Sure, they get paid for what they do, but don’t be fooled…most reputable builders plan a marketing fee in every home which they pay the realtor, pay their own salesperson, or keep for their own efforts. Again, talk to people the builder has worked for. Ask them about time commitments, repairs, follow-up after construction, and how realistic the builders’ “allowances” are. Call the local Homebuilders Association; if your builder isn’t a member, there may be a reason.

Happy building!