If you are considering building or remodeling your home, you want to make sure that you work with the best home building company. If you don't work with a top builder, you could lose a lot of money and time.
Keep reading to undercover seven crucial tips for finding the best home builder, so your dream home can become a reality.
1. Identify Your Needs
Before you even start interviewing home builders, make sure you have a clear idea of what type of home you are looking to build and how much money you can spend. Builders tend to specialize in some type of design, and they may even work within a certain price range.
Whether you are a move-up, first time home buyer, empty-nester, or finally able to build the home of your dreams, you need to find a builder who fits your wants and needs.
When you are comparing builders, you want to see what they can offer you, so it is incredibly important that you are super clear with what you want and expect from them.
Don't forget to mention that you really want an all season sunroom or hardwood floors, as your possible builder can't read your mind and won't be able to show you all the information you need for an accurate estimate.
There are some builders who can build a huge range of homes, but most tend to specialize in a specific type of home, style and or price range. Meaning not many firms build starter homes for first-time buyers.
2. Find The Best Home Building Company For You
Now that you have a clear idea of what kind of home you want to build, here are some factors you should look for that will help you find the best home building company for you.
Experience
Make sure you find out important information like how long the building company has been in business and how many years of experience the builders who would handle your project have. It is always wise to work with an experienced and reputable new home builder in Pennsylvania or in your state if you want the best results on your house.
1. Identify Your Needs
Before you even start interviewing home builders, make sure you have a clear idea of what type of home you are looking to build and how much money you can spend. Builders tend to specialize in some type of design, and they may even work within a certain price range.
Whether you are a move-up, first time home buyer, empty-nester, or finally able to build the home of your dreams, you need to find a builder who fits your wants and needs.
When you are comparing builders, you want to see what they can offer you, so it is incredibly important that you are super clear with what you want and expect from them.
Don't forget to mention that you really want an all season sunroom or hardwood floors, as your possible builder can't read your mind and won't be able to show you all the information you need for an accurate estimate.
There are some builders who can build a huge range of homes, but most tend to specialize in a specific type of home, style and or price range. Meaning not many firms build starter homes for first-time buyers.
2. Find The Best Home Building Company For You
Now that you have a clear idea of what kind of home you want to build, here are some factors you should look for that will help you find the best home building company for you.
Experience
Make sure you find out important information like how long the building company has been in business and how many years of experience the builders who would handle your project have. It is always wise to work with an experienced and reputable new home builder in Pennsylvania or in your state if you want the best results on your house.
You want to choose a seasoned professional to build your home, and you should not be afraid to ask the company what they have done in the past.
“Happy Homeowner” Quotient
You'll also want to find out what the happy homeowner quotient is for this company. Ask for references and find out if these families are happy with their home and if they would get another home built with this company. Find out if they would recommend this company to a family member.
Licensing & Insurance
While not every state has regulations or laws that concern builder licensing, some do. So it is important to find out what your state laws are and that your builder abides by the. You can also ask the building company for verification of the proper insurance to cover his employees, company and you if there is ever an accident or loss.
3. Warranties
Every item you buy has some sort of warranty, so obviously, you want to make sure that your largest investment, your home, comes with some type of long-term written and insured third party warranty. This is much more valuable than simply a promise or handshake from the builder that he or she will perform.
One of the main advantages of getting new construction is that you know your home, it's systems, components, and products are all brand new and under a warranty, so don't skip this. You get peace of mind with a warranty knowing that major repairs under a new roof are unlikely until many years have passed.
This kind of warranty not only protects you, but it also assures you that if there is a problem or if the builder goes out of business, you will get your issue resolved through a repair or settlement.
If your potential builder says he can give you a "one-year builder warranty" make sure you get an RWC written and insured warranty instead.
4. Use Your Powers of Observation & Expert's Opinion
Once you have made sure that you have a list of the top builders who hit all of your criteria, ask to visit their model homes as soon as possible. Seeing these home up close will let you pay close attention to the materials used in the home and the craftmanship of the home.
Keep an eye out that the products are from quality brands, the features are attractive, the builder has paid close attention to detail, and the plans fit your lifestyle. Watch out for anything that looks unfinished or seemingly unprofessional subcontractors and employees.
If you are visiting a job site, look out for the condition of that site including any safety issues.
5. Resale Value
Good builders have good reputations that follow them, just like realtors and homeowners. You want to look for builders whose homes tend to maintain and hold their value.
Check out realtor ads that specifically mention the same of the builder on homes that are five to seven years old. This means the Realtor give this builder a stamp of approval and there's good resale value.
6. Tour Homes This Builder Built For Past Buyers
It's so important that you see both model homes and tour home this builder has built. The homes can be furnished or not, as long as it's open to the public. The home can also be constructed by the builder for a past buyer and you can check it out by an appointment.
Either way, look out for the feel, look, and quality of the home. It is a good indication of what your home might look and feel like if you go with this builder.
7. Take Your Time
This is probably the most important tip when looking for the right builder to build your home. Don't rush this process. This is a huge life decision and investment, make sure you have all the information you need before you put down your deposit.
It is so key that this builder gets you and your needs and is the right fit for you. After all, you will be living in this home for years to come. This is not the time to cut corners when it come to house building.
Find Your House Builder Today
Now that you know how to find the best home building company, start your search today. Be sure to take your time, and soon your dream home will become a reality for years to come.
“Happy Homeowner” Quotient
You'll also want to find out what the happy homeowner quotient is for this company. Ask for references and find out if these families are happy with their home and if they would get another home built with this company. Find out if they would recommend this company to a family member.
Licensing & Insurance
While not every state has regulations or laws that concern builder licensing, some do. So it is important to find out what your state laws are and that your builder abides by the. You can also ask the building company for verification of the proper insurance to cover his employees, company and you if there is ever an accident or loss.
3. Warranties
Every item you buy has some sort of warranty, so obviously, you want to make sure that your largest investment, your home, comes with some type of long-term written and insured third party warranty. This is much more valuable than simply a promise or handshake from the builder that he or she will perform.
One of the main advantages of getting new construction is that you know your home, it's systems, components, and products are all brand new and under a warranty, so don't skip this. You get peace of mind with a warranty knowing that major repairs under a new roof are unlikely until many years have passed.
This kind of warranty not only protects you, but it also assures you that if there is a problem or if the builder goes out of business, you will get your issue resolved through a repair or settlement.
If your potential builder says he can give you a "one-year builder warranty" make sure you get an RWC written and insured warranty instead.
4. Use Your Powers of Observation & Expert's Opinion
Once you have made sure that you have a list of the top builders who hit all of your criteria, ask to visit their model homes as soon as possible. Seeing these home up close will let you pay close attention to the materials used in the home and the craftmanship of the home.
Keep an eye out that the products are from quality brands, the features are attractive, the builder has paid close attention to detail, and the plans fit your lifestyle. Watch out for anything that looks unfinished or seemingly unprofessional subcontractors and employees.
If you are visiting a job site, look out for the condition of that site including any safety issues.
5. Resale Value
Good builders have good reputations that follow them, just like realtors and homeowners. You want to look for builders whose homes tend to maintain and hold their value.
Check out realtor ads that specifically mention the same of the builder on homes that are five to seven years old. This means the Realtor give this builder a stamp of approval and there's good resale value.
6. Tour Homes This Builder Built For Past Buyers
It's so important that you see both model homes and tour home this builder has built. The homes can be furnished or not, as long as it's open to the public. The home can also be constructed by the builder for a past buyer and you can check it out by an appointment.
Either way, look out for the feel, look, and quality of the home. It is a good indication of what your home might look and feel like if you go with this builder.
7. Take Your Time
This is probably the most important tip when looking for the right builder to build your home. Don't rush this process. This is a huge life decision and investment, make sure you have all the information you need before you put down your deposit.
It is so key that this builder gets you and your needs and is the right fit for you. After all, you will be living in this home for years to come. This is not the time to cut corners when it come to house building.
Find Your House Builder Today
Now that you know how to find the best home building company, start your search today. Be sure to take your time, and soon your dream home will become a reality for years to come.
