When you want to build a custom home, you might go to a home show, look on Google, and review recommendations by friends. At the end of this process, there is a high chance that you have a list of three to five options to choose from. How, then, do you make the final choice? Picking the right custom home builder isn’t an easy task. This is the person that will be in charge of creating the home you will live in for decades to come.
When you have that list, take a moment to talk to each custom home builder. You’ve already looked at Google, Facebook, and talked to friends. You know that their reviews are excellent and the photos they have shown exceptional work. However, you don’t know which is right for you. Each custom home builder isn’t right or everyone. Asking them specific questions can help both parties determine where the right fit is.
What are your procedures?
First, make sure that they can tell you precisely what will happen from the day you sign the contract to the day you move in though they might not be able to give you the specifics for what will be built when they should have a process for getting it built and making sure that you are happy. If they don’t, that’s a sign that you don’t want to work with them.
What style of home is your specialty?
Though some home builders don’t have a niche, all will have a style that they lean-to. For example, if you go to a custom home builder that focuses on luxury beach houses and ask for a small cabin, your wasting your money. Making sure that your home is in their ballpark will make sure that you are paying for the right experience.
Who would be in charge of my build?
If you choose to go with them, you might want to know who you will be working with directly. Smaller companies might not have many project managers, but a larger construction company will. In addition, you may want to know how many projects each project manager takes on. Though multiple jobs can be handled by one person, you don’t want your home to be built by someone who is focusing on twenty homes at once.
Do you have preferred vendors?
Some custom home builders have vendors that they always choose for their gutters, walls, or paint. Things like this are essential to think about. If they have a preferred vendor list, you should be sure that you like those companies as well. In many cases, you should trust and accept the judgment of the project manager. In fact, that’s why you should take your time when picking one. However, unlike concrete or wood framing, knowing the preferred vendors for detail objects can help you determine if that home builder and their partners will be right for you.
