If we learn anything from the story of the Three Little Pigs, it’s that your home must be built on a solid foundation. We all know that a house made of straw or sticks is no good, but comparatively, a house made of bricks is sturdy and won’t be easily blown down by a wolf.
However, when you’re in the market for a place to hang your hat, there are many more factors to consider than just the basic materials of the structure. If you’re building a brand-new home from scratch, one of the biggest decisions you’ll make is choosing a home builder.
Out of all the purchases you’ll make in your life, your house has to be at the top of that list in importance. So, how will you know if your home is in good hands or not?
Research and Credentials: The First Steps in Choosing a Builder
The first step in selecting the right home builder is to research various networks of contractors. The vast World Wide Web is a great way to get in touch with different contractors and compare rates and reputations. You want to use a resource that only includes the most experienced and professionally trained contractors in its database. Contracting firms will screen potential builders so that you don’t have to deal with any “bad apples.”
Note: If a contractor doesn’t have membership with NARI, the National Association of the Remodeling Industry, you’re likely dealing with a bad apple. Members of NARI adhere to a special code of ethics and are certified professionals.
Once you’ve verified that the home builder meets the basic credentials, you can dig a little deeper.
What business does the builder work for? What are their contacts and other industry associations? Answering these questions will help you size up the contractor. A builder may look good on paper, but if they’re employed by a company that is not well-established, it’s reasonable to be skeptical—and you should probably move on to the next candidate.
In addition to checking the contractor’s employer, make sure they are licensed with the local and state government (though this isn’t always required). Also, ensure that all reputable home builders are fully insured.
By now, you may have narrowed down your choices and found a few contractors who seem appealing. But your job isn’t over yet. It’s time to double-check your options using a consumer watchdog agency. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is a great resource—it can tell you if a home builder has a history of complaints or penalties, or if they have a squeaky-clean reputation.
The Face-to-Face Interview: Digging Deeper
Still, you’re not quite ready to decide on a contractor just yet! You need to have a one-on-one, face-to-face meeting with the builder. This is your chance to ask tough questions. After all, this person will be constructing the home you may live in for the rest of your life. You need to ensure that the builder is not only qualified but also understands your personal needs as a home buyer.
When selecting a home builder, what questions should you ask? You can ask more detailed questions about what you’ve already researched—for example, inquire about the builder’s place of employment and personal track record. But you also want to ask specific questions about the construction process. How long will it take before the house is ready for move-in? How many crew members will be on hand?
Treat this meeting like a job interview. Just as an employer would ask for references from a potential employee, you should do the same for your home builder! But where should these references come from? They shouldn’t come from the contractor’s best friend, mom, or the head of his or her business. Instead, ask for the contact information of the builder’s former clients, and then ask those clients about any problems they encountered.
When you finally choose a home builder, you should feel 100% confident in your decision. The process of selecting a contractor is certainly long and tedious, but it’s one that cannot be overlooked. Fortunately, it’s a process you won’t regret taking seriously! Consumers read reviews and comparison shop for the most insignificant, inexpensive products, so why shouldn’t they do the same for a contractor who is going to build their home?
