How to Choose a Home Builder

Aug 10, 2015

It’s time. The economy is recovering and you decide that you are building a new home. You have pinpointed the community that you’d love to live in. With so many choices available, how can you confidently choose a builder? Successfully fulfilling your dream of building a house is built on a foundation of trust. Here are some important questions to ask when you are in the midst of choosing a home builder.

Product Knowledge - How knowledgeable is the builder about new construction, tear-downs and resale value? Does he or she possess a proven track record with projects of similar size and scale? Does the builder have a good handle on the process and timeline of building your home? Is he or she knowledgeable about the latest products and technology on the market today?

Owner Involvement-Is the owner involved in the day-to-day operations of the building process? The builder should remain available and approachable before, during, and after construction.

Active Listener - Is the builder actively listening to your questions and concerns related to planning and construction? Is he or she attentive to how you describe what kind of home you want and the unique needs of your family?

Longevity of the Company –How long has the company built homes in your area? Are they able to stand the volatility of today’s market? How much experience does the builder possess with the potential issues of building a custom home?

Warranty – The builder should guarantee his work by offering a warranty. Is the company going to remain accountable if something goes wrong during the warranty period? Is he or she available as a resource after the warranty period?

Financial Stability – Don’t overlook financial stability, especially with the recent economic turbulence our economy has experienced. How did the builder fare in the recent years of the recession? Have they successfully endured rough economic cycles, or are they only experienced with recent market trends?

Teamwork – It takes a team to build a house. What kind of a team has your builder assembled? A reputable builder possesses a sturdy, well -rounded team that works together to be active problem solvers.

Answered Questions - Does your builder follow-up with your unanswered questions? If he or she doesn’t know the answer right away, does he find out the answers and follow-up with you?

Valuing People – When communicating with the builder, does he or she treat you with respect as a person, not just a potential customer?

Before the builder can build you a house, it’s wise that he or she starts by building your trust. You want someone you can trust to confidently walk you through the process of site selection, interior and exterior selections and all of the details that go with building a home, whether it’s your first home or fifth home. We are here to help you. We want to talk with you about building your new custom home on your newly acquired property, including tear-down, if needed. We want to assist you in the plan design or allow you to work with one of our plans to create a home that meets your family’s needs. We routinely work on site design and obtain the necessary permits to make your project run smoothly. We can help you sell your existing home with our in-house real estate office. Call Overstreet Builders at 630-226-0460 to discuss the possibilities.