Many decisions must be made when building a new home. One of the most important is choosing your builder.

Start by asking for references from past and current clients. Quality builders should have no problem providing names and contact information. Then conduct a thorough online search and interview prospective builders.

Experience

If you’re building custom homes, your builder must have the experience to deliver your unique vision. A good builder will also know the nuances of working with a homeowner and how to manage the various ups and downs during construction.

Ask prospective builders about their experience and how many homes they have built. Be sure to check out their online reviews, and ask friends, family and real estate professionals for any recommendations that they have.

You’ll want to choose a builder who can demonstrate great communication, transparency and integrity throughout the process. Look for signs that they communicate regularly with homeowners, and make sure you review all contracts and invoices carefully. This will help ensure that your custom home-building experience is a positive one!

Reputation

Choosing the right custom home builder is probably one of the most impactful decisions you’ll make on your journey to your dream home. A good builder will make the process enjoyable, smooth and creatively fulfilling for you and your family.

Start by asking your friends, neighbors and real estate professionals for recommendations. It would help if you also visited model homes to understand each builder’s work and style better.

Look for online reviews and ratings as well. Pay special attention to customer comments and testimonials. A high star rating is important, but the number of studies is even more important.

You also want to know that the builder has a solid reputation with local subcontractors and suppliers. This is essential for a timely and efficient build. Ask about their estimating process and how they vet subs for their projects. It’s also important to understand how they handle change orders if your plans or specifications need to be adjusted.

Portfolio

Building a custom home is an exciting time, but it can also feel overwhelming and intimidating. It’s important to take your time and research potential builders thoroughly before choosing one.

A good custom builder will help break down the design process into manageable steps and work with you to create a home within your unique budget and timeframe. This includes helping you lock down your architectural style and floor plan and making a list of must-haves, wish-list items, and other details to consider.

Ask for a portfolio of homes built by the builder you’re considering. This will give you a sense of the builder’s quality, style, and artistry. It’s also a great way to see examples of their work and meet their staff. You’ll spend 6-10 months working with the builder, so finding someone you get along with is essential! Plus, your builder should be able to provide references and testimonials from other clients.

Pricing

When choosing a custom home builder, you must consider their pricing. A custom home is one of the most expensive investments, so finding a builder that can accommodate your budget while providing a high-quality home is important.

Ask for referrals from friends and family, and check online reviews and ratings of the builders you’re considering. You can also contact the Better Business Bureau to see if any complaints have been filed against the company.

As you narrow your list of potential custom home builders, consider the experience, reputation, portfolio, and pricing. Ultimately, you want to choose a builder committed to fulfilling your vision for the perfect dream home. The right builder will ensure your home is built to last and reflects your personality and lifestyle. They’ll also provide you with the flexibility to choose options that can help reduce energy costs and protect the environment.

Samantha

Samantha hails from Virginia and is a proud wife to a retired Deputy Sheriff and mother to two amazing little boys named Jack & William. A veteran product reviewer; Samantha has been reviewing products for 8 years and offers high quality product reviews with original photography.