Month: February 2015

It seems there’s a builder everywhere you look these days. Everyone knows so-and-so that did some project at the house down the road. But how do you know you’re getting a reputable builder? How do you know the individual you are trusting with your money and, let’s face it, the next several years of your family’s living arrangements are actually to be trusted? Take your time to ask these questions before selecting a builder and you’ll be on your way to a pleasant build with a builder you can trust to take care of your needs both now and along the way.

1. Do they ask about your family’s needs? Not every builder is willing to customize and modify floor plans to meet your specific needs. Frequently, you may be expected to fit into a “cookie-cutter” mold of a buyer and not all buyers have the same needs. If you have specific desires, you need to be clear about what you are looking for and see if the builder will be able to cater to your needs.
2. Do they offer references? Depending on the type of project you are looking to start, you may want to ask for references from customers that the builder has done similar work for. If the builder cannot provide references, you will want to reconsider this builder.
3. Do they have a good reputation? This can be determined not only by speaking with references as mentioned above, but all ensuring their licensing is in good standing with the NC Licensing Board for General Contractors and potentially even the Better Business Bureau. You can also ask around the area and speak with your realtor regarding the reputation of the builder you are considering.
4. Do they provide details in writing and review them with you? One of the most essential parts of a build for a buyer should be to get all details in writing upfront. You need to know specifically what you are getting and what features are included in your home. They should be clear on the process of the build with you as well. It is best prior to starting any construction that you have a face-to-face meeting with the builder and ensure you are on the same page with everything. Even in writing, things can get lost in translation. There is no substitute for a face-to-face meeting when starting your new home.
5. Do they listen to your concerns? It is essential that your builder take the time to listen to questions and concerns you may have. If your builder is too busy to communicate with you, be it via email or some other way, regarding your concerns initially, you can be sure they will be too busy to communicate with you along the way. That is not the type of build you want. Be sure your builder listens to you.

So there you have it! Five simple ways to be sure you have chosen a builder you can trust and to ensure a pleasant build for you. Will there be hiccups? Of course! That’s the nature of building. However, with a builder that demonstrates these qualities, the hiccups along the way will be much less severe.