How to Find a Builder Right for You
Tim King, President
North Construction Building Industry Association (NCBIA) www.ncbia.com
If you’re in the market for a new home, taking the time to find the builder that will best fit your needs is essential. Whether you are buying a condo, a townhouse, or a single-family home, you want to feel confident that you are purchasing a high-quality home from a reputable builder. Here are some tips to help you choose the right builder for you.
Make a List Potential Builders
Once you’ve narrowed down the type of home you want to purchase, start by making a list of professionals to research. A basic online search will yield hundreds of businesses. Consider narrowing your search by contacting your local home builders’ association. The NCBIA can provide you with a list of builders in your area. Another option is to review the real estate section in your local newspaper, which often has information on local builders, the types of homes they construct and their price ranges.
Make Sure Your Builder is Reputable
When you have a list of potential builders, it’s time to start learning more about them. Maintaining a reputable business is a significant component of being a professional home builder. A top-notch professional integrates best practices, writes clear contracts, has insurance, provides warranties, and more. Also, professional builders will explain the construction process and building schedule to the buyer.
Inquire About the Construction Process
A qualified builder will provide a written estimate and a detailed contract before beginning the work. The contract should spell out what work will and will not be performed and provide a payment schedule. You are not protected when something goes wrong if you don’t have a contract. Don’t hire anyone who tells you a contract “won’t be necessary.”
Ask For References
Any high-quality builder should be ready to provide you with the names and phone numbers of satisfied customers. If they cannot, consider that a red flag and walk away. When reaching out to those former clients, ask about all the pieces of the project. How well did the builder follow through on the initial plans? Did the builder meet their expectations with the main features, build, budget, and timing? Remember the most telling question: Would they hire that builder again if they could do it all over?
To meet local home building professionals and learn more about the home building process, contact the NCBIA. We are your local not-for-profit trade association representing member companies involved in all aspects of home building, remodeling, and other aspects of services available to help you in the future as well as more information on the above topic. So, you can see it is for your protection that you use a NCBIA member. If you are unsure that your contractor is a member of the NCBIA or you are looking for a list of NCBIA members, you can visit our website at www.ncbia.com or call 440-934-1090. We also have a job posting board (under the Industry tab).
Our 24/7 Virtual Parade of Homes!!! Allows you to look at some of our builders’ new homes and communities on your mobile device or computer at your leisure. You can also see our remodelers as well. We know time is our greatest asset and via our NCBIA Virtual Parade of Homes, we save you time looking for a new home or a community that fits your lifestyle.
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