Choosing between custom home builders is obviously an extremely important decision, so you’ll want to be as well informed as possible. These are just some of the questions you’ll to ask before you make your choice.
The Walkthrough
Find out how the final walkthrough of your new residence will be handled. Will it be an employee who works in the construction department or in the customer care department? This is important because you’ll want someone who will have the experience necessary to notice subtle problems that could become major issues once you move in.
Tracking the Progress of Your Project
Talk to the custom home builders on your list to see if they offer a convenient way to track the progress of your house’s construction. This can, of course, be an extremely complex project that involves several deadlines and meetings as well as a lot of paperwork. You want to have a clear line of communication so that you can stay updated throughout the process. Many companies offer secure online portals you can access any time of the day or night to stay informed and to make sure they are meeting deadlines.
Your Point of Contact
This, of course, will be the point person you’ll be speaking with to discuss any issues that may arise. You want to make sure that person has the authority to make any changes that may be needed, and to take care of any problems quickly. If you encounter a sales associate who doesn’t want to provide you with the information you need, or doesn’t seem interested in your concerns, go with one of the other custom home builders on your list.
Find out How They Perform Their Work
Do the companies you’re considering follow best practices when it comes to house construction? For example, do they take the time to make sure they use the highest quality of paint? Do they spray and then back roll to ensure proper paint coverage? This may seem like a small matter, but it can result in a more durable, better-looking paint job. You want to do business with someone who covers each and every detail so that you’ll be confident the final result will be exactly what you want.
These are just a few of the considerations you need to take into account when paring down your list of custom home builders. If you can, look at examples of previous work so that you can get an idea of what you can expect for your project. Talk to the property owner if possible and get his or her firsthand account of the quality of the job and whether that person would hire the company again. If you notice any control or expansion joints in the middle of a living area, because that could eventually result in damage to flooring. This could be an indication that a company cuts corners.
It’s imperative that you ask the right questions of your prospective custom home builders. If you need help, speak with people you trust who have recently had a house built, or talk to realtors in your area who can help steer you in the right direction.
