Locating the Right Builder for Your New Home

When building a new home for your family, the most important part of the process is finding house plans that fit your family's needs. A close second in importance is finding a reliable and experienced home builder to help you throughout the actual home construction process.

When you're beginning to do your research for finding a reputable home builder, always be sure to take your time, and research the builder thoroughly. Remember that this individual and/or company will be responsible for the quality of what can easily be your biggest purchase. Put the same time and consideration into finding your builder that you did while choosing your home design, and you will most likely be greatly rewarded for your efforts.

There are several easy methods to find home builders for your project:

- Consult the National Association of Home Builders website - from this site you can find a local or regional Builder’s Association. Make sure any builder you consider is a member in good standing of a trade association.

- Talk with friends, family, co-workers - anyone you know who has built a home can provide a referral for a builder. Ask if the builder stayed within budget, and if the house was delivered on time. Go and inspect the home for yourself, paying attention to small details such as trim work.

When you have a list of candidates, interview. Have your questions ready, and take notes.

Several common questions are:

- How long have you been in business?

- Who are your sub-contractors and how long have you worked with them? Do they have references?

- What type of insurance coverage do you have?

- What is your policy on home inspections?

- Do you offer a guarantee?

No question is too insignificant. Even a small question can open a discussion of a major subject that did not occur to you before.

Several final tips on selecting a home builder:

- Ask for a list of completed homes from the past 6-12 months, not just a pre-printed list of satisfied customers. If there is a homeowner who is willing to allow you to view their home, take the opportunity to have a chat and inspect the work.

- Request a copy of the standard warranty and review it with your lawyer.

- Discuss your ideas for your new home with the potential builder. Does he understand what you want in your house?

Finally, don't sign anything presented by a contractor unless you have read the document carefully and have decided to hire that contractor. Generally, if you sign a piece of paper, it is a contract, regardless of what the salesperson tells you, and you are then obligated to its terms.

Building a new home plan for your family is one of life's greatest pleasures, and with a little research and due diligence, you will be able to find a builder with whom you can feel comfortable and work with on your new home project.

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