Looking to Build A Custom Home?
So, you want to build your dream home and don’t know where to start? Building a home can be overwhelming and daunting when you first start thinking about it. There are lots of details and things you need to think about but it can be a fun and exciting project if you are prepared with the right tools.
Here are a few tips we suggest when you decide to build your custom home.
Do your homework. First and foremost, when choosing a builder find someone who wants to build a home with you rather than for you. If you have some specific ideas regarding the floor plan don’t make the mistake of having to settle on a builder’s sample floor plans. A great builder will listen to you, ask you how you live in your home, what you like about your current home and what you would change. They will ask you about your family, pets, relatives, etc. Do you like to entertain or cozy reading nooks more your speed?
Ask for references. Your real estate agent can provide you with previous clients of the builder so you can interview them personally. Talk to their subcontractors and see how organized they are and do they stay on schedule? Go to the tile supply houses or appliance stores and ask about the builder. Ask to tour past projects or homes. Ask family and friends for their opinions but ultimately form your own ideas based on all the feedback you get.
Focus on quality. This isn’t a temporary residence for you. The last thing you want to worry about are repairs or problems. Ask to see their warranty program and read it carefully. A good builder will stand behind their product. This is where you plan to spend many years to come making memories with your family and the key to your home is quality workmanship and materials starting from the ground up.
Ask questions. Lots and lots of questions. If the builder is happy to answer questions from the start then you are on your way to a good partnership. If a builder dodges your questions or you don’t feel like they are being transparent then move on. You will be working with this builder and their team for many months so find someone you are comfortable with and you know they are being honest with you from the very beginning.
Make sure your communication styles are similar. You need to connect with your builder and you both need to have a very good understanding of what you want as the final product. If you don’t communicate from the very beginning, things can come off the tracks fast resulting in hard feelings and a home you aren’t happy with. Talking about needs and wants early in the process will avoid headaches later for you. If you like to talk by phone, text or email, don’t be afraid to tell your builder that. If you like answers sooner than later and your builder takes a long time to respond then you know this could be a potential problem.
Building a home isn’t easy. But if you want a home that is custom built for you, a great builder can make the process seamless. There will be problems and hiccups along the way, but if you are working together with your builder every problem is surmountable if all the players are on the same page.
