How to find a custom home builder without losing your mind

Building a custom home is the biggest purchase most people will ever make, and choosing the best custom home builder is essential to the success of the project. The role of a custom home builder is both to advocate for the homeowner and to collaborate with the design team. Since home construction is a process that takes several months, it is important that you, the buyer, feel that there is trust and clear communication from the builder. If you have a location and have established your budget for the project, you are ready to shop for builders; Read the tips below on how to find a custom home builder without losing your mind.

Consider your resources

If you have already hired a designer, they are the best asset at your disposal for the beginning of your search. Your design professional will likely have first-hand experience working with builders and will be familiar with their construction qualities, communication styles, and business reputation. You can also check with your lender or real estate agent if they are familiar with the custom home market in your area. You can contact the National Association of Home Builders for a list of qualified local builders. Internet searches can identify builders in your area, and some sites may be equipped with ratings and reviews from past customers. And you can certainly ask friends and acquaintances who have completed custom home projects for referrals.

Shop the candidates

Finding a well-qualified home builder is easy when you know what to look for to fit your project. The right builder for you should have the time available, an interest in your project, and experience working with homeowners. You want a custom home builder who focuses primarily on building custom homes rather than spec homes, so their services are tailored to your needs. When considering builders, ask about their current projects and their track record with projects of similar scale and detail to yours. They should also be able to provide you with customer references. You want to get the feeling that the builder you are considering has done this sort of thing before.

work the schedule

When you talk to potential builders, ask them what kind of schedule they would consider for your project. Know that building a custom home usually takes a minimum of 6 months and the schedule will depend on the weather. Additionally, steps must be taken before the home can be framed, such as installing plumbing and electrical per city code. A builder promising a completion time of only a few weeks or months should be considered a red flag, no matter how tempting that may seem. In the case of custom home construction, it is better for the project to be completed correctly than quickly.

communication is key

Again, you need to be comfortable with how a builder communicates with you. You should not feel pressured or belittled at any crossing. You are trusting an expert to build your home, and that expert should be able to take the time to explain the process to him in layman’s terms. You must have access to the construction site. You should feel that your questions are welcome and that they are being answered in a timely and respectful manner. If you get the feeling that the builder is more or less forthcoming than you’d like, take note and consider continuing. You do not want to enter into a construction contract with a builder whose communication is annoying.

Remember, you are trying to find a collaborative construction partner to be your advocate. Take your time, be specific about what you want, and ask questions.