You follow the signs to find a model home, and decide to check it out. After taking a look around, you like what you see. How do you determine whether this builder is the right one to create your dream home?
Here are some things to consider when you talk to a builder:
Location
Realtors stress location as the most important factor in deciding where you want to live. Besides considering the commute to work, proximity to schools, parks and shopping, is there a lot available in a subdivision which will work with the type of house you’d like to have built? Choosing a lot involves weighing many factors like size, slope, drainage, etc. The right builder will do a site visit with you to assess the suitability of any lot you’re interested in.
Quality
Does the model home have the level of quality and craftsmanship you’d expect to have in your own home? Pay attention to the finish details and talk to the builder about their construction process. Will they give you a tour of a home under construction to show you the importance of the features behind the drywall? Do they use quality mechanicals, lumber, windows, siding, hard surfaces, and fixtures? Is energy efficiency a high priority for them?
Budget
It’s one thing to build a dream home, but sometimes another to build the home you can afford. The best builders will work with you to strike a balance between lot cost, square footage, features, quality of finishes, and budget to give you the best value based on your priorities. Factoring in the hidden costs of the lot up front, such as slope, drainage, driveway length, etc. will give you a more realistic starting point as you navigate this process.
Does the builder allow you to choose any finishes (cabinets, floors, lighting, paint colors, appliances) or do they have set materials and packages?
Partnership
Working with a builder involves establishing a partnership. A good builder takes time to learn what’s important to you, and how your family plans to use your new living space. They’re experienced at overcoming obstacles to create the desired outcome. It’s a smart idea to talk to a few builders to get a sense of how their process, communication, and build quality differs. It’s important to find a good fit with someone you trust.
Design Options
Does the builder have an existing lot for the type of home you’d like to have built? Find out if they have a floor plan in their catalog to suit your needs, or if they’ll customize one to build exactly the home you want.
Finishes
Does the builder allow you to choose any finishes (cabinets, floors, lighting, paint colors, appliances) or do they have set materials and packages? Are certain finishes or color palettes only available with specific floor plans? It’s time to consider how much actual customization you’d like to have in your new home – keeping the budget in mind of course. If you’ve been compiling ideas on your Pinterest boards for a while, or spending time on Houzz, you probably have a wish list. In that case, you’d be better suited to work with a more custom oriented builder than to be limited by the options that many builders offer.
We look forward to visiting with you at our model home to get an understanding of the priorities driving your new home search. It’s well worth taking the time to meet with a few different builders to find the best fit for you. The right builder will create a home that meets your family’s needs and exceeds your expectations.
