Vintage Homes

If you are in the market to build a new home, you should choose your builder very carefully.  Whether you are choosing to build in a large planned subdivision or looking for a custom builder to build your dream home on your lot you will need to know a few tips.

 Make a List of Possible Builders:

• Contact a Realtor that is certified in new construction.  A realtor will be crucial in your search and negotiations with a builder.
• You should contact your local, state and national builder association to obtain a list of reputable builders.
• Check with the Better Business Bureau to see if any complaints have been filed on your list of builders.
•  Make a list of builders that build the type of home you want to build as well as the price range you want to pay.

Investigate Builder for Quality of Work and Good Reputation

•  Ask builder where they are currently building and if you can visit and look at their product.
• Drive by during evening or on a Saturday and introduce yourself to home owners.  This is the best feedback you can achieve.  Ask them how happy they are with their home, quality, builder personality, and customer service.
• Be sure you are equipped with notebook.  You will want to keep notes of your first impressions of both builders and home owner’s comments.
• Ask home owners if they would build a home with the builder again if they were in the market to do so.
• Be able to identify a home owner who just likes to complain.  People tend to take the time to tell the negative.  The human race needs to vent.  Let them vent and then always ask if a proper remedy occurred.  If so builder is usually reputable.

You Should Shop for a Combination of Quality and Value

Looking at new homes whenever you can is important in the process.  Going to open houses is a very good way to see the builder’s quality.  Be cautious when viewing a furnished model.  It is easy to get caught up in the beauty of the decorating.  Always look at the same floor plan unfurnished before making your decision. Do not get caught up in the upgrades and finding yourself forgetting to look at the basic construction and quality as well as cabinetry, carpeting, trim work, and paint. Never hesitate to ask questions.  Be leery of builders or their representatives that can’t or won’t give you the details in writing.