FINDING THE RIGHT BUILDER
Your first priority when selecting a builder should be the quality of their work. Ask to tour past projects, be sure to check references, and question the builder about the structural materials you can't see.
The key to your home's longevity is a solid foundation throughout, and your custom home builder should be choosing high quality products from the countertops all the way down to the framing. Ask builder candidates what materials they use, so you can be sure that you are getting a quality-built home from the ground up.
Focus on quality first.
A custom home isn't a temporary residence. This is the place where you and your family will live for years to come. The place where your children will laugh, play and run down the halls. The place where you'll entertain family and friends during holidays, birthdays and Saturday afternoons. The last thing you want to worry about are repairs, especially repairs to critical structural systems that may be difficult and costly to fix or upgrade later.
Do your research.
Narrowing your search for a builder can be a bit overwhelming. A good start is searching based on your future home's location. From there, you can browse for builder portfolios and past floor plans. Word-of-mouth is also a great way to learn about local builders.
Remember transparency is critical.
Some of the best builders to work with are fully transparent and happy to answer every question from the start. They will give you a timeline and a comprehensive estimate in a prompt manner.
Never be afraid to ask questions.
This might be the first time you've built a custom home, and no one enjoys appearing uneducated. But, building a custom home is a huge investment of both your money and time. A good builder is not only willing to answer even your most simple questions, but will encourage you to ask them as well.
