When you are ready to build a new home, you will want to find the best builder who can be trusted to meet your specifications. Finding the right person for the job can be challenging if you are not familiar with builders in your area. Home Reporter News suggests strategies like the following to locate a builder who can make your dream of a new home come true.
Contact a Local Homebuilders Association
Find a homebuilders association in your area that may have information about local builders they can recommend. If they are unable to offer specific names, they can probably suggest guidelines to help you find a qualified person for the job. The association might also explain the standards and licensure that apply in your county or state along with other tips for hiring a building and signing a contract.
Tour New Homes
Look for recently build new homes that are sponsoring open house events with a tour. Go through several homes with the same style and size that you want to build. Note the quality of construction, and ask the realtor questions about the building crew to see how long it took, if there are noticeable flaws, and whether the company has built other new homes you can visit. Even when new homes are occupied, you might be able to drive past some and ask owners who are outdoors how they like their new home while explaining you might consider hiring the same builder.
Contact Chamber of Commerce
The local chamber of commerce may have a list of members by occupation. If so, they might be willing to let you know of builders they can recommend or who have a good reputation in the community. You could also join the chamber and get to know members who are builders, developers, and tradesmen who will give you an idea of the best building crews in the region. On a related note, the Better Business Bureau may be able to tell you whether a certain builder has had a complaint filed against the company and if or how it has been resolved.
Ask Your Insurance Agency
If you have a homeowner’s insurance policy on a current home, ask your agent for information about the better builders that you might be able to contact. Insurance companies often know about the best and worst builders in the area since they probably insure new construction, and they may be willing to share that information with you. The agent might also suggest a few questions to ask a prospective builder to ensure you find the best person for your project.
Talk to Realtors
You can also contact real estate agents representing new homes that you admire. They may be able to recommend or introduce you to a builder that you can interview about your new home plans. Realtors also work with construction crew, developers, and loan officers who may be able to suggest some builders to contact as well as others to avoid. Ask questions a builder’s reputation for meeting deadlines, staying in budget, and reliability.
Connect on LinkedIn
LinkedIn is a professional networking website where people in various occupations and professions can become a member and connect to other experts of interest. Consider getting a trial membership to meet builders and related construction experts. Initially, you can ask them relevant but general questions online about finding and working with a new home builder along with specific qualities to look for and warning signs to take note of. Getting general advice can be helpful as you learn more about the type of builder who may be the best fit for your construction plans.
Utilize Social Media
If you have an account on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter along with other social networking sites, you can ask around to see if someone knows a builder who might do a good job for the type of home you want to have constructed. Instead of just looking for any kind of builder, you may prefer to find one who specializes in ranch style homes or colonial designs. When you have several connections, there is a good chance that someone will know a builder to recommend.
Browse New Home Ads
Visit online sites like Realtor.com and Zillow for information about new home construction in the area where you want to build. Read the details of the homes to see which ones resemble the type of house you want built. When you find examples of quality construction, get in touch with the builder to discuss your plans.
Building a home gives you an exciting opportunity to get the new house you have always wanted. Take time to find an experienced and talented builder who will do a great job on constructing your dream home. Performing due diligence up front might save you time, money, and frustration later.