Building a New Home or Custom Home (Part 2 of 6)

Building a New Home or Custom Home in Sequim or Port Angeles, the second article in a series on Selecting a Builder by Rick Anderson.

References

Thoroughly investigate at least three to four references for each builder you consider. The references can be local real estate agents or mortgage lenders, but should include people for whom the builder has completed construction of a house.

Simply phoning and asking a few questions is not enough. Arrange to visit the homes of references so you can check for signs of good construction.

Spend time with the references, either in person or on the telephone, to discuss the builder's honesty, patience, ability to listen and problem solving skills. Be sure to do this when the builder is not around; his presence may inhibit the homeowners from giving you the candid answers you need.

Specific questions you should pose to references include:

1. Did the builder clearly define the scope of work to be completed on the home and site?
2. Did the builder provide a project manual listing all the components to be included in the construction of the home?
3. Did the project run smoothly? If not, what went wrong?
4. Did the job finish on schedule? If not, what held it up?
5. Were the cost estimates accurate? If they went over, where and why?
6. Was the builder helpful in solving budget or layout problems?
7. Did he make helpful suggestions or bring up new ideas? Were his explanations clear and logical?
8. Was he frequently present on the job?
9. Have you had any major problems with the house during the time you've been occupying it? If there as been a problem, was the builder efficient in answering your calls and following up with you?
10. Ask the owners if they would buy another house from this builder.

Check Credentials

Ask your prospective builders if they belong to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) or any other national or local organizations. Then you can check with that organization to see if the builder is a member in good standing. Keep in mind that there are many good builders who choose not to affiliate themselves with any industry association. Your decision on which builder to select should not be based on this type of credential alone.

(This article written by Rick Anderson and posted by Marketing Consultant Chuck Marunde.)

The Series:
Read Building a New Home or Custom Home (Part 1 of 6)
Read Building a New Home or Custom Home (Part 2 of 6)
Read Building a New Home or Custom Home (Part 3 of 6)
Read Building a New Home or Custom Home (Part 4 of 6)
Read Building a New Home or Custom Home (Part 5 of 6)
Read Building a New Home or Custom Home (Part 6 of 6)