The Top Tips for Hiring a Home Builder

Are you looking to hire a home builder, but aren’t sure who to choose?

Choosing the right home builder is a big decision. After all, it can often take up to six months to build a home. Because you’ll be working with your home builder for quite a while, you want to make sure you choose one who not just knows what they’re doing, but also communicates effectively.

So, how do you choose the right home builder? Check out this guide to learn the top tips for hiring a home builder.

1. Ask Friends and Family for Recommendations

First things first, you want to ask friends and family members for recommendations for home builders.

Chances are, there’s someone in your social circle who has recent experience working with an experienced home builder. You can also gather some names from your local home builders’ association. If you did not receive any good recommendations, be sure to check out a local staffing agency as they have networks of local contractors.

Once you have a list of names going, you should check to make sure the builders have an actual business location, as well as a permanent business address.

2. Vet Your List of Home Builders

Once you have a solid list of home builders going, it’s time to begin the vetting process. The first thing you should do is check the Better Business Bureau website to ensure their business doesn’t have any complaints filed against them.

After this, you should delve into online reviews and references. Remember, references and customer testimonials are usually a bit biased, so make sure to check out online reviews on Google My Business and Yelp.

Once you’ve checked out references, the next thing you want to do is check for proof of worker’s compensation insurance, as well as general liability insurance. Without these types of insurance, you could end up footing the bill for a worker who is injured on your property.

You also want to make sure the insurance doesn’t just cover the home builder, but also any sub-contractors they hire.

3. Look at Their Portfolio

Perhaps the best way to narrow down your list of home builders is to take a look at each company’s portfolios.

A home builder’s portfolio will not only tell you about the quality of their work but also about their style and the experience they have with different types of projects. A quality home builder will have a diverse portfolio that showcases a wide range of projects, both old and new.

4. Remember That Communication Is Key

As we mentioned at the beginning of this article, you’re going to be spending a lot of time with your home builder – likely months.

For this reason, it’s very important that you find a home builder who’s an effective communicator. When searching for home builders, pay attention to how quickly each one responds to you. Also, when you interview home builders, make sure you pay attention to how thoroughly they answer your questions.

5. Consider Your Budget

As much as we hate to admit it, budget is always a major factor when hiring a home builder.

In the US, the average cost to build a home comes in at a little over $300,000. However, the average range is anywhere from $165,000 to $400,000. While the cost to build your home will depend on a number of different factors, the home builder you hire can make a huge difference in the overall price.

However, this doesn’t mean you should go for the most inexpensive home builder you can find, as this often means they’ll use cheap products and materials.

Now that you know what to look for in a home builder, it’s time to choose the right one for you. Comment below if you have any questions.