How to Find the Right Builder

Finding the right builder is essential to the success of your project.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Contracts
• Personal organizers
• Contractor referral services

1. Interview several builders. Ask an architect for recommendations. If a real estate agent assisted you when you purchased your lot, ask the agent for several recommendations. Also consult friends and neighbors.
2. Review your completed plans with each builder, or ask the builders about designing plans for you.
3. Make sure that all the builders see the building site and are quoting to build the house on that site, including excavation and any other site-specific costs.
4. Get price quotes from the builders and compare them, making sure that they each bid on the same items.
5. Ask for references--particularly previous customers--from each party. Check the references. Be sure to speak with them when the builder is not present. Look at some of the houses the builder has constructed.
6. Retain an attorney with experience in construction cases to draft or review the contract. Be sure that the payment schedule for the builder is clear and understandable.
7. Make sure that the contract specifies the start and completion dates. Insist on some type of late fee or penalty if the completion is delayed past a certain grace period (notwithstanding circumstances beyond the builder's control, such as inclement weather).
8. Execute the approved contract.
9. Make any required deposit payment, and be sure to write your checks as per the schedule (not earlier and not later).

Tips & Warnings

• Remember that you'll be working closely with the builder--be sure to select someone with whom you can establish a comfortable relationship.
• Don't assume that the most expensive builder is the best, or the least expensive the worst.
• Price quotes vary based on a builder's schedule, efficiency, overhead and distance from the job.
• Though recommendations from a real estate agent can be a good way to find a builder, be advised that the agent may have a prior business relationship with the builder and that it may factor into the recommendation.
• You'll probably be unable to negotiate a contract without a deposit, but attempt to minimize the amount you're required to pay in advance--certainly no more than 10 percent.

Who Can Help:

• Find Remodeling Services Here. Compare Up to 4 Quotes, Free Service & No Obligation.
• Find Contractors Here. Compare Up to 4 Quotes, Free Service & No Obligation.
• Find Landscaping Design and Installation Services Here. Compare Up to 4 Quotes, Free Service & No Obligation.