The ability to find a client home builder is important to fulfilling your dream of homeownership in terms of doing things your way. It’s a big step up from traditionally lower-cost options like an older home or a low-priced “top fixer,” which can sometimes be the same thing. You have now taken the step of dictating the various details of your home. As exciting as this can be, it can also be a step into the unknown.
Here are some things to consider to find the right builder for you:
1. Ask yourself, “What do I really need?” – Custom home builders in the marketplace to get a customer exactly what they want, from the most basic code-compliant details to the outrageous extras. You, as a homeowner, must decide what you want for your home. Things to consider are family size, areas that will receive high traffic from family and visitors, entertainment areas, storage space, and even the needs of family members in the future.
2. Resale Value: When something is customized, only the customer’s finances (in most cases) serve as a limit to how complex things are. While this may meet your needs and those of your family, you may not follow others. When determining what you need to have as part of your home, it’s a good idea to think about what these details mean for resale value. Does your future home attract others? What features meet your needs, but can also be good amenities that attract buyers?
3. Style and Design: As your list of ideas for your custom home ends, start searching for builders. These companies often have websites that show previous projects that they have completed. This can give you a great idea of whether a business is on the same page regarding style and design elements that you like. As part of the research process, contact any builders you think might be suitable and ask to meet with them. This would be a great opportunity to see if the company would be willing to provide references from previous projects that you can visit.
4. Experience: As in any industry, custom home builders range from long-standing companies with decades of experience to the “new kid in town” builder trying to make a name for himself in the industry. As with most things, experience is key. A builder who has established himself in the local community has generally earned the trust of his clients and others in the home industry. Their name becomes synonymous with quality and trust, and their presence in the personalized home landscape stands out for all the right reasons. This is not to say that a newer builder cannot deliver quality results that are exactly what you want. Just keep in mind that an established business can often bring intangibles to the mix that comes with being around for a significant period of time.
Getting the right company to build your custom home is a monumental step for you and your family. By understanding the need to be thorough in your planning (aside from blueprints, for example), you can find the right setting that will give you the best results.