Key Prep Steps Before Hiring a Custom Home Builder
Have you been thinking it might be time to take the plunge and build a custom home? Hiring a custom home builder is a must before you can start building your dream home. You will be working with this person for the next few months, and they will coordinate your building project.
1. Learn what the builder’s responsibilities are.
The first thing you need to know before hiring a custom home builder is the builder’s responsibilities. Your builder will be responsible for managing and obtaining all the approvals, inspections, certificates of occupancy, and subcontractors.
The builder will also track all costs, submit all pay requests for approval to the designer and bank, provide any lien release waivers, prepare estimates, and collect money for any approved change orders. Additionally, they will be responsible for receiving project materials and managing all building and installation processes.
The building responsibilities can be an overwhelming list. However, having the right expectations before starting your project is important. You can also count on your builder to act as a liaison between the designers, governing jurisdictions, and inspectors and educate you on the maintenance of your new custom home.
2. Make a builder candidate list.
You will live in your custom build every day for years, so you must choose the right builder for the job. To make choosing the right builder less overwhelming, make a builder candidate checklist
First, look at the projects they have done that are similar to your desired size and style. Next, figure out their communication and listening skills. Do they pay attention to what you are saying (which is extremely important), ask questions, and are they concerned about your needs?
After, visit their website to find client testimonials and reviews. This is one of the most convenient ways to see your experience with them. Last, find out how efficient their time and organization management skills are. If your builder lacks these skills, it will become extremely frustrating during your project.
3. Hold interviews with client references and builders.
After you have narrowed your search with the candidate checklist, it’s time to conduct interviews with the builders and their client references. Make sure to have a list of interview questions ready for the references and the builders. Be as thorough as possible during these interviews.
All the information you obtain from these interviews will only help you in the long run. Make sure to choose a custom home builder you can trust and are confident will meet your needs. To learn more, contact the experts at Adkins Building and Construction.
