Designing and building a custom home is a dream come true for many people. One of the most common reasons why people shy away from custom home designs is the horror stories during construction. While there are plenty of stories about custom home building gone wrong, there are many more success stories in front of them.
The reality is, the majority of custom home builders are professional and knowledgeable. A quality
custom home builder is one that helps to make the process smoother and has the expertise to avoid any pitfalls. Here are some of our best tips when choosing a good custom home builder.
1. Know What You Want
Having a good idea of how you want your custom home to look right from the beginning is going to start the project off on the right foot. It’s important to define what you’re looking for and to prioritize your needs. Before you sit down with a builder, make a list of your must-haves and communicate your vision clearly.
2. Find a builder That Matches Your Style
Browse through builder portfolios to make sure they have experience building the style of house that you’re envisioning. When deciding on a custom home design, some good questions to consider are:
• Do you want a modern design or a traditional home?
• Do you want a cozy interior or an architectural art piece?
• Do you want a farmhouse style or a log cabin design?
Some builders specialize in a specific type and it’s important to choose one who will match your style.
3. Find a builder Who is Transparent about Costs
An experienced builder will be very transparent about what your costs are going to be before you begin the process of custom home construction. This is a critical step to ensuring that you stay on budget and avoid financial stress during the project.
4. Find a Builder who Values Open Communication
Remember that building a custom home is a complex undertaking that requires hundreds of hours, numerous contractors from different trades, and many key people involved. An excellent builder will provide updates and keep the line of communication open so that you are always in the loop.
5. Ask for an Established Timeline
An experienced custom home builder will provide you with a detailed timeline for your custom home project. While every builder hopes that the timeline runs smoothly, a number of delays may occur. Regardless of any hiccups, a quality builder will ensure that the job keeps moving and stays on track.
6. Look for Ongoing Relationships
A positive indication of a quality builder is one who remains in contact with their customers after the house has been built. This includes a follow up after the final walkthrough to ensure that the customer is satisfied with everything in their new custom-built home.
7. Ask For A Quote
Requesting estimated pricing from builders takes some work on their end, so we recommend going with your three top custom home builders. When comparing prices, keep in mind that the cheaper option is not always the best one. A better indicator of the right builder for you is one who has a clear process, open communication, and a collaborative approach through the entire project.
8. Do Your Research
Even before the construction of a custom home, choosing the right builder is a big task. You want a builder who will be easy to work with and who will ensure that everything will be completed in a timely manner and on budget. Your home is your oasis, so it’s worth taking the time to do research on finding a reputable company.
9. Ask Family And Friends
A sure way to finding a trustworthy custom home builder is by talking to family or friends who have experience in building a custom home. They can give you their honest opinions about the process and advice from first-hand knowledge.
10. Schedule A Consultation
Once you’ve decided on at least three custom home builders, book a consultation with each of them. This gives you the opportunity to communicate in person and is the best way to find out if it’s a good fit.
Key Takeaways
The way you choose and communicate with your custom home construction team is going to set the pace from day one to the date of completion. Take your time, do your research, and enjoy the process!