Putting Together Your Building Team

Building a Team

Identifying a reputable general contractor and choosing the team of professionals that will build your home are extremely important considerations.

Assessing the General Contractor

The reputation of the general contractor, or builder, who will be in charge of the construction of your new home is important, so don’t leave anything to chance. Use the following checklist during your builder-selection process.

1. Compile a list of potential builders:

• Get recommendations from friends, relatives, and local real estate agents.

• Find out who your architect has worked with.

• Contact the local builders’ association to request a list of area builders.

• Browse the real estate section of your local newspaper for information on the types and average prices of homes that local builders are constructing.

2. Obtain basic information about each company you interview. Ask:

• How long has the company been in business?

• Is the builder comfortable building the style of house you like?

• What percentage of their business comes from referrals?

• What energy-efficient features will be included in the home?

• What is covered in the home warranty? Can you get a copy so that you can understand the details?

• What service can be expected after the sale? Are any service calls included?

• Which local licenses does the builder have and what licenses are needed in the locality?

• What happens if there is an accident on the job? Who is responsible? What type of insurance does the builder have and is it enough to cover the project and any injuries that may happen to the crew?

3. Check references

• Contact the local Better Business Bureau® and trade organizations and ask if there is a history of complaints.

• Determine whether the company is financially stable.

• Talk to references the builder provides, as well as to other people who have homes built by the same builder.

• Ask about any problems they’ve encountered.
• Inquire about the builder’s responsiveness.
• Determine how satisfied they are with their new home.
• Question their willingness to purchase another home from this builder.

4. Inspect the work

• Ask to see other homes the builder has completed and visit a current construction site.

• Drive by some of the builder’s recently built homes to check for visual appeal.

• Examine the homes for the overall quality of the construction. Look at everything, including paint, trim, and flooring.

5. Trust your instincts

• Look for a builder who can communicate with you effectively. This is critical to the project and to ensuring your dream home becomes a reality.

• Be clear about your goals and desires for your home and find out how the builder will make it happen.

• Ask lots of questions. Interacting and establishing a working relationship with the builder is critical. You need to be comfortable with every aspect of the project and understand exactly what will be done and when.

6. Negotiate the contract

Evaluate the contract (which may be provided by the builder) to describe how the project will proceed. Include all the details of the construction including:

• The materials, options, and payment schedule.
• The builder’s responsibilities including exactly what will be done, an estimated timeline and cost.
• What materials you will obtain?
• Who will be responsible for obtaining permits, or preparing and maintaining the construction site?
• How disputes will be resolved?