Do research to determine which home builder is for you
Regardless of the size, if you are building a new home you’ll want a reliable home builder that produces quality work. Home builders take on a huge amount of responsibility, so it’s crucial to find one you can communicate with easily and trust. The Better Business Bureau of Greater Houston and South Texas offers these tips as a reference when choosing a builder for your next home.
Do your homework. Ask your friends, family members and neighbors if they can recommend a home builder to use. Ask your local home builders association for a list of builders who service your area. Check out the home builder’s reputation at BBBHouston.org. Be sure to read any reviews. Find out how long the home builder has been doing business and how many homes it has built. Be sure any home builder you consider has obtained the proper licenses and insurance.
Communicate with the builder. Communication is key in a homeowner-builder relationship. Be sure the builder can be easily contacted by phone, email or in person. Make sure the builder responds to your calls and emails in a timely manner. Be sure the builder can clearly answer all of your questions and concerns. Discuss how problems or changes throughout the process will be handled. The builder should be able to offer you direction and guidance from their previous experiences.
Decide the style of your home. If you already have a specific style home in mind, be sure to communicate your wishes to the builder. Ask the builder if they specialize in a particular style of homes. Ask the builder how many homes they have constructed in the style you desire. You’ll want to choose a builder that has expertise with the style you are requesting. If you are still considering different styles for your home, be sure to look for a builder with a wide range of experience.
Check out references. Once you have narrowed down the builders, request a list of references you may contact. Be sure to talk to the homeowners about their experience with the builder. Ask the references if they are completely satisfied with their homes and if they would hire the builder again in the future. If possible, visit the homes and take a tour to check out the quality of the finished workmanship. Make sure to find out if the builder completed the home on schedule and within budget.
Compare costs. Request an estimate from a few of your top choices. Make sure the estimate outlines all the details of the job, materials that are being used and installed, start and completion date, and payment schedule. Comparing estimates of different builders will help you get the most for your money. Once you have chosen a builder, be sure to get the details finalized in writing and read the contract thoroughly before signing.
The Better Business Bureau is an unbiased nonprofit organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Every year, more than 87 million consumers rely on BBB Business Reviews and BBB Wise Giving Reports to help them find trustworthy businesses and charities across North America. For information or to check the reliability of a company and find trustworthy businesses, visit www.bbbhouston.org, which includes our BBB Accredited Business Directory, or call 713-868-9500. Leah Napoliello is senior director of Investigative Services with the Better Business Bureau of Greater Houston and South Texas. Send questions regarding homeowner issues to Leah Napoliello, Better Business Bureau, 1333 West Loop South, Suite 1200, Houston, TX 77027, or e-mail her at lnapoliello@bbbhou.org. Include mailing address and phone number on letters and emails.