San Antonio Express-News (Sunday)
Hiring and working with a builder remotely
Home has taken on a new meaning for many Americans since the start of the pandemic. If you’re thinking about building a new home on a lot away from your current location, a professional builder will be able to accommodate your needs remotely. Building a home in a different area may be daunting. However, there are certain steps you can take, such as hiring a qualified professional and establishing communication channels up front, to help your project stay relatively hassle-free.
n Hire a professional builder
Seeking out a home builder that will meet your expectations involves targeted research and asking the right questions. The Greater San Antonio Builders Association can connect you with qualified builders, remodelers, and vendors. Experts recommend securing at least three names to give you options. When you connect with your prospective builders, ask for references from recent buyers. A professional builder will be able to provide you with names and contact information of customers. If the Builder has a model home or a home under construction, make an appointment and ask to tour their homes in advance. This step is normally taken with a sales associate for the builder.
Secure the details
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An experienced builder will provide you with a clear contract, scope of work and timeline for your home construction. Before signing a contract, talk to your builder about all the costs associated with your project such as labor and your material expenses. Discuss change order fees so you will know the procedure to follow when you change a key element in your home after construction has started.
A professional builder will be able to provide you with all of steps to building your new home, which include your allowances of all key components and any possible upgrades. There has been a drastic increase in the cost of lumber and other materials like appliances and windows/doors. Your builder will be able to discuss the rising cost of building materials with you when you review your contract to discuss any future adjustments.
n Set up a communication schedule
Work with your builder to determine how often you will receive updates on your project and let your builder know the best way to reach you for questions. Beyond phone calls or text messages, there are many different types of video conference web-based programs like Zoom or Skype that will allow you to virtually meet face-to-face. Your builder will likely share digital assets like photos or 3D renderings, through file hosting services like Dropbox to help you visualize your project. Many builders have designated construction superintendents that will work with you through the construction process.
Plan your site visits
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If possible, you should visit the building site at least once a month to view the progress on your home but please make an appointment with your builders or superintendent in advance. Monthly site visits are recommended but not required if your schedule does not allow. If you are unable to visit monthly, talk to your builder about setting up visits during critical portions of your project timeline to avoid any misunderstandings before you get to the closing table and move in. Most Builders do a final walk through prior to closing and note any items that need attention. Communication is the key!
Be patient
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There are various issues that arise that may put a temporary pause on your construction project, such as bad weather or unexpected delays with inspections from the city. This can happen on any job site, nearby or from afar. Many buyers today have a home to sell and moving constraints which makes timing incredibly sensitive.
It is important to talk to your builder about the delays to avoid any unnecessary stress. We are currently experiencing delays with the delivery of several key building products. A qualified builder has the experience to troubleshoot issues and propose recommendations without sacrificing the quality of your final project and will work to meet your expectations to deliver the home of your dreams!
For more information on home building and buying, please visit www. sabuilders.com where you can find a list of qualified builders, remodelers, and vendors in your area.
Sincerely,
Ed Berlanga, President Greater San Antonio Builders Association