How to Find a Builder Right for You

If you’re thinking about buying a new home, one key decision you’ll have to make is finding a home builder. Working with an experienced, professional builder can make a difference when it comes to creating your dream home. Seeking out a home builder that will meet your expectations involves targeted research and asking the right questions. Below are some steps you can take to find a builder who is right for you.

Make a List of Potential Builders

With so many companies to choose from the best first step is to make a list of potential builders. The NCBIA has a list of builders who work in this area (go to http:// members.ncbia.com/ list, and if you want to add more names to your list, consider reviewing the real estate section of the local newspaper for builders and projects. Many builders advertise what type of homes they construct and may offer a price range. Another great source is local real estate agents or asking friends and relatives for recommendations.

Ask Questions

Once you’ve generated a robust list of potential builders, reach out and ask questions. You can start by asking about associated costs in the short and long term such as financing options, fees, homeowner’s association dues and estimated taxes on the property. Don’t forget to secure references of recent buyers. A professional builder will be able to provide you with names and contact information of customers. When you connect with a reference, talk to them about their experience working with the builder in terms of planning, timelines, and budgeting.

Get to Know Your Builder

Once you’ve narrowed down your list, make sure the home builder has substantial experience building the type of home you want. You can ask to see model homes, example floor plans and design options. Some builders have professional designations which is a sign that the builder has expertise in a specific area of building, for example, Certified Green Builder (CGP).

Establish Communication Expectations

Before you agree to work with a home builder, make sure to establish communication expectations. You both should agree on how often to connect to discuss updates throughout the project. It is best to determine what communication channel (email, text, or phone) fits your needs. Taking this small but important step will help eliminate any confusion in the home building process and avoid damaging your relationship with your builder.

This week I am featuring Bob Schmitt Homes. Bob Schmitt Homes is a family owned and operated business building completely custom homes in the Northeast Ohio area. Over the span of more than seven decades and three generations, Bob Schmitt Homes has designed and built approximately 6,000 new homes in the area. They have built their reputation on crafting quality homes and a topnotch experience.

Bob Schmitt Homes was recently recognized as designing and building the “Most Energy Efficient Home under 2500 square feet” in the State of Ohio as well as the North Coast Building Industry Association’s Builder of the Year. Their passion is creating beautiful & affordable custom homes for modern families to live and grow.

Building with Bob Schmitt Homes prides themselves on honesty, integrity, complete transparency, and the highest level of professionalism and customer satisfaction. Their homes offer a combination of quality materials and superior design, where every detail is meticulously crafted, and every enhancement you select is seamlessly added to create a dream home that is uniquely yours.

Bob Schmitt Homes is proud to say that they don’t just build homes – they build neighborhoods and communities. And because of that philosophy, they have always considered the environment of the neighborhoods they create. Consciously choosing to build homes in ways that reduce environmental impact and provide energy savings, long-lasting value, and comfort. By choosing a Bob Schmitt home, you save money, you make a difference, and you maximize your quality of life. https:// bobschmitthomes.com

To learn more about new homes with modern features in our community, contact feel free to contact the NCBIA. We are your local not-forprofit trade association representing member companies involved in all aspects of home building, remodeling, and other aspects of services available to help you in the future as well as more information on the above topic. So, you can see it is for your protection that you use a NCBIA member. If you are unsure that your contractor is a member of the NCBIA or you are looking for a list of NCBIA members, you can visit our website at www.ncbia.com or call 440-934-1090. We also have a job posting board (under the industry tab).

Visit our 24/7 Virtual Parade of Homes!!! Allows you to look at some of our builders’ new homes, remodels, and communities on your mobile device or computer at your leisure (including our remodelers) We know time is our greatest asset and via our NCBIA Virtual Parade of Homes, we save you time looking for a new home or a community that fits your lifestyle. The Virtual Parade of Homes is open online 24/7. Many of the homes featured in our Virtual Parade host regular open house hours for those consumers who are looking to tour the actual homes. You can click through to builder websites to see what they have to offer.

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