Working With a Custom Builder (Q&A)

How Do You Choose A Custom Builder?

When building a custom home, you will work so closely with the builder during the design and construction phases that you need to choose a builder who is known for being flexible, easy to communicate with, and has a team of people in place with whom you enjoy working. Check references. Ask others who have purchased with that builder to tell you about their experiences. While getting along with your builder is important, the quality of the home is a much more crucial element. You will have to work with the builder for only a year or less. You will have your home longer than that. Take a look at the builders’ models and spec homes yourself to make sure the quality is up to your standards.

What Should I Ask Builders When I Am Interviewing Them?

Before you begin meeting with homebuilders, narrow your list to only two or three. The best way to do this is to tour several neighborhoods and visit model homes that appeal to you. Learn which builders are offering homes in your price range, with styles you like. Make sure they are full-time builders with a solid reputation and a long list of satisfied customers. Friends and neighbors are often a good source of information about which builders to consider.

When meeting with builders, ask first about their price range to make sure it's a good fit for your budget. Then you can talk about the communities where they build and the standard features versus the items that are upgrades. Remember that throughout the building process, good communication is extremely important. While you are interviewing builders, notice whether or not they are listening to your needs and are willing to give you the home you want.

What Is The Best Way To Tour A Model Home?

Model homes are the best way to narrow the list of builders who are a good fit for you. While the décor of a model is designed to make you feel comfortable, remember to look beyond the paint color and window treatments. When touring a model, you are looking for quality craftsmanship first and foremost. Then, make sure you learn which features are standard and which are upgrades. After that, look for construction details (like the quality of the windows and other brands used) and keep an eye open for creative details that indicate whether a builder puts "something extra" into their homes. Finally, seek input from the sales staff at the model about the builder's price range and design flexibility, and ask them what the next step should be if you are interested in building a home.

How Flexible Should I Expect My Builder To Be?

The subject of flexibility needs to be discussed as you interview builders, not after you choose one. Many builders who call themselves "custom" still allow only a certain amount of modifications — and they may attach a hefty surcharge for them. If you expect to have input on your floorplan, exterior, and interior selections, there are homebuilders who not only allow changes, they encourage them. And don't assume that flexible builders are more expensive, because that isn't always true. When you choose a builder, make decisions early in the process rather than incur fees for changes made after construction has begun.

What Should I Consider Before Choosing A New Community?

School district is often the primary consideration for families with children. If schools are not a concern, you will have many more choices about where to build. Think about how close you like to be to shopping and entertainment. Is the area adding parks, open spaces, and retail stores that appeal to you, or do you see too much congestion over the next decade? Some people choose a community because they want to use a particular homebuilder who is participating there. After choosing a community, consider your choice of home sites just as carefully. Some lots will be secluded but perhaps too far from the entrance. Others will allow for walk-out lower levels and golf course views. Which direction do you want your front door to face, or your kitchen? Will the floorplan you want be able to sit on the lot the way you envision it? Choosing a builder first will give you the benefit of their advice during the lot selection process.

What Is The Best Way To Start Making Decisions For Our Custom Home?

Begin by considering your current lifestyle and priorities. Think about the home you have now:  What would you change? What rooms do you wish were larger? What would make the traffic flow more convenient? What about room placement? Take extra time thinking about the rooms you use most, especially the kitchen and your bedroom. After you have compiled a list of priorities, make sure you take it to your first planning meeting with the custom builder you have chosen. Granted, not everything your want will be achievable, but the builder can help them rank their priorities and come up with good alternatives.

Making your wishes known up front is the only way to build a custom home.