A home is a huge investment, and not just when it comes to the dollar value. We invest our time and energy into making our homes personalized and unique places. They become oases where we can escape the busyness of our routines. They are also where priceless family memories are made.
Some people decide to build their own homes to fit their specific needs. Whether it’s the desire to have a special floorplan, unique features, or a design inspired by your own vision, you want your new home construction to result in a distinctive home you’re proud to call your own.
Perhaps one of the most important steps in achieving that goal is finding the right home builder. After all, they are the ones who will take your dream and transform it into reality. Below we will guide you through some questions and tips to help you find the best builder for your new home.
Determine Your Location and Budget
Before you can begin to create a list of potential builders, you’ll first need to identify where exactly you’ll be building your home and settle on a budget.
While some builders have large footprints across multiple states, there are also local builders you may want to consider. For that reason, you’ll need to identify a neighborhood or specific area – or sometimes even a specific lot – where you’re looking to build. Once you’ve found your target location, you can then get started on your budget estimates.
The first step in your budgeting will be figuring out a range that you can comfortably afford for your mortgage payment. Then, working backward from that, you can determine the total amount you’re able to finance. Our team can help you navigate this stage with a free consultation. Once you’ve got your pre-qualification amount in hand, you can create a budget based on materials, labor, and other costs.
Research the Builders in Your Area
Equipped with a thorough plan for your budget, you can begin searching for and vetting potential builders operating in the area where you’re planning your new home construction.
You can narrow down the list of companies by first eliminating those that can’t accommodate any specializations that are non-negotiable for you, such as a specific architectural style.
Next, you’ll want to evaluate their experience and track record. Here you’ll be asking what they do well, what areas are not strengths for them, and how other customers rate their experience with them. It’s a good idea to engage in direct conversations with the builder and talk with past clients of theirs too, if you can.
Review Licensing, Insurance, and Warranty Policies
Requirements vary by state for licensing and insurance. You should get a general idea of what’s required where you’ll be constructing your new home so you can ensure the builders you’re deciding between are properly licensed and insured. It’s also a good idea to obtain verification of this coverage.
Another important area to review with any prospective builder is their warranty coverage. Just like your favorite electronic device or a vehicle, your builder should provide warranty coverage, ensuring any defects will be repaired should such a situation arise. This house is meant to be your dream home, and you’ll rest easy knowing you’re covered for errors in workmanship, electrical or plumbing issues, or even in the event of major structural damage.
Get To Know Your Builder
As you narrow your selection down to a few companies, take the time to build a relationship with them. Evaluate whether their communication style will compliment yours. Perhaps even more importantly, assess your confidence and comfort around addressing potential concerns with them, as that type of feedback is bound to take place at some point during the construction journey.
Don’t rush into things, either. Take your time and let the relationship evolve naturally. You certainly don’t want to feel pressured when it comes to such personal and financially critical decisions.
If you are feeling impressed and assured at this point, we think it’s a safe bet to move forward with the builder you’ve selected.
Finding the right builder is a key milestone in the process to your new home construction. You’ll also need a trusted financial partner who is familiar with construction loan financing and has experience working with builders. Our team of loan officers are the experts on construction financing, and will be happy to support you on your exciting new journey. Get in touch with us today to learn more.
The included content is intended for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as professional advice. Additional terms and conditions apply. Not all applicants will qualify. Consult with a finance professional for tax advice or a mortgage professional to address your mortgage questions or concerns. This is an advertisement. Prepared 6/24/2021.