How To Find A Custom Home Builder That’s Right For You
The ability to find a customer home builder is important to fulfilling the dream of home ownership in terms of having things done your way. It is a big step up from traditionally lower cost options such an older home or a low-priced “fixer-upper,” which can sometimes be one in the same. You have now taken the step to dictate the various details of your home. As exciting as this can be, it can also be a step into the unknown.
Here are a few things to consider in finding the right builder for you:
1. Ask yourself, “What is it I really need?” – Custom home builders in the market of getting a client exactly what they want, from the most basic of code-compliant details to the extravagant extras. You as the homeowner need to decide what things you want for your home. Things to consider are family size, areas that will receive high traffic from family and visitors, entertainment areas, storage space, and even the needs of family members in the future.
2. Resale Value – When something is customized, only a client’s finances (in most cases) serve as the limit to how elaborate things can get. While this may serve you and your family’s needs, it may not suit others. When figuring out what you need to have as part of your home, it is a good idea to think of what these details mean to the resale value. Does your future home hold appeal for others? What features serve your needs but may also be nice amenities that attract buyers?
3. Style and Design – As you finalize your list of ideas for your custom home, start researching builders. These companies usually have websites that showcase previous projects they have completed. This may give you some great insight into whether a company is on the same page regarding the style & design elements you like. As part of the research process, contact the builders you feel might be a good fit and ask to meet with them. This would be a great opportunity to see if the company would be willing to provide references for previous projects you can visit.
4. Experience – Much like any industry, custom home builders run the gamut from long-standing companies with decades of experience all the way to the “new kid in town” builder trying to make a place for itself in the industry. As with most things, experience is key. A builder that has established itself in the local community has usually earned the trust of its customers and others in the home industry. Their name becomes synonymous with quality and confidence, and their presence in the custom home landscape stands out for all of the right reasons. This isn’t to say that a newer builder can’t deliver quality results that are exactly what you want. Just keep in mind that an established company can often bring intangibles to the mix that come with being around for a significant period of time.
Getting the right company in place to build your custom home is a monumental step for you and your family. By understanding the need to be exhaustive in your planning (aside from blueprints, for example), you can find the right fit that will yield the best results.