How To Choose A Builder

 

The following thought starters provide insight into the decision process of choosing a builder for your new home or renovation project:

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  • How much personal involvement will the builder have?

  • What is the builder's flexibility and receptivity to change?

  • What might extra charges be for change during construction? How do they handle change orders?

  • How accessible, responsive and reliable is he/she?

  • What is your intuition concerning their company?

  • Is your builder truly interested in your needs and your house or is it just another project?

  • Do they belong to the National & Local Association of Home Builders or a builder "Twenty Group?"

  • Do they keep up on the latest building technology, new materials and techniques?

  • Is all of the business handled in writing, detailed contract, written change orders, warranty?

  • Is a complete specification list completed before the job begins? Is it very detailed?

  • What are the chances for extra costs to come up at the closing? Allowance overages?

  • Is the builder open to a cost plus job or only a firm bid?

  • What kind of service and reliability can you expect after the sale?

  • Is there a set follow up schedule for any needs after the sale?

  • Does the builder utilize the latest energy efficient construction techniques? Are their homes certified under the "Energy Star" program by the EPA and the DOE? Have they had a home certified under LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) or by the Michigan Green Built program?

  • Are all of their homes certified by the Builder's Challenge from the U.S. Department of Energy?

  • Do they belong to the Energy & Environmental Building Alliance?

  • What kind of communications can you expect during construction?

  • Will you be involved in decisions as the home progresses?

  • What kind of a warranty is provided?

  • Have you called and thoroughly checked out their references?