Finding a Builder

The quality of a new home will in large measure be determined by the skill of the builder who constructs it. That's why you should shop for a builder as carefully as you shop for the features of a home.

How do you find a skilled builder? A good place to start is your local builders association, Capital Region Builders & Remodelers Association. The real estate section in the local newspaper is a good source of information about builders who are active in your area, the types of homes they are building, and the prices you can expect to pay. Also ask friends and relatives for recommendations.

When shopping for a new home from a particular builder, you should try to talk to people who have purchased homes from the builder. Don't be shy about approaching people. Even knock on some doors if you have to. The worst that usually happens is that someone will refuse to talk to you. However, in most cases, a builder's previous customers will be quite open with you. If they are unhappy with their homes, they will let you know. And if they are happy, they will want to give the builder more business. Try to talk to at least three or four homeowners per neighborhood and do not rely on the view of only one person.

Try not to rush through the process of choosing a builder. Set a reasonable timetable for your search, and do not make your decision until you feel comfortable about what you are doing.

Another important concern is service.

When you buy a new home, you are not just buying a structure. Along with the structure comes a package of services, and the quality of those services will have an important effect on your enjoyment of the house. Most homes come with a one-year warranty on workmanship and materials. Since virtually every home is going to need at least minor adjustments and repairs during the first year, you should look for a builder who will provide quality service after the sale.

The best way to find out what kind of service a builder offers is to ask previous customers. Find out what the builder has recently built in the area near where you are thinking of buying. Then visit one or two of the previous projects and ask the residents about their experiences with their home and their builder. The best time to visit is usually a Saturday morning when people are out doing yard work or chores.

Source: NAHB

Finding a Remodeler

Finding the remodeler who's right for you is not as simple as picking up the Yellow Pages. On a big project, you may be working closely with this individual for several months, so you want to do everything possible to ensure that you make the right decision. Here are some good places to start your search:

• Seek referrals from friends, family, neighbors, co-workers, and others who have had remodeling work done.
• Talk to independent trade contractors, building materials suppliers, architects, engineers, home inspectors, and local lenders.
• Contact trade associations such as your area's local Remodelors(tm) Council.

Once you have identified some strong candidates, do even more checking to ensure that these are the kinds of remodelers with whom you would like to do business. Call your local or state consumer protection agency and the Better Business Bureau to find out if there are any unresolved complaints filed against the remodeler. Contact local building inspectors to verify that the remodeler has a clean record. Also interview previous or present customers.

What to Look For, What to Ask

When you hire a remodeler, you are buying a service rather than a product. The quality of the service the remodeler provides will determine the quality of the finished project and your satisfaction with it. You will want to explore the following qualifications when interviewing a remodeler.

• Maintain a permanent mailing address, phone number and pager number for the remodeler.
• Make sure the remodeler carries insurance that protects you from claims arising due to property damage or jobsite injuries. Ask the remodeler how much the project will add to your home's value and obtain the necessary additional insurance.
• Check to see how established the company is in the community. How long has the remodeler been in business? Does the company maintain solid relationships with experienced independent trade contractors? Does the company possess a trustworthy reputation among customers, peers and those in the industry?
• Inquire whether the remodeler carries a designation such as Certified Graduate Remodelor(tm) (CGR), Certified Bath Designer (CBD) or Certified Kitchen Designer (CKD).

Source: NAHB