The advice that I give to people when looking for a home builder- in general is very simple.
1. Ask for references. Not just one, but everyone they have built for in the last 5 years (or a large number). Do be satisfied to talk to one who just purchased the home- talk to several from different lengths of time. We still have clients call us and refer us that we built homes for in the 1980s and who are still giving referals. We also have several people that we have built 2, 3 and (1 person) 4 homes for since 1985. That is a great reference!
2. Call the references. Ask them about the experience. Ask if they would recommend that Builder to a Friend. Ask them what problems that they had. Ask them if they had problems, which is unlikely that they didn't at some point, did they get it resolved. Ask them if they would go back to that builder if they needed another home built. Where they treated with respect during the process and during the warranty period. I can count the number of people who have asked for references on my hand which is amazing to me!
3. Hire a home inspector to go through their model home. If they can't build the model home correctly they won't built you house correctly. Be careful because I know of some contractors who will use good crews only on their models and use the cheapest labor on their build jobs. This leads to my next point # 4. I have only heard of one client who had a relative- who was a builder across the country- who had our homes inspected prior to signing the contract. That one worked out great- he said we did a better job than he did! I would welcome a home inspector into any of our homes- model, spec, or other build job.
4. Ask for Trade references. Cabinet maker, Trim Guys, Painter- catch them on the job site. Would you trust them to build your home. How many homes have they done for that builder. Did they do the model home? Do they do all the work for that builder. Have they been paid on time? Lumber Salesmen are the Best resource. They know all the dirt on the builders in the area- they see all the work and know who does a good job. Ask them who they would trust to build their home. Talk to their banker- do they pay bills on time? A good contractor won't mind you asking for these resources as long as you ask in the right fashion- they will understand. Just remember with all people, often times, it is not what is asked for but how it is asked for that makes the difference. I have never had a client ask for this!
5. Basic- go on the job sites. Do things look good. Are the framing lumber straight and free of defects, is it grade 1 or 2, grade 3 is cheaper lumber with more defects. I believe in having quality throughout no just on the finishes, so that the quality remains with the home during the lifetime of the home. I have told that to many people- and people are intimated to go look because they don't think that they know anything- if things don't look right- and they can't explain it so that you understand- find someone who can.
6. Lastly- don't compare builder by price per square foot. If the only good thing that the builder can brag about their home is that they can build it cheaper than anyone else- you get what you paid for. When I get this question at the sales office, my normal response it that I will tell them the price per square foot of this home after they tell me the price of their last car was, by the pound. Of coarse they don't know that! It means nothing. The price per square foot of a home means nothing either- except that their is absolutely nothing to brag about except the fact that the home is cheap!
That is my recommendation. Few will follow the advice. We even in the industry don't know how to help people select good contractors which is a shame. It is your largest asset. I realize that this takes time- But I think that you could do all of these things- within 2 weeks- even while working you normal job. Gaining the piece of mind would make that time well spent!
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