A work area like this can be
tucked beside the stairs and
assembled with stock cabinetry.

The Checklist

Gather names. Drive around your city or town looking for a sign in front of new homes that lists the builder's name, or go to your county assessor's office to determine who built a recently-finished house you like. Watch the real estate section of your local newspaper for names that come up again and again in a positive light. Try to make a list of about a dozen builders.

Narrow the list. Call your local homebuilders' association to determine if all the builders on your list are members. Call your state's department of labor and industry to find out whether the builder is registered, has posted bonds, and has general liability insurance.

Make appointments. Meet with the builders you would seriously consider hiring. Builders worth their salt should be pleased to meet with you one-on-one. If you get an "I don't have time" response, cross the builder off your list.

Be wary of marketing representatives. The marketing representative is a hired public relations or sales expert who is not going to build your house, just put the best possible spin on the builder or developer. If a builder does not want to deal with you directly, go somewhere else.

Prepare a list of questions. Ask for a list of all houses the builder has built within the past few years. Most builders who are asked for references will provide a few purely positive ones. For a representative cross-section, insist on a complete roster.

Gauge your rapport with the builder. It helps if you genuinely feel comfortable with the builder; he or she will be a part of your life as long as you own your home.

Follow up on references. Whether past clients were thrilled or disappointed with a builder, they probably will be equally eager to talk.

Visit the construction sites. See if your favorite builders' construction sites are clean and well organized. Is the builder actually on the scene? If a foreman is on the job, ask how often the builder usually shows up.

Pay attention to the paperwork. When you've chosen a builder, make another appointment to sign papers. Assess his or her willingness to put everything in writing; that may save you headaches later.