Your builder will oversee
all aspects of construction.

Finding a Builder

You've found your perfect home plan, and you're eager to start building. But this is no time to be in a hurry. Choosing a builder is one of the most important decisions you will make.

It's a good idea to get bids from at least two or three different builders. Pick those builders carefully. Ask friends, family members, construction trades workers, and others in your community for recommendations. Watch the real estate section of your newspaper for names that come up again and again in a positive light. Look for signs in front of new homes listing the builder's name, or go to your county assessor's office to determine who built a recently finished house that you admire.

After compiling a list of builders, call your local home builders association to determine if they are members. Although membership does not guarantee the builder's abilities, it's an indication that the builder is reputable.

The next step is to meet with the builders you are considering hiring. If a builder does not want to meet with you directly, go somewhere else. Make sure the builder has experience in the size, style, and price range of home you are planning. Ask for a list of all houses the builder has built within the past few years, and contact the owners to ask about their experience. Visit current building sites to see if they are clean and well-organized. If a builder clears these hurdles, is genuinely interested in your business, and makes you feel comfortable, you're ready to make a commitment.