What’s in a Builder? 3 Tips for Hiring a Custom Home Builder

Ready to build your dream home but aren’t sure where or how to find a qualified builder? We’ve got you covered! Check out our top three tips for hiring a custom home builder below.

1. Do Your Homework

Experience is important when it comes to building a custom home. A great place to start your research is with past customer reviews. Look potential builders up on Google to read their reviews, or ask around for word-of-mouth referrals from family and friends. Another helpful resource is the Better Business Bureau website, which can give you more insight into a builder’s experience and history.

If you already have a custom home builder in mind, don’t be afraid to ask them for a list of references. Most builders will be more than happy to share them with you, as they often collect referrals and testimonials for that exact reason. Consider asking past customers the following questions, which will help to narrow down the list of potential builders.

• Would you work with this builder again?
• Would you recommend this builder to others? Why or why not?
• Are you happy with your completed home?
• Did the builder listen to your needs?
• Did you feel like the builder was transparent throughout the home building process?

2. Identify These Must-Have Qualities

Choosing the wrong home builder can cause a big headache down the road. If they aren’t the right fit for your project, you can end up with a difficult design process, delayed timelines, and poor quality. In essence, picking a home builder is just as crucial as designing the home itself. So, it’s essential to know how to identify the right builder for you. Below are three must-have qualities to be on the hunt for.

Commitment to Quality

Your home is a big (and often long-term) investment. It’s where you and your family will make memories and enjoy all of life’s best moments. It goes without saying that you want that investment to last, without having to worry about costly structural repairs. Make it a point to ask potential custom home builders what kind of products and materials they use, and learn about those brand’s reputations. It’s also important to ask about the warranties the builder offers. Having a clear understanding of these things will give you peace of mind because you know your builder used high-quality materials and you’re covered if any issues do come up.

Transparency and Open Communication

Next up is ensuring your chosen builder not only understands but listens to your vision. After all, your custom home should be designed around your unique lifestyle and preferences. Establishing transparent and open communication from the get-go can help you avoid any mishaps. In addition, pay attention to things like how long it takes the builder to respond to a phone call or email. Lack of urgency can often be a red flag that indicates bigger issues with that particular builder. The goal is to hire a custom home builder that makes you feel like the valued customer you are. Both the builder and their team should provide you with regularly updated timelines and estimates so you know what’s going on with your home.

Clear Timelines

One of the last must-have qualities in a custom home builder is valuing your time. When it comes to completing your project, qualified home builders will have a sense of urgency and be able to provide you with a reasonable timeline. While unexpected delays do occur, your builder should be able to communicate them and adjust the timeline accordingly. Better yet, the builder will find a way to limit the impact those delays have on your project. At the end of the day, a professional custom home builder will strive to finish the home on time and on budget.

3. Choose a Custom Home Builder That Puts You First

The process of hiring a custom home builder should never be taken lightly, as the builder you hire sets the tone for the entire project.  In addition to looking for a builder with a commitment to quality, transparent communication, and reasonable timelines, there’s one more element to consider—how a custom home builder makes you feel. Ideally, the builder you choose to work with makes you feel comfortable and confident that they are as invested in your new home as you are. The key to a successful project is working with a builder that puts you and your needs at the top of their list.

At Silverton Custom Homes, we believe that hiring a custom home builder shouldn’t be a chore. Our goal is to make the home building process as easy and streamlined as possible, without sacrificing quality or attention to detail. You can rely on our award-winning team to provide exceptional service from beginning to end. To find out more about building with Silverton Custom Homes, get in touch with our team.