NAHB's Guide to Chosing a Home Builder

The NAHB (National Association of Home Builders) published an article titled “How to Chose a Builder” and we thought it would be a great topic to blog about. The article covers a couple of key points with suggestions that will hopefully lead you to chose a builder that is the correct fit for you.

The article reminds consumers that it is important to shop for your builder just as carefully as you plan to shop for the home you plan to build. It gives three steps and then explains each of them: make a list, do your homework and shop for quality and value.

Make a List: this is important because it gives you a starting place. If you’re unfamiliar with builders in your area or if you’re moving to a new area a great way to obtain information on builders is through the local builder’s association. CSBA (Central Susquehanna Builders Association) is the local chapter for us. If you’re interested in checking them out their website is www.csbapa.org. Another way to become familiar with builders is to look at the real estate section of local newspapers. Sometimes you will find articles about builders and/or advertisements that will lead you to see which builders are active and what types of homes they build. The article states that by doing this you may find which builders built in your price point, however, custom builders don’t typically state prices in their advertisements. Make sure you use your resources, contact real estate agents, friends and family. They may have dealt with some local builders or know of someone who has. This will let you know if they have had a good experience.

Do Your Homework: since you’ve compiled a list it is important to try to find out the reputations and quality of the builders on your list. One of the best ways to learn about how a builder builds is to visit existing homes. Builders may be able to provide you with a list of addresses of homes that they built which allows a person the drive the home and see the finished product. Also, if homeowners are outside it may provide you with a chance to introduce yourself and ask them questions about their home and their builder. Remember to talk to several people to get a more honest opinion about a builder. Don’t forget a notebook and pen – take notes when talking to builders and homeowners. This will allow you to write down opinions and look over them later when you’re comparing builders. Make sure you ask homeowners if they had any problems and if so did they report them and were they handled in a professional and timely manner.

Shop for Quality and Value: Go to open houses and model homes. Make sure you look closely at each home. Look at the trim; touch the woodwork and doors. Examine the little details. Often people get swept away by the beauty when the first walk into a new home, however, upon closer examination however you may seem gaps in trim work, unfinished paint jobs, damaged or crooked switch plates, etc. Look at the cabinetry, carpeting, trim work and paint – make sure it’s of a quality you would expect in your home, not just something you could live with.

Most importantly ask questions, we understand that most people haven’t spent their lives in this industry and we’ll do what we can to make it a fun and educational experience. We’d love to build your home, so talk to us.