Home Builders You Can Count On

Aug 18
07:39

2011

Andrew Stratton

Andrew Stratton

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Reputable home builders can turn construction projects into great experiences. Here are some things to look for in a top quality contractor.

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Home builders who have the reputation for producing high quality houses are the ones to seek out when it's time to build your own abode. Not all contractors are cut from the same cloth. Having one who lacks experience,Home Builders You Can Count On Articles competence or trustworthiness can sour the construction experience. When a person decides to have his or her own home-sweet-home built from the ground up, this should be an amazing experience similar to a birth. Once the house is completed and the family has moved in, living in a place that has been observed from foundation to roof will make the place more special than ever. Here are some things to remember when hiring a builder:

- Experience: Looking at a contractor's portfolio of homes that he or she has already built will be a good way of gauging his or her level of experience. Driving by or even walking through existing places that have been built by this company will be an excellent way of seeing what type of structure you may end up with. It's also helpful to see in-progress structures. The completed ones will show you what the end result will likely be; the in-progress ones will show what the internal workings of wiring, framing and plumbing look like.

- Reputation: Asking family, friends and co-workers who they would recommend as a builder will be a great way to learn about reputation. Checking with a builders' association, such as NAHB (National Association of Home Builders), or the BBB (Better Business Bureau) are also smart ways of learning about the past practices of this contractor. Getting a list of references from the builder himself is also a wise move. If he or she isn't willing to give you names of past customers, this is a red flag of potential trouble lurking.

- Permanent address: Does your contractor have a permanent address in your community? Someone unknown in the community without an actual address will be riskier to deal with than someone well established.

- Sub-contractors: What about a good relationship with sub-contractors? One person can't build a house by himself. All general contractors use subcontractors to do portions of the work. This network of electricians, engineers, architects and plumbers must work together as a team to construct your dream abode.

- Financing and banks: The person you're considering to build your house should have a well developed relationship with local financiers and bankers. When an individual needs a construction loan, will the bankers be familiar with the company you're considering? Strong ties with the banking world indicate a well established track record.

- Communication alignment: Not everyone communicates in the same manner. Some people are verbose and assertive while others are quieter and tend to rely on the written word more heavily. Which style works for you? It's important to make sure your prospective builder has a communication style that aligns with yours so you feel comfortable working together.

Constructing one's own living quarters can be exciting, indeed. Selecting home builders that can be counted on will make the project successful.

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