Tips for Choosing a Home Builder

Deciding which home to buy can be a daunting task. However, suppose you’re specifically looking at new construction homes. In that case, you might want to research the home builder. And there are many reasons why you should.

In this article, you’ll learn what the builder is responsible for, why you should research your builder (and how to do it), and which questions you should ask your agent when visiting a new construction site. 

Builder Responsibilities

You need to note what the homebuilder is in charge of. Not only are they responsible for constructing their homes, but they also assess the quality of materials and evaluate the procedures their team must abide by.

Builders have to ensure everything is up to code and receive permits from the local government. Your builder evaluates construction materials and the quantity necessary to construct their properties. They’ll even set timelines for their sub-contractors.

As you can tell, a builder needs vast knowledge to construct their homes. You’ll want a builder with experience, resources, and local expertise. 

Social Proof, Transparency, and Trust 

You should know what other people say about the homes constructed by the homebuilders. You can research customer sentiment in various ways.

Customer Testimonials

Go onto your homebuilder’s website and see if they have any customer testimonials. See what their customers say about their homes and the amenities that come with them.

If your builder has gone out of their way for customer feedback, they are being transparent and receptive to the thoughts of their buyers. And those communication skills can extend well into customer service.

Reviews

Go a bit further and take your research off their website. See what people say about their houses on Google Reviews and social media.

Remember, when you analyze a homebuilder’s merit, you want to hear many people’s thoughts. As such, the more positive reviews your builder has, the better.

Referrals

You might want to take your research a bit further. Why not explore the communities or homes your builder has already developed?

See whether the homes they sell are as beautiful as the builder claims. 

This is also your chance to explore the community. What do they offer to their residents in the form of amenities? A site visit is a great way to experience the neighborhood and determine how it can fit into your lifestyle. 

Understand the Homebuilding Process

Nowadays, nearly all homebuilders have a website to help customers understand their processes and guiding principles.

Here at Bill Beazley Homes, we have sections devoted solely to explaining what homebuyers can expect. We even have a page illustrating our homebuilding process. The positive feedback we see stems from the level of communication and engagement provided.

The home building process is complex and intimidating. So you’ll want to partner with a builder with the resources to help you navigate the construction journey. From selecting a floor plan to the final walk-through, your experience will be heightened when you have the proper support and insights into how things work together.

Look for Support and Service Resources

When researching a builder, one particular focus should be on how customer-oriented they are. 

• Do they offer a warranty department?
• Do they have an easy way for their customers to reach them if they have any questions or issues?
• What have people said about their approach to customer service?

Look for a builder with a history of quality support and responsiveness.

Ask Questions 

You will likely have many questions when buying a new construction home (especially if it’s your first one). So look for a responsive homebuilder or real estate agent who is interested in helping.

If you need some questions to ask, here are a few we came up with: 

• How much customizing can I do to my home? 
• What upgrade options do I have? 
• What kind of warranties does the homebuilder offer?
• Are there any builder incentives?
• What are the HOA fees? What do they include?

If there are any other questions you might want to ask, don’t be afraid to do so. 

It’s All About Making an Informed Decision

There is much more to choosing the right builder than adhering to local building codes. A builder’s reputation with BBB or online is a good starting point. Look for a responsive builder to communicate with their buyers, particularly for warranty issues.

It would help if you visited the builder’s communities to see the homes and amenities first-hand. You may even meet people in the neighborhoods and ask about their experience with the builder and development.

Remember that you’re doing all this because you want to make an informed decision when purchasing a new construction home.