Your home builder should treat their work as if they were building their own home. You will be working with this contractor for quite a long time, on something very personal to you. So how do you decide between all the different options available to you? There are some common-sense guidelines, but there might be other things that you hadn’t thought of that you should consider before hiring a builder.
Ask About Their Contractors
Some building companies hire subcontractors to do the work. You may not know who those people are. In some unfortunate cases, they’re unskilled laborers found online through Craigslist, for example. Construction is one of the easiest jobs to get started in because there are some menial but important tasks, but the more complex work should always be done by workers who have gained experience in that specific activity over the course of several years and projects. You will want to know who the people are that are coming onto your property every day and ask if the company’s employees or third parties will be doing the work. If they are using subcontractors, then you will want to ask to see their licenses.
Check Their History and Ratings
There are ways to find out about a company through websites such as Angie’s List and the Better Business Bureau. But what some people don’t think of is checking local court records to see if there’s been any litigation against the builder. If they’ve had any problems, such as permit issues, then you don’t want to trust them with building your home. Many states, cities, or municipalities have laws and regulations for builders. You want someone who is aware of them and abides by them all.
You might be able to get in touch with current or past clients and get their input. You can also check around and ask about the builder’s reputation among clients, other contractors, architects, and engineers.
Ask To See Licenses
As important as following all laws is ensuring that all people who work on your home are licensed and have completed programs such as an OSHA 10 training course. The requirements may vary depending on your area, so be sure to check that your builder has all of the necessary ones to complete the job. And again, if they hire subcontractors, then don’t forget to ask for theirs.
Visit Multiple Websites
One of the easiest ways to tell the difference between some builders who take the time to plan ahead and focus on details is to check their website. Some independent contractors never quite gain solid ground on their business. Their website may have some clues as to why: it’s outdated, it’s only one page, there are no customer referrals, and there’s no listing of awards or licenses. A builder who wants to work with serious clients is going to have a serious website with testimonials and helpful information. For a great example, check out Mountain Renovations. They’re a company that believes in transparency and communication, and it shows in the way they present themselves.
They Give You A Written Contract
Once you feel like you’ve found your builder, it’s time to sign on the dotted line. But first, make sure that the contract spells out everything. You shouldn’t need to add addendums, but do so if anything is missing. After you’ve signed, then they will get the ball rolling by first securing the permits. Then you’re on your way to a new home!