If building a custom home, you most likely will have a few builders bid on constructing your custom home. Use the following tips to help you through this process.
- Work with an architect on the custom house plans to show potential builders.
- Have detailed plans to show the potential custom home builders that include floor plans as well as specifications for finishing the house and fixtures.
- Consider only general contractors or construction managers who have a portfolio to show you their work.
- Check several references of previously built custom homes.
- Actually walk through homes that the contractor has already built.
- Find out the contractor’s skill level of managing all of the different work crews, subcontractors, etc. involved with building a custom home.
- Spend time interviewing the general contractors with specific questions that you have prepared.
- Have the general contractors submit bids to you in writing that are firm proposals.
- Do not necessarily choose the cheapest bid. Weigh all of the factors – references, previous work, bid, etc.
In the end, go with whoever you think that you can work with the best. However, do not ignore feedback from the references. They are people who have already used the general contractor and know first-hand what the experience of building a custom home with that person is like. These references are perhaps your biggest asset for choosing the best builder for your custom home.
Published on February 15, 2007