Before you begin the process of interviewing and selecting a homebuilder, it is often a good idea to design your home plan plan prior to selecting a contractor. There are several options for the design and planning phase of your project. You can research home plan ideas online or contact a local designer or architect. Many of the homebuilders you will interview will have a home plan portfolio that you can begin with. Although it is not a requirement to have a plan prior to selecting a builder, it is a good idea to have a well thought out plan so you know your individual needs prior to the interview.
Pre-screening potential home builders.
Start with a Pre-Screening Search:
First and foremost, begin your search using by pre-screening home building contractors and service professionals. Ask your friends and neighbors that have recently built a home for recommendations. You can also begin by researching the homebuilders already working with DAI. Often times you can eliminate a contractor during the pre-screening process. Additional research can be done by contacting the local Home Builders Association.
Verify Contractor Credentials and Licensing
It is a good idea to check references and credentials. You can contact the local HBA or the Utah State Department of Commerce to confirm licensing and credentials. Membership in the HBA does not qualify a homebuilder but it is usually a good sign that the builder is a reputable business owner.
The NHBA represents building and remodeling contractors, product manufacturers, and other industry specialists. The association is committed to enhancing the professionalism of the home building/remodeling industry.
Investigate Their Established Business
Check the contractor's place of business, phone number, and other industry associations — make sure they are valid establishments. Always make sure the contractor is fully licensed with local and state governments, if required check with your local jurisdiction to ensure the license is valid and up-to-date. Do not base the contractor's license with a business card or verbal commitment.
Check the Better Business Bureau
Check with your local Better Business Bureaus, building associations, and other consumer protection agencies. Ensure that there is no outstanding complaints, fines, or penalties issued against the contractor if so, make sure the contractor provides a valid explanation.
Interview the Contractor
Meet with the contractor face-to-face. Be sure to ask to meet in person with the contractor and any project management personnel that you will be working with. Personalities play an important role and you should always feel comfortable to discuss concerns as they arise.
During the interview you should be prepared to show drawings, specifications, and clippings from illustrations and products that you want to have in your home.
If the contractor can visualize with you during the interview, this increases the likelihood that the contractor is the right person for the job.
Be Prepared With Questions
Be prepared to ask questions about the contractor and your project — note that you are looking for the person with best all-around service and qualification.
Some questions you may want to ask
When was the business established?
What is the average time frame required to build a custom home?
How do you handle change orders?
Am I allowed to make design changes and specify specific products for my home?
Is the builder insured?
Does the builder use sub-contractors?
May I interact with the sub-contractors?
May I tour some homes already completed?
Check References
Request a list of references from previous clients contact these references to inquiry on the builders work habits, completion schedule, clean up, and any other related issues or problems that the previous client may have experienced.
Some questions you may want to ask former clients
Did the home building contractor complete the home construction within your satisfaction?
Was the project completed on time?
Did the contractor fulfill his or her part of the contract?
Was the contractor easy to communicate with?
Did the contractor and his crew show up on time?
Were you satisfied with the subcontractors that your contractor used?
Would you recommend this contractor again without hesitation?
One Final Thought!
Now it is important to realize that a home requires many parts. More than 150 people will contribute to the construction of your home. A very complicated schedule and deadlines will be managed over the course of several months. Construction can be affected by fluctuations in the weather, availability of materials, and many more. Building a home requires patience and often compromise. You should know that every new home has problems. It is just a fact. But knowing that you can work in partnership with your builder to make sure your project goes well and that you finish as a satisfied and happy homeowner is one of the most important decisions you will make in the coming days.
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