Selecting a Builder for Your New Home

If you are planning to build a new home, one of the biggest decisions is selecting a builder.  This affects so much about your new home – the style, quality, price, etc.  Following are five tips to help you to make the best decision possible when selecting a builder for your new construction home.

1.    Drive around and look at new homes.
You want to know what types of new homes are out there.  The best way is to get in your car on Saturday and Sunday and start driving around the areas where there is new home construction.  Although you can do a preliminary search in the newspaper, the only way to really get a feel for different builders is to drive through their new home neighborhoods and see the differences for yourself.

2.    Talk with your real estate agent. 
If you are using an agent to buy a new construction home, he/she can be a great resource.  Your real estate agent has probably had clients buy and sell homes with the different builders in your area.  Since your agent has been in the new homes and through closing with several different builders, s/he can tell you which are the homes that fit you and also have good resale potential.

3.    Know what is important to you. 
You need to find the builder for your new home that has the style and amenities that you like.  But first you have to know exactly what you want.  It may help you to make a list of what you are looking for in a new home.  As you drive around and look at models, you can add or subtract from your list so that you know just what you are looking for in a builder.

4.    Walk through LOTS of models. 
As you search for the builder of your new home, walk through as many model homes as possible.  This allows you to really see and feel the difference between the different builders.

5.    Interview builders that interest you. 
Once you have narrowed down your list of potential builders for a new home, generate a list of specific questions and interview a representative.  This is when you want to get into the nitty-gritty of the building.  Ask about the roofing, flooring, plumbing, etc.  Be as thorough as possible.  Chances are, the representative you talk to will not know all of the answers.  That is to be expected, but s/he should be able to find out the answers for you in a timely manner.

Once you have done all of this research, you should have an arsenal of information to help you choose the right builder for your new home.