If you’re looking for a new house in New Jersey, you should research your builder as thoroughly as you do your home. You want to know that you’re getting a quality home from a reputable builder whether you’re buying a condo, a townhouse, a house in a subdivision, or a custom-built home. Here are some things to consider while selecting a builder.
The custom home builder you select has the power to make or destroy the experience. At the end of the project, you may have forged a bond of lifelong friendship with your builder or you may think of the builder as your nemesis for cheating or overcharging your for the build.
For many future home buyers, the process of building a home from the ground up is enticing. Consider this: instead of buying a home that needs to be renovated to meet your needs, you can actively participate in the home-building process.
There are several fantastic custom home builders out there who can assist you in realizing your dream home. There are also those who should not be in business at all. So, how do you go about finding a builder that will make the project a pleasure instead of a pain?
Make a list of potential contractors.
You can make a list of potential New Jersey home builders once you’ve decided on the type of home you want to build.
The bottom line is to compile a list of possible builders and conduct interviews with each of them. Ask each builder the same questions and take note of what they say for future reference. You’ll get an excellent idea of how you feel about each builder and how it would be to work with them just by talking with them.
To receive a list of builders who construct homes in your area, contact your local home builders’ association. Local real estate agents and mortgage lenders are also excellent resources. These specialists are familiar with area home builders and are usually aware of each builder’s reputation. Make sure that the realtor or lender has no financial ties to a builder that might influence his or her decision!
Ask for recommendations from friends and family. Inquire about builders with whom they have had direct contact, or ask for the names of acquaintances who have lately had a positive experience with a builder.
Research the construction companies you find
When you’ve compiled a list of potential builders, it’s time to start asking them questions – both the builders and the homeowners.
Interview prospective house builders to obtain answers to all of your queries.
Look for someone who will work with and talk to you personally.
A good builder is interested in your vision for your new home. You can be a little more imaginative with the layout with a new or custom build than you could with a pre-built home. They should not only be able to assist you in achieving your vision, but they should also be able to answer any questions you may have as plainly as possible. It is their responsibility to make you feel at ease with your purchase.
It’s important to remember that you can never ask too many questions. This is most certainly the largest purchase you will ever make, so be sure you’re well-informed.
Look for someone who will do third-party inspections.
A builder who invites a third-party inspection business to visit their construction sites at various phases is one who is concerned about what’s going on behind the walls. Builders in my Holmes Approved Homes program enable MY inspectors to evaluate everything from the foundation to the roof, as well as the electrical, HVAC, and plumbing systems, as well as perform blower door tests.
Look for someone who has worked in the industry for a while.
A builder who has been in business for a while is more likely to construct a high-quality home. That’s not to say the new kid in town won’t build a fantastic home, and the old guard may still be employing outdated construction methods. You’ll still need to do your homework here, but if they’ve been in business for a while, they should have a solid portfolio of well-built communities to show off.
Look for a company that hires only the best tradesmen.
Your builder is only as excellent as the subcontractors he employs. Move on to the next builder on your list if you don’t trust their choice of electrician, HVAC specialist, or roofer. Local builders should have a decent rolodex of licensed and insured sub-trades to draw on – they’ll know who the best in the business are and will utilize them whenever possible.
Are their prior customers happy?
It’s the age of online research, and you should incorporate it into your builder search as well. Also, request references from their previous clients and, if possible, contact them to receive their candid assessment.
Inquire about their overall satisfaction with the home, as well as a few specific questions regarding their commitment to quality and getting things right. Were there any setbacks in the project’s progress? Look into how they conveyed those. Were there any mistakes that needed to be fixed when they got the keys? Inquire about how quickly they fixed any concerns, and if it was difficult to persuade them to follow through.
View newly constructed houses and subdivisions from the builder you favor. Drive by on a Saturday morning when the residents are likely to be out doing chores or running errands. Introduce yourself and tell them you’re thinking about buying a home from the same builder that built theirs. Talk to a few different business owners and try to acquire a diverse range of opinions. The more people you speak with, the more accurate your image of a builder will be.
Are they satisfied with the home? Were any issues and were they resolved quickly and correctly? Would you buy a home from this developer again? People usually tell you if they are happy with their homes. If they aren’t, they’ll most likely want to explain why.
At the absolute least, drive by and have a look at the houses to determine whether they are visually appealing.
Take a notebook with you when you speak with builders and homeowners to keep track of the facts you learn and your personal thoughts of certain builders and homes. This will make it easier for you to make comparisons afterwards.
Quality and price are important considerations while shopping.
When you have the opportunity, look at new residences. Builder-sponsored open houses and home shows are good places to look at properties. Model homes and residences on exhibit at home shows are frequently decorated to inspire you with creative ways to use the space. You can also request to see unfurnished homes from a builder.
Examine the quality of the construction features when inspecting a home. Examine the cabinetry, carpets, trimwork, and paint for quality. Ask a lot of inquiries to the builder or the builder’s agent. Gather as much information as possible. Take notes if the answers are given orally rather than in writing. If you have a question, don’t be afraid to ask it. What appears to be a minor query may give a significant response.
The right New Jersey custom home builder can deliver the home of your dreams, on time and on budget. They value their customers and have their best interests in mind at every turn, helping you make key decisions, and hiding nothing. This rarely happens by accident. Take time to develop a firm understanding of the scope of the project. Then do the due diligence so that you hire the right builder in the first place.
Contact Us or call 732-905-0005 to schedule a contractor consultation.
Author
-
by
-
