Every decision related to a new home purchase is a stressful one, but when you have a custom home built it feels like the decisions are endless.
Every decision related to a new home purchase is a stressful one, but when you have a custom home built it feels like the decisions are endless. The biggest one you have to make is who you will trust to be your custom home builder. After all, your dream home will be in their hands, and you’ll be working with them for many months. As you’re trying to make this important and stressful decision, here are some things to keep in mind.
Do Preliminary Research
Once you’re starting to narrow your list of candidates, do some more preliminary research on each one. Go back through their portfolios online and drive past some of the houses to check out the work. Look for houses that are a similar style and size to what you have in mind. If possible, find some of their older projects to assess how they’ve aged in the past decade. Decide what elements you like about the work they’ve done and what you don’t. Make notes so you can discuss these issues with the builder when you meet, or better yet, bring visuals of your design ideas so they can see what you’re talking about.
Prepare For Your Meeting
Once you’ve chosen the builders you want to meet, prepare a list of questions for them. You should try not to ask things that are covered on their websites, but if you want additional details about the topic, certainly bring it up. For instance, if the builder says that they have done green or energy efficient projects, you might ask how much more expensive they usually are or what the cost-benefit analysis of a green home looks like or how much time it adds to building your new home. You should also ask who your direct point of contact will be and how often you can expect to hear from them, and when you can visit during construction. As you come up with questions, write them down, so you have them ready in the meeting.
Check References
Before the meeting, ask for three references (at least one old and one current), and then follow up with them. Call the references and ask how their project went, if it was on time and budget and if they are still satisfied. Ask about the builder’s willingness to meet their expectations and about their communication skills. If they will let you, tour the house. If they won’t, ask the builder to set up a tour in an older home and recent build so you can see the craftsmanship for yourself.
Custom Homes From Cedar Square Homes
Cedar Square Homes provides a variety of services to our customers, including custom home building to match your needs. We are trusted throughout Maryland for our excellent service and affordable home remodeling prices. Some of the areas we serve throughout the state include Anne Arundel County, Annapolis, Crofton, Severna Park, and Pasadena. Wherever you live, you won’t regret contacting us online or giving us a call at 410-987-9771. To see more examples of our work and stay up to date on our promotions, follow us on social media on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and Pinterest.