Building a new home will certainly involve a lot of major expenses and a substantial budget. This why you should make sure to pick the right builder for the job to avoid stress and budget blowouts throughout the project.

With so many companies to choose from and key factors to consider when building a home, many people tend to commit mistakes when finding the best home builder. Sometimes they get too excited about the project and overlook some important preliminary steps.

To ensure you don’t commit the same mistakes, a professional new home builder shares some tips on what you should avoid.

Home Builder

#1. Selecting the wrong type of builder

There are many kinds of builders available for your needs. Some specialize in renovations, new homes, high-end buildings, and others in project homes. Take note that if you want a brand new home, a builder who specializes in extensions may not be the right one for you.

Not all builders have diverse services as well. Before you choose a builder, figure out first what type of home you want to make certain that you hire someone who is actually an expert in your kind of project.

#2. Going for the lowest price

Bear in mind that the builder that offers the cheapest quote isn’t always the best choice. It’s natural to look for a builder who can save you money when building a new home. However, it’s best to gather first a few quotes, then start from there.

If a builder offers a rate that’s too low, that should be a red flag. Usually, this means you have to sacrifice something during the project. Focus on finding great value rather than going for the lowest price.

#3. Failing to ask when there’s something you don’t understand

If there’s something you don’t understand about the project or what will be done or materials that will be used, never hesitate to ask the builder. There may be terms that only those in the home building industry can understand. Avoid getting the wrong idea, keep an open communication line with your chosen builder as this will work both ways.

#4. Getting a tentative quote

If a builder can’t provide you with a solid quote for your project, then consider searching for another one. Regardless of how detailed the plan is, there will still be things that won’t get included in the final construction process of your home. It’s crucial that you understand what these things are so that you can budget accordingly.

You will need a builder who is confident in their quote and won’t leave you with a lot of extra expenses in the end. This is extremely important especially during site preparation. Often, builders won’t cover any extra costs that arise throughout excavation like the removal of unexpected huge rock buried beneath the surface.

Ask your builder for a detailed ‘inclusions schedule’ that details what will get included and not included.

#5. Neglecting customer reviews

Taking the builder’s word for it isn’t enough. The best testimony for a builder’s good reputation isn’t only found in their project portfolio but also from reviews of previous clients. See whether their experience was good or bad; if there were budget blowouts, and any delays.

If they have an online presence, check the comments of their verified former clients and interact with them so you can back out if you need to, or enter into a contract with greater ease.

Do background checks

Obviously, references that a builder will offer or put up on their website are from clients who are happy with their work. It’s expected that they won’t show you the negative ones.

Ask to speak with customers who are still in the middle of the building process. These clients are more likely to give a reliable review. Moreover, they will probably withhold their biases (if any) until after the job gets finished.

#6. Not knowing who will oversee your site

Most of the time, the builder you will first meet and the person who gives you the quote may not even be working on your project. As early as possible, work out who your site manager will be. Since the site manager is someone you’ll be dealing from day-to-day, he or she should at least be knowledgeable and pleasant to work with.

Dream Home

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Get your dream home built

It goes without saying that hiring a new home builder is a huge decision coupled with significant consequences when done wrong. By avoiding the six common mistakes above, you have more chances of achieving your dream home without blowing your budget.

Once your new home is finished, don’t forget to do regular general maintenance checks as well as electrical and plumbing maintenance to promote longevity.

About the Author: Ben White is the Sales & Marketing Manager of Danmar Homes. He has had a passion for home construction from an early age as he grew up in construction and followed in the footsteps of his parents. At Danmar, we believe in building great homes of value for families that want to build an asset and their financial future through housing and developments.