If you want to build a home, then one of the first steps you'll need to take is to find a construction contractor to do the work. This is not always as easy as it may sound. There are tons of great contractors out there, but not everyone is going to be the right fit for your needs. Here are some tips that will help you choose a great construction contractor to build your home.
1. Look for someone with an in-house architect.
Before anyone starts digging a foundation or putting up support beams, you'll need to have plans drawn up. You could have this done by an independent architect and then hand the plans off to your contractor. But this can lead to some communication issues and challenges between the builder and the contractor. The process will go more smoothly if you find a construction firm that employs in-house architects to do the drawings. This way, you know the architect and builders are used to working together and collaborating.
2. Visit some of the homes the contractor has built.
Looking at pictures and floor plans can be a helpful way to get an idea of what a specific contractor prefers to do. However, there's nothing quite like seeing a home in person. Ask the contractor if they have any homes that are mostly built but still unoccupied. With the permission of the homeowner, you can often get in to see these homes. Make sure the sort of homes the contractor is building are in line with what you want. For example, if all of a contractor's homes are very open and modern, but you want a more traditional home, then this may not be the right contractor for you to hire.
3. Talk about timelines from the onset.
Every contractor books their projects a little differently. Some may not book one project until they are almost done with the previous project. Others book their builds months or even a year in advance. As you talk with different contractors in the area, always ask what their timeline looks like. If you need to have a home built within a year, for instance, then you need to hire a contractor who can commit to this timeline.
If you adhere to the guidelines above, you should settle on a contractor who does a great job of seamlessly building a home you enjoy.
Share