Fri, May 9

Finding the Right Builder for Your New Home

The type of home you want to build determines the type of builder you need. From specialties to the size of the firm, careful consideration in choosing a builder can assure that the amount of time, emotion and money you invest in the building process will result in a comfortable home that you will enjoy for years.

There are three types of builders: production builders, semi-custom builders and custom builders. Each category has advantages and disadvantages.

Production builders are organized for higher volume construction. They have standardized model homes that you can tour to study the quality of their work. Because they provide standardized choices for floor coverings, tiles, countertops, light fixtures, cabinets and exterior finishes, it is faster and easier to make selections based on cost and quality.

Through repetition, the production builder has worked the bugs out of floor plans and can build your home more quickly. Higher volume work, such as in a subdivision, and advantages in scheduling trade contractors can result in significant cost savings.

A disadvantage to choosing a production builder is that any change to the floor plan that alters the structural elements, such as foundation walls, requires reengineering and resubmission of plans to the building department. These expensive and time-consuming steps disrupt the momentum of high-volume construction.

Semi-custom builders work with existing plans, but are flexible regarding changes. Some homebuyers feel more comfortable starting with a plan, rather than developing their own. The disadvantage to making changes to an existing floor plan is that the fine-tuning takes time and money. When floor plans are changed, the economies of large-volume work are lost, resulting in higher prices.

Custom builders specialize in starting with a blank sheet of paper and creating a unique home. They have experience with a wide variety of finishes, unusual treatments and design details. Because each house is one-of-a-kind, homebuyers can expect a significant initial investment in time and dollars for design development and the creation of working blueprints and specifications.

Finding the right builder. Start by calling The Home Builders Association of Metropolitan Harrisburg (HBA) at 717.232.5595, and asking for a list of builders. A visit to one of our area home shows can bring you face-to-face with builders and help narrow the field. Check newspaper advertising and real estate agents, as well as the time-honored tradition of driving around and looking at new homes. If you’re moving a long distance from your current residence make a visit to your new city and use the methods described above. Remember that many builders and real estate companies have websites.

Things to consider. Once you have a general knowledge of the available builders, narrow your list of potential choices down to one. Look closely at each builder's finished work and their work in progress. Notice the quality of site management to see if homes and materials are reasonably protected from weather, traffic damage and theft.

When you meet the builder, ask about things that are important to you and get a sense of the company's personality to make sure you are compatible. Ask to meet the person who will be in charge of building your home. What experience does he or she have?

Ask if your builder will provide a homeowner’s manual that will guide you through the building process and serve as a reference after you move-in. Find out who to contact with questions during construction. Are there routine points when you will be invited to tour your home and have the company's undivided attention to discuss questions? What is the policy on change orders? Ask to see the contract documents and warranty, and take blank copies home. Pay close attention to sample specifications and written warranty standards.

Your research will likely lead you to the same names again and again. When the price range is in line with your budget, and you feel more excited than ever to get started, you have probably found the right builder.