The choice to build a custom home is exciting, but can also feel a bit overwhelming. While one of the main benefits of a custom home is that you can choose virtually every aspect of the design, this brings with it many decisions that need to be made.
To make this process go as smoothly as possible, take care to choose a custom home builder that is right for you. The best place to start is to make a list of potential custom home builders in your area. You can then begin narrowing down your list. Here are some considerations in choosing your custom home builder.
Don’t start with the price
Building a custom home gives you the freedom to design the home you want down to the last detail. This means that, while the price is certainly a big factor in your decision, not even a custom home builder can honestly give you an upfront price on an introductory call. Instead, look for a custom home builder that will keep you informed about how your needs and wants affect your budget and will help you navigate various options to stay within your comfort zone while still getting the home you want.
What are your expectations?
How involved do you want to be in the building of your custom home? Do you want your builder to handle all aspects from your first meeting to the day they hand you the keys? Or do you want to make decisions on every detail along the way? Choose a custom home builder that will give you the flexibility to work with you according to your desires and comfort level.
Floor plans shouldn’t limit you
It’s common for spec homebuyers to agonize over floor plans. They try to envision how they will use and live within every square foot of the floorplan presented to them. But a custom home’s floor plan can be crafted around your lifestyle. Choose a custom home builder that will partner with you to understand your needs and wants and tailor your floorplan to work best for you.
Style is your decision
Homebuyers tend to judge a custom home builder on the style of the homes they build. While this may give a homebuyer some idea of what the custom builder can do for them, the reality is that a custom home allows you and the builder to develop the style of your home literally from the ground up. Find a custom home builder that communicates well, has built high-quality homes, and follows through on its commitments.
Ask a lot of good questions
Once you’ve narrowed down your list of potential custom builders, it’s time to start asking lots of good questions from both your narrowed-down list of potential builders and also the owners of the past homes they’ve built. Ask your potential builders to put you in touch with some of these homeowners.
Ask the owners questions like, Are you happy with your home? If you had any problems, were they fixed promptly and properly? Would you buy another home from this builder? People will often tell you if they are pleased with their homes. And if they are not, they’ll probably want to tell you why. This is all valuable information to help you in choosing your custom home builder.