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How to Choose a Builder

Constructon projects could be as simple as painting the room. Some people do not even use contractors for the tasks like this thinking they will do amazing job on their own despite never doing it before. In some cases it works. When it comes to more sophisticated alterations there is no option do DIY unless you have skills and time. Therefore you have to choose the right contractor who can do the job for you.

 Here are some tips to help you choose a builder.

Make a List of Possible Builders

Once you have thought about the type of house alteration your property require. You have a list of option to take:

  • Contact your local home builders’ association to obtain a list of builders operating in your area.
  • Look online
  • Look in the property agency section of your local newspaper for builders and projects. Looking through the ads and reading the articles can help you to learn which builders are active in your area, the types of homes they are building and the prices you can expect to pay. Make a list of builders who build the type of home you’re looking for in your price range.
  • Local property agents may also be able to help you in your search.
  • Ask friends and relatives for recommendations. Ask about builders they have dealt with directly, or ask them for names of acquaintances who have recently had a good experience with a builder.
  • Appoint the architect. Thy have a list of favourite builders

Do Your Homework

When you have a list of potential builders, it’s time to start asking lots of questions — of both the potential builders and the owners of their homes.

  • Interview potential home builders to get the answers to all the questions you have.
  • Then, visit a builder’s recently built or renovated homes and subdivisions. Talk to several owners, and try to get a random sample of opinions. The more people you talk with, the more accurate an impression of a builder you are likely to get.
  • Some questions to ask home owners include: Are you happy with your home? If you had any problems, were they fixed promptly and properly? Would you try this builder with renovating your property again?
  • Usually, people tell you if they are pleased with their homes. And if they are not, they’ll probably want to tell you why.
  • At the very least, drive by and see if the homes are visually appealing.
  • When you talk to builders and home owners, take along a notebook to record the information you find and your personal impressions about specific builders and homes. Doing so will help you to make comparisons later.

Shop for Quality and Value

When you get into the subject you will find more and more places where you can see “completed projects” like instagram or facebook. If the opportunity comes try to visit the property renovated by the candidate builder and assess the quality yourself. 

The more open the builder is about showcasing their work the better. 

When examining a home, look at the quality of the construction features. Inspect the quality of the cabinetry, carpeting, trimwork and paint. Ask the builder or the builder’s representative a lot of questions. Get as many specifics as possible. If you receive the answers verbally rather than in writing, take notes. Never hesitate to ask a question. What seems like an insignificant question might yield an important answer.