Step 3: Choose your Team

You'll need a team of experts to design and construct your house. Key players will include a builder, an excavator, a surveyor and a home designer or an architect. Many homeowners begin by selecting the builder or contractor. That professional then selects other members of the team. However, you may also opt to hire an architect or designer first (more on this in Step 4!).

When choosing your builder, we recommend the following:

Finding a builder

  • Contact your local chapter of the National Association of Home Builders for a starter list.
  • Get referrals from real estate agents, friends, and family.  Someone who has dealt directly with a home builder can give you good advice on things to consider when you choose a builder yourself.

Checking credentials

A home builder is someone you'll have to work with closely for an extended period of time -- usually several months to a year or more between construction and the warranty phase.  So it's important to do your homework and look for a builder who's reliable. When you check credentials, look for the following:

  • Experience: Look for a builder who has a large portfolio of residences like the one you want to build.
  • A good BBB rating: Check the Better Business Bureau's website to make sure your home builder doesn't have an excessive amount of complaints.
  • Affiliations and rewards: Has the builder received special certifications, industry awards, or membership in professional associations?
  • Permanent business address: A permanent business address and good record with local banks and suppliers indicate that a home builder has a stable, successful business.

Look for a builder who has been in business for at least three to five years.  It usually takes a business that amount of time become financially sound.  Your home builder's financial stability is important because you need to know that he'll be around to finish your construction and then handle any issues that pop up later.

When you're sure that a home builder has both a stable business and the expertise to build your new home, interview him.  Ask about his current projects and have him provide references. Be sure to follow up with the builder's references because these clients can attest to the builder's strengths and weaknesses.  Ask the clients if they are happy with their new home.  Were there any problems with the home?  How quickly were problems fixed?  Be sure that a home builder will be responsive to your inquiries.

The final step in choosing a trustworthy home builder should be to examine his work firsthand.  Have the builder take you on a tour of a recently completed home or model home.  Look at the quality of construction features and the durability of building materials.  Look at every detail and ask the builder plenty of questions to get a good idea of what to expect from the home building process.