Builder

estesbuilders.com

Craig Stevenson
Project Manager
Estes Builders

Printable Brochure:
Selecting Your Builder

To begin selecting a custom home builder start thinking about what your needs during entire process of construction will be. What are your greatest concerns about building this new home? Whether it is concern about the completion time for the home, controlling the total cost of the project or home plan design questions, each client I meet has a few primary concerns about their project. If you have built other homes, recall which aspects of those experiences you enjoyed most - and least. What would you like to repeat? What would you really like to avoid?

Researching Builders

Your search begins by discovering who is building in the area where you want to live. Start to compile a preliminary list of candidates by reviewing a variety of sources.
Local chapter of the National Association of Home Builders can provide names of member companies.
Scan advertising in the real estate section of local newspapers. Local lenders can provide unique insight into the research process. They are often aware of which builders complete custom home projects on time and on budget. They will conversely know which ones are prone to being over budget and late.
Look for interesting homes that are under construction in the area you will be building. Some of the very best builders rely on referrals and do not advertise.

Narrowing the List

Now comes the important task of narrowing your list of potential builders. Look closely at each builder's finished work and work in progress. Your home will receive the same care and attention to detail as these homes. Consider your expectations of work quality, job site cleanliness, completion time, design assistance, and communication.

Meeting the Builder

Think of this meeting as interviewing the company. Look at floor plans and talk about the home you want. How well does this company listen? Are the builder's suggestions and comments helpful and relevant? Are your questions answered clearly and completely? Remember that your relationship with the builder will continue through the warranty period, so choose someone with whom you will be comfortable for the long term.

Ask for an Overview

This is your opportunity to have the undivided attention of a builder. Use it to determine if you will be comfortable entrusting them with the supervision of your home. Broad questions about the builder's philosophy and track record will reveal what you could expect as a custom home client.

For example: Does the builder use "allowances" when providing cost information on your proposed new home? An "allowance" is a guess at what you will spend on a certain item in your new home. With this process you are expected to visit the subcontractor directly during construction and find out if what you would like to select costs the same as your "allowance". "Allowances" are used less and less often these days due to the uncertainty they create in clients' financial planning. Ask instead for the builder to specify exactly what he proposes to include in the contract amount before you sign an agreement. This will enable you to make financial decisions up front, before ground is broken. The less surprises during construction, the more satisfied you will be with your new home.

Recommended Questions

How will you have your questions and concerns addressed during construction?
What will the builder's availability be if you want to talk directly during construction.
Is the builder comfortable building the quality of construction that you expect?
How does the builder qualify the competency of sub-contractors that will work on your home?
How long have these sub-contractors been working for the builder?
What is the builder's track record of extra charges that come up during construction?
What is the builder's track record for finishing custom homes on-time?
How do they service their warranty? Do you call the sub-contractor directly? What happens if the builder switches sub-contractors after your home is completed?
Have the builder describe what they consider a "completed" custom home. Does the builder expect work to occur after you have moved in?
Does the builder have a place of business that you can use for meetings?
How will you know exactly how much your home will cost? What will customizations cost?
Does the builder live in this community? Are they a local company?
What quality control systems does the builder have in place?

Answers to questions like these will reveal a lot about the builder. Ask yourself if they are a good fit for your project. Do their strengths match your needs? Are your expectations being met?

Ask to Review the Documents

Custom home construction relies heavily on the documents that record your agreement with your builder. Do the builder's documents look specific enough to avoid confusion and misunderstandings during construction? Review the builder's contract, specifications for the proposed home, and their warranty.

Check References

Learn first hand how the builder actually treats its clients. Reputable builders will be able to furnish a list of past clients for you contact. Also, ask to contact the builder's top three suppliers. They will know the builder's general organizational skills and if they pay their bills promptly.

Entrusting someone with the construction of your personal residence, your refuge, is no small matter. Through preparation and a little leg work, you should be able to find a builder that you "resonate" with on issues that are the most important for your project. One that will help develop your custom home blueprint and carefully construct your new home on-budget and on-time.

Craig Stevenson is the Project Manager of Estes Builders, a member of the North Olympic Peninsula Builder Association and the National Association of Home Builders. Established in 1989, Estes Builders has been leading the way in Clallam County with innovative home designs and professional project management.