5 Tips Blog by John Cherveny

The Top 5 Tips You Need to Choose The Right Builder

Recently, I had to step into a custom home construction job that another home builder had defaulted on and simply walked away from. It wasn’t the first time and I’m sure it won’t be the last.

This particular project was not an easy one to take over. The home was less than halfway completed and there were many mistakes that needed to be corrected.  Fixing and finishing this house meant having to redo the plans, redo areas of work, delays in completing the job, and over expenditure by the clients. Over the past 30 plus years as a custom home builder, I’ve seen this sort of thing happening more often than you might think. There are many reasons a builder might default on a home construction project. These include poor cash flow, mismanagement of subcontractors and employees, poor estimating (neglecting to include overhead in computations) on price,and/or taking on more projects than they can handle (poor management systems). They must do their research to know who they are hiring to build their homes.

There are many other things that can go wrong between a builder and a client as well – a clash of personalities, billing errors, cutting corners on products, disagreements on details, going over budget, etc.

I am a custom home builder with a growing and thriving business. I have adhered to a set of guiding principles that I have stayed true to throughout my 30-year career. I draw on my investment banking experience and working with subs and suppliers for expertise as a whole entity. These systems combined with degrees in management, and finance have set me apart from others in the industry. My business model is a success for myself and my clients. My company, Homes by JMC, has longevity, stability to handle numerous high-value homes, and we have hundreds of happy clients.

Given our successes and knowing what works, I have created a list of 5 tips you need to consider to help you choose a quality builder for your home construction project.

My 5 tips:

1. Check the Quality of Work

Your first priority when selecting a builder should be the quality of their work. Ask to tour past projects, be sure to check references, and question the builder about the structural materials he uses including those within the foundation, floors and ceilings that you can’t see. Ask the builder how his homes are unique.

2. Good Communication Flow

Find a builder you can click with completely. The ideal builder will ask questions and listen to your goals and vision. They will work hard to understand what products and design will best fit your lifestyle. Everyone connecting on needs and wants early in the process can help avoid problems later and manage expectations. You want a builder who responds promptly and makes you feel like you are an important customer. They have staff support to answer phones and address your questions and concerns.

3. Your Builder Should be Available and Answer Your Questions

Some of the best builders to work with are available. They will gladly answer the phone. People don’t like phone trees, phone tag or voice mail. They like to speak to a real person when they call. A builder should tell you their building plan and what products and methods they use that set them apart from the rest in the beginning and during the process. They will also tell you about all the different people who will be helping build your home.

4. Do Your Design Research

Browse builder portfolios and past floor plans. Ask the builder to show you some of their past and current work in person. Ask to speak directly to several past and current clients. If the builder won’t do that, that should be a red flag. Know if the builder offers design and build services or offers existing house plan options which can help control price expectations from the start. Or does the builder need to start from scratch with an approved architect.

5. Hire based on the Scope of Your Project.

Find the right kind of builder for your project. A builder suitable for a luxury home project has to be well-organized, have support staff, and have a team that can produce exceptionally high-quality work.

 Selecting a builder you can trust gives you the best outcome for your home project.

Although it’s quite an accomplishment to play the hero and save the day by completing someone else’s home projects, it costs consumers extra time and money in the long run. Hiring a builder based on reputation, longevity and financial security can make all the difference. Whether completing another builder’s work or a new project, these are the key elements to look for to complete your project on time and stay within your budget. There’s no magic wand for selecting the right builder for you. But, following these tips may help lead you toward a builder you can trust and will help ensure you get a top-quality home while staying satisfied with the process.