Building a New Home - 5 Tips for Finding Local Home Builders

 As a builder I am always interested to hear how people came across my name when searching through the many local builders available in their area. So I always ask the question, "How did you hear about me?" The answers I have come across are quite creative and would benefit anyone who is wanting to build a new home and seeking to find home builders in their area.

southern Maine builder

5 Tips to Getting Started:


Ask your local banker I frequently hear this response and it makes sense if you think about it. Your local banker underwrites a lot of home loans for home buyers and builders in your area. Bankers are the ones who know if the home builder stayed within budget or went $30,000 over budget. He/she knows which builders are in financial trouble and which builders are not. Most local banks require custom builders to become "qualified" or keep an "approved" local builders list on file. Asking your banker for references is a great place to begin because he/she will not suggest builders that are not top-quality. Banks want happy customers, and that translates into a custom builder who can deliver within budget and on schedule.

Open Houses/Realtor Attend open houses of previously built custom homes in your area. This will allow you to see the level of quality that a certain custom builder provides. You can see first-hand how the materials and craftsmanship of the home is aging after 3-5 years. If you like (or dislike) the house, ask the realtor, "Who is the builder of this home?" The realtor will most likely know the answer or can find out for you from the owners.

Friends Bad contractor stories spread faster than a forest fire. You would surely warn all your friends if a builder went thousands of dollars over budget and you had to acquire a second mortgage. Ask friends and coworkers if they know any local residential contractors.

Associations' Websites Every county or city has a home building association. These home building organizations can provide a list of local builders that are members of their organization. These are good home building resources because a credible home builder will be a member of these types of home building organizations.

NAHB is the National Association of Home Builders http://nahb.org

Your State HBA

Your City or County's HBA

Your State Home Builder Licensure Board/Agency

Architect or Draftsman When working with a local architect or draftsman who renders your home plans, ask them for a list of local residential contractors in the area. If they are willing to provide referrals, ask if they would recommend two or three builders that they think would work well with your personality, home size and budget. Your draftsman has become acquainted with your style throughout the plans stage and they could recommend local building professionals for the bidding process.

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