When hiring a general contractor to build your custom home, it's vital to do your homework. Ending up with the wrong general contractor or home builder can be a costly headache, but taking the time to research professionals in your area will help you in the long run. Not sure what to look for during the selection process? We've got you covered! Keep reading for a few important tips to help you hire a general contractor for your new home.
Keep it Local
It's essential to shop around during the selection process before hiring a general contractor or custom home builder. That being said, hiring a local contractor tends to be the best solution. Keeping it local offers many advantages including cutting down on travel time and supporting your city's economy. In addition, choosing a contractor or home builder in your community can shave some costs and time off of your project. This is because most builders opt to work with local subcontractors and get supplies and materials from area retailers.
Check Credentials
The home building industry has many professional organizations for builders and remodelers to join. Before hiring a general contractor, make sure they are a member of a nationally recognized organization such as the following.
Determining their affiliation is easy. Most builders will display their membership affiliation on their website, but you can also ask them during the interview process. Many organizations also list members on their websites, which can also be a great way to get started on your search for a custom home builder.
Memberships with professional organizations are crucial because it gives builders credibility. The majority of these organizations also require members to take part in ongoing education and training. This adds peace of mind to your project because you can be confident your builder is up-to-date and knowledgeable.
Check the BBB
One of the best resources consumers have is the Better Business Bureau website. The BBB is a quick, easy, and free way to gain insight before hiring a general contractor or custom home builder. Simply search for the builder's name or company to see their BBB rating, reviews, and if they've had any past complaints.
Nothing Beats a Referral
Happy clients develop a good relationship with their general contractor over the course of their home building project. Most contractors will be happy to pass along contact information for a few past clients to give you references. But be wary if they can't, or won't, give this information to you. This red flag could mean they haven't been in business very long, or that they have a series of bad projects in their past.
When hiring a general contractor to build your custom home it may be tempting to jump to the lowest bid blindly. However taking a company's track record and qualifications into account when making your decision can prevent a lot of hassle, wasted money, and disappointment.