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What To Look For In A New Home Builder
Buying a new home is
a big decision and you want to get full value for your investment. This means
choosing an established and reputable builder - someone you can trust, someone
who has the technical skills and knowledge to build a good home, and someone who
will deal with you fairly and professionally.
Fortunately, there are
many good builders around, and with a little effort you will have no trouble
finding someone who is right for you. Before you enter into a legal agreement
with anyone, you should do a little qualifying of your own: Is this the kind of
company that you want to do business with, and how can you be sure that you will
get the home and the service you want? Here are some questions you may want to
ask:
Is home building your profession? Home building is a serious
business. It takes commitment to keep up with everything going on in the
industry. It requires solid business skills and a track record of satisfied
clients. If a "builder" proposes to build your home as a part-time job, you
should proceed with caution. If this "builder" offers you a "better" financial
deal, you need to wonder if you will really save in the long run - the old adage
that you usually get what you pay for holds true for home buying as well.
What is your experience and how long have you been in business?
Good builders are proud of their track record and they will be happy to tell you
about their experience, their strengths and what sets them apart from others.
They will be honest with you about what they can do for you, when and for how
much.
Are you a member of a Home Builders' Association
(HBAYC, HBASC, NAHB)? Membership in the Association is an indication of a builder's
commitment to the industry, to the success of their own company and, ultimately,
to their customers. Members voluntarily adopt a Code of Ethics which calls for
fair and honest dealings with both consumers and the people they do business
with.
What after-sales service does your company provide?
Professional builders stand behind their homes with an after-sales service
program to correct minor problems that may occur with your new home. Ask how the
program works, how home owners request service, and how quickly service problems
are resolved normally.
Would we get a warranty with our new home?
New home warranty programs vary across the country, but they all have one common
goal: to provide protection for the home buyer's investment. In some regions,
there is a variety of warranties available. Ask builders to explain the
details-you want to make sure you get the warranty that best meets your needs,
both now and in the long term.
Will you give us references from your
past clients? Professional builders are pleased to provide references.
Contact past customers to find out how satisfied they are with their homes. Ask
if they were completed on budget and on time, what the builder was like to work
with (easy to talk with, understanding, helpful), and about the company's
after-sales service.
Can we visit your work site? The work site
offers many clues about the company and the quality of the builder's homes. Ask
for a tour of a home under construction and a chance to meet the site crew. Take
note of details: Is the site clean and well organized? Are materials properly
stored, out of the weather? Is your overall impression of the site and workers
positive?
Remember that when you buy a home you are also "buying" the
builder-you need to pay as much attention to choosing the right builder as you
do the right home. Taking the simple steps suggested here will give you the
information you need to choose a builder with confidence.
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