How to Choose a Custom Builder

Designing your own home can be an exciting process. It provides the opportunity to intimately create the perfect home for your family's needs. Yet, an enjoyable custom home experience requires choosing the right builder that can meet your needs with a quality custom home product.

Builders Integrity Group simplifies the task of selecting a custom builder by ensuring each member meets high-standards of quality and ethics. A B.I.G. builder will make sure that every new prospective customer has confidence in the following issues. These are items to carefully consider before working with any custom builder:

• Walk through a few of the builder's previous homes to determine whether the style matches your own.

Every custom builder adds their own distinctive touch and style to each home they build. By walking through completed homes or looking through a portfolio of photography, you can distinguish if the builder captures the vision of your home. Visiting these homes will also provide great ideas to incorporate into your own home.

• Ask for client references and call them.

Building a custom home is a detail-oriented process. Many unpredictable situations may arise during the months it takes to design and build your home. Buyers that have already been through the process will provide insight into how the builder responded to construction bidding, custom change orders, budget constraints, communication, and warranty issues. The builder's ability to handle various situations indicates the approach you can expect on your own home.

• Determine if a builder has strong industry relationships by checking lender and trade contractor references.

A quality custom home requires a builder that has strong industry relationship with trade contractors and construction lenders. B.I.G insists that every custom home buyer be provided with an industry reference list. Satisfied trade contractors ensure the buyer that contractors are committed to the builder and to providing a quality product. This also provides confidence that there will not be any surprises at the closing.

• Find out how long the builder has been in the custom home building business, and choose one that has been around for several years.

Longevity is important when choosing a custom builder. A builder who has weathered different economic climates is committed to quality-built homes. They will also have many satisfied customers to verify their commitment. A builder that has been around for the long-haul will also be around to fulfill any warranty claims. Every B.I.G. builder has been in business for over 20 years.

• Seek out a builder that is involved in local and national industry associations.

Builders actively involved in their local associations' care about the betterment of the new home industry. They want to make sure they uphold the high standards of the industry as well as stay abreast of the newest construction technology. Every BIG builder is required to show extensive leadership involvement in industry organizations.

• Ask if the builder is involved in ongoing industry education to keep abreast of the most up-to-date building technologies and materials.

The educated builder will provide fascinating ideas and items you can add to your home -- from appliances, cabinets, home entertainment systems, security systems, pre-wiring, energy saving items, allergy considerations, construction techniques, and many more. He will know the latest trends in design and can help you build a home that you and your family will enjoy "showing off" to family and friends.

• Read through the contract to ensure that you understand it and are getting full disclosure.

All builder contracts differ. Make sure you thoroughly read your builder agreement before starting construction on your home. All questionable items should be put in writing. By having all expectations agreed upon in advance, the buyer will know exactly what to expect and be able to resolve any miscommunications more quickly.

• Investigate the warranty and compare it to other standard warranties in the industry.

Most builders provide a one-year construction warranty. Find out as much as you can about what warranties the builder offers and have them put in writing. By understanding exactly what the warranty covers will protect you in the future of your home.

• Call a Builders Integrity Group member for a high-quality custom home experience.

Builders' Integrity Group (BIG) helps buyers choose the builder that's right for them. B.I.G. builders are recognized leaders in the custom building industry, who are committed to raising the industry's standards of value, home design, quality, customer service, and business ethics for the benefit of custom home buyers. When interviewing a B.I.G. builder, you can be sure that they will provide you with answers to all the above custom home process issues...and even go far beyond this short list.

B.I.G. members are well seasoned in the custom building industry with at least 20 years' experience and an established record of client satisfaction. Each agrees to operate by a written code of ethics, ensuring that customers are treated with honesty and integrity while receiving a home of enduring quality and design.

All members of B.I.G. are Home Builders Association (HBA) members in good standing. The group also includes former presidents of the HBA, members of the HBA Board of Directors, and directors of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). In recognition of their elite status in custom building, all BIG members are past winners of the prestigious HBA "Builder of the Year" distinction.

Buyers are able to select a professional and ethical custom builder with confidence when they look for the B.I.G. seal of confidence. Builders with integrity ensure a positive custom home experience...and a home you can be proud of for years to come.

To contact a member of the Builder's Integrity Group, visit the B.I.G. Member page.