How to Choose a Custom Home Builder

Deciding to build a custom home is a huge decision. Choosing to build the home you want instead of searching for one on the market that’s “close enough” can not only be stressful but also one of the most rewarding for you and your family. Why shouldn’t you have your actual dream home?

Selecting a custom home builder to partner with sets the tone for your entire experience. But just who should you work with? And how can you go about making that decision?

Here’s a simple guide to help you select the best custom home builder for your project.

Speak to the Custom Home Builder

No doubt you will have plenty of questions about the process and practices when finding a partner to build your custom home. It’s natural. The best place to begin in selecting a custom home builder is to speak to them yourself.

Speaking to the home builder serves two purposes.

First, a reputable builder should be willing to take the time to speak with you and answer all of your questions. Building a custom home is a complex process. Good builders understand that and are always willing to offer insight to prospective clients.

Second, it will provide you with valuable answers to your questions. This is information you need to know and you shouldn’t be afraid to get it. Take your time and prepare a list of questions for your builder. Think about all of the aspects of custom home building that confuse you or you are curious about. Write those down and contact the builder you’re interested in working with.

Not sure where to start with your questions? Consider these questions as a starting point.

• How many of your homes come in under or on budget?
• What is a realistic timeline for project completion?
• Do you work off of set floor plans? Or do you work with custom floor plans as well
• What does your building process look like?
• Are you licensed and insured?
• Do you have a warranty program?
• What’s included in your quote? How do you determine the final price?
• Have you built homes similar to what I’m looking for?
• Who supervises our project? How often will they be on-site?
• What can we expect from you in regard to communication?
• Can you give me any references from previous custom home clients?

This list isn’t exhaustive, just a jumping-off point. Feel free to ask any questions you may have about your builder. If you need to know it to make a decision, don’t be afraid to ask it.

Check the References

Following up with references is always a good bit of research to do for your custom home building project. Many builders will provide you with references if you ask for them, but there is another way to look into this as well that can provide some additional insights.

Have any of your friends or family worked with the builder?

Learning about the experience friends and family had during a custom home building project is an invaluable resource. People you trust will be forthcoming with details of their experience, giving you a much fuller insight into who will be working on your custom home building project.

When checking with references or friends and family, be sure to ask some basic questions to get a good idea of the builder.

• How was the communication?
• Did the project stay on budget? Was the builder helpful with that?
• When issues came up, how did the builder handle those?

Remember, don’t be afraid to ask whatever you need to know. These are just a couple of good starting questions for your reference.

What Makes a Good Custom Home Builder?

Answering this question is what it’s all about.

What does make a good custom home builder?

A good partner in building your custom home with be open, honest, and forthcoming with any information you need. This is a sign of good communication and a dedication to making the project work. Additionally, they will be patient and won’t make you feel dumb for asking questions.

Good custom home builders will have a defined process that they are willing and able to discuss with you. They understand that custom home building is a dynamic process subject to changes and market forces, but will address and plan for them ahead of time. They will also have a solid list of references and will provide them to you eagerly to give you an idea of what you can expect working with them.

There are some warning signs though, and we wanted to list a few to help you. Good custom home building partners shouldn’t:

• Use sales techniques that are high-pressure
• Fail to provide you with a definite and clear contract
• Be unwilling to take time to answer questions and explain their process
• Be unwilling to provide client references
• Create mystery and confusion around their process and methods

Bottom line, if you take the time to do your research and ask the questions you need answered, you should be able to find a great building partner for your new custom home.

Your Custom Home Building Partner in Charleston, SC

At Stono Construction, we’re passionate builders. Partnering with you on your custom home building project is our way of serving our friends and neighbors in our community. When you want to build your dream home, you shouldn’t be left in the dark or worried about the process. That’s why our team truly partners with you, creating open lines of communication and making sure you understand the process from start to finish.

If you’re interested in building a custom home or have questions about the process, we’re happy to answer them. Contact us today.