Finding New Home Builder for Sell

If you are planning to build a new home or to remodel an existing one, looking for builders with the know -how to get the job done right can be a challenge. It is the job of a general contractor to manage a project from start to finish, from working with architects and securing planning permits with local municipalities to the final coat of paint. A skilled general contractor can make new construction or renovation a great experience; a poor builder guarantees the journey will be a nightmare.

When choosing a general contractor, you want to look for contractors who are licensed and insured contractors with ample experience, especially in the type of construction you want done. A builder who generally manages finishing basements has a different skill set than a contractor who focuses on new construction, LEED homes.

Beginning your search by asking family or friends or co-workers for names of builders with whom they have worked in the past is a great place to start. Like most other business, general contractors generate the bulk of their business from referrals, and so it is important for them to establish good working relationships with the clients they service.

If you strike out talking with family and friends, check with the National Builders Association. They can help assist you by providing names and numbers of qualified local contractors in your area. You can also search the web. Most general contractor will have a website with contact information, a bio about them and pictures of current and past jobs.

A fourth place is to talk to the building and planning office in your area. Builders who do quite a bit of work will be known among the staff and the planners would be happy to let you know which among the contractors are organized and experienced.

Once you have put together a list of potential candidates, sit down with each and explain to them what the job is you are looking to do. Provide as much information as you can. Plans, sketches, even ideas of your vision will go a long way to helping the builder tell you the reality of your dream and the cost of it. You want to get at least three quotes from different builders. Ask each builder to provide several references. The really good contractors will also invite you to come see their handiwork on recently finished jobs and talk to the homeowners directly.

Regarding the estimates you receive, it is important to have a competitive bid, the price should not always be the determining factor. In the construction business, you definitely get what you pay for. The excellent contractors in your area do and should charge a higher fee for their experience and quality of work. The estimates should also be a ‘fixed cost’ estimate. This keeps you from footing the bill for any extras that the contractor failed to take into account. A ‘cost plus’ contract is one where you agree to pay for all the labor and material costs and then the builder adds a percentage to the final amount and that is his fee. When costs increase, you may find yourself paying a lot more than what you originally budgeted, so be careful. Know more about Builders and Builder.