Diana Homes, Inc. - How to Choose a Home Builder

Below is some information that we thought you might find useful
in your quest to find the builder that's just right for you.

It’s a good idea to visit an actual home (or remodel Job) built by the Builder and make your own judgments. The Builders Association’s Parade of Homes and other similar promotions are an excellent opportunity to see the work of several Builders at the same time. It’s best if the Builder can show you a similar home (or job) to the one you want to have built
Choose a Builder who you feel comfortable with and who deals with you in a professional manner. Builder-Buyer communication is an important part of building or remodeling. Personality conflicts or poor communication can sour the normally happy experience of building or remodeling a home. Select a Builder that you like and can work with, one who tells you what you need to know, not just what you want to hear, one who listens, one who can explain his/her procedures for handling consumer decorating choices and allowances, change orders, punch list, warranty work, etc; one who puts all important agreements in writing.
Check out the Builder’s tract record with previous customers. Most Builders are proud of their record and are more than happy to have you talk with previous customers. Try to talk to someone who has used the Builder on a similar job to the one you are contemplating, whether it is a remodel, a starter home, or a large custom home. Also try to talk to more than one. It’s generally a good idea to talk to a recent buyer as well as one who has owned the home long enough to report on how well the Builder stands behind his work.
Check to see if the Builder is a member of the Builders Association. Most established Builders in the area are members of the Builders Association. It’s not a guarantee, but membership is a good indication that the Builder cares enough about his profession to want to access to the latest information on all aspects of the building business. Membership in the Builders Association is voluntary and it is an indication that a Builder takes (His or Her) profession seriously.
Check the Builder out with the Better Business Bureau. Find out if the Builder has a complaint history. If so, was the Builder responsive to the complaint? Was it an isolated incident or is there a pattern?
Consider warranties. Most reputable Builders offer some sort of written express warranty. Many offer long-term express warranties backed by insurance. The primary advantage of insured warranties is that they provide protection even if the Builder is no longer in business.
Be careful of "special deals". Sometimes it seems that everybody wants a special deal, but special deals have gone bad, and low-ball bids by inexperienced contractors can cause problems later on. If you go after a special deal or low-ball bid, do it with your eyes open. More than likely you are paying for the lower price with increased risk. If you are looking for value, the lowest price and the best price are not necessarily the same thing. Don’t expect to get something for nothing. A little extra money spent now for a proven Builder, top quality materials and workmanship, energy efficiency, and certified wind resistant construction will pay off in the long run.