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Hints For Building a Custom Home

Most people harbor a wish for custom home building, but have no idea how to start the process.  Here are a few things to keep in mind when starting the process.

Do Your Homework

Ask friends, family and neighbors for referrals for companies who specialize in custom home building. Check with the Better Business Bureau to research each company’s history, and verify license information, professional standing, and outcomes of any claims filed against them.

Once you have a few names on your list, set up in-person interviews so you can get a good sense of each builder’s personality. Pay close attention: Do they seem evasive and avoid answering simple questions? Go with your gut reaction and weed out the companies that just don’t click with you.

Know Your Limits  

When you’re in the planning stages, it’s easy to get carried away with all the possibilities. You may want a three-story mansion, but it may be more realistic to build a bungalow given the size of the lot. Any reputable custom home building contractor will give you the benefit of his years of experience, and guide you through practical decisions to achieve your goals. This is why it’s important to find a contractor who has experience building homes with the type of design you have in mind.  

Don’t Settle  

While it’s important to be a little flexible when it comes to your final design, it’s equally as important that your contractor respect your choices and doesn’t try to overrule your decisions. In order to avoid wasting time and money, it’s important for both parties to communicate clearly at every stage of the planning and building process.

Building your dream home is a permanent decision, and finding a contractor who specializes in custom home building is a process that should leave you confident in his skills and satisfied that you’ve made the right choice.