Questions You Should Ask When Searching for a Home Builder
Updating or renovating your home can be quite stressful. The entire experience can be frustrating if you rely on an inexperienced builder. However, the building process can be smoother by hiring the right home builder.
Finding a reputable builder for building homes demands asking the right questions before hiring them. That way, you’ll save yourself from heartache.
In fact, many homeowners face terrible experiences after hiring inexperienced builders. Such builders cut corners and end up doing a low-quality job. You wouldn’t want to go through such a terrible experience.
Thus, it’s important to choose home builders wisely. A reputable builder will ensure that your investment doesn’t go down the drain. They’ll turn your dream home into a reality.
If it’s your first time to deal with a home builder, you may be confused about how to go about the entire hiring process.
Here’re some questions you can ask to assist you in identifying a reputable builder.
1. Are you licensed?
A crucial question to ask a potential builder is whether they’re licensed. However, some people cut corners and hire unlicensed builders to save some money.
Unfortunately, the results are often disastrous. Unlicensed builders may not have the much-needed expertise to do a high-quality job.
Thus, only work with a licensed builder. You can check their licensing status from the local authorities or builders association.
2. Are you insured?
It’s also important to ensure that your builder gives you a home indemnity insurance certificate before hiring them.
The insurance will cover you for any financial loss that may result from the inability of the builder to complete the work or if the builder becomes insolvent, runs away, or dies.
3. Who will supervise the construction?
It’s necessary to know who’ll be supervising the construction. There should be a supervisor on the site to ensure that all the teams involved in the construction are working towards a common goal and doing a high-quality job.
Also, check for reviews from their past clients to know the kind of experience they got when working with the builder.
4. Can I see your recently completed projects?
A reputable builder should be comfortable to allow you to see their recently completed projects. By seeing their recent work, you’ll easily tell the kind of work they can do.
While at it, check the kind of construction materials they used and whether the work pleases you.
If possible, talk to their recent clients for reviews. That way, you’ll get first-hand feedback about their workmanship.
5. Will you be working on other projects while handling my project?
You definitely want to work with a builder who’ll give your project full attention.
A builder who concentrates on one project at a time will be able to complete it faster with little or no mistakes. Thus, avoid hiring builders who work on several projects simultaneously.
6. Do you work within the same area I’m building?
Many homeowners fail to ask this simple question, yet it’s extremely important. Some builders are hardly interested in offering their services in areas where they’ll travel.
In such cases, they often hire subcontractors whose reputation isn’t well known. Consequently, your project might not be completed as per your expectations.
It’s advisable to work with local builders as you’re more likely to know their reputation. Also, reputable local builders often work with trusted local subcontractors.
7. Do you have any past or current disputes with the local building commission?
Getting the right answer to this question will allow you to know whether the builder is professional and reliable. Also, you’ll be able to tell about their quality of workmanship.
8. Do you have a long-term trade base?
A builder who has a reliable and consistent trade base will guarantee you that they’re experienced and will deliver a high-quality job.
9. For how long do you offer building maintenance?
Reputable builders will agree to carry out building maintenance after completing the work and handing over the house to you.
A reputable builder should offer building maintenance for 6 months for residential houses and 12-18 months when dealing with commercial properties.
10. Has your company ever been bankrupt?
A building company that has faced bankruptcy means that they may lack the financial muscle required to complete your project successfully.
They may leave the work incomplete and you’ll end up spending more money and time to look for another contractor to complete the project.
In conclusion, always remember that building a house is a massive emotional and financial investment. Always take your time to confirm whether a potential builder is the right one for you before hiring them.
Thus, ask the aforementioned questions and verify their credentials and workmanship before you sign a contract.