Modular Home Builder Criteria
When choosing a builder there are three questions that need to be answered.
- Will the builder produce what I expect for the project?
- Will I pay a fair price for the services rendered?
- Will the project be completed in a timely manner?
If you are a wise consumer, you already know that there are many builders in your area that would be happy to take your project. However you also know that there are plenty of horror stories about builders and projects that did not turn out the way they were expected to.
How can you avoid trouble on your project? Search for a builder that you can trust with not only your most important investment, your home, but also with your family's future as well. Keep the following list in mind as you begin your search.
- Integrity
When choosing a builder the most important thing to look for is integrity, and the only way to know if you have found it is references. Speak with at least three recent clients and ask them how their experience was with the builder. How did he/she perform on the three questions above? Did they seem to care about the client and the project? Did they communicate well? Was the price fair? Did they complete the project in a reasonable time and within the agreed upon budget? Would the client do business with them again?
- Experience
A builder has a huge responsibility on a project. All aspects of the project fall squarely on his/her shoulders. Understanding the scope of the project completely from the initial design to the last stroke of paint is critical to being able to produce good results in all three areas listed at the top of this page. Experience is key. A builder that has years of recent experience on projects similar to yours will have the skills to pull it all together. He is the hub of the entire project and every subcontractor and vendor needed will have to be able to effectively communicate with him. He must be constantly available to answer questions about the details and have a thorough knowledge of every aspect of construction. He must be organized and efficient. Look at his more recent projects to assess the attention to detail in the finish work and talk with the clients.
- Ability
A good builder will have good tools and good people working with him. He will only use subcontractors that are licensed, insured and trusted. He will use the same people on virtually every job because he knows how valuable it is to have people he can trust on the job. He will have a good working vehicle and a clean, organized office. His estimates and contracts will be professional and detailed and he will be using up to date technology to help him. The bottom line is, when it is time to do the job, he has the ability to get it done.
- Insurance and Licensing
Building codes enforcement officials are better trained and more strict than ever before. Attempting to proceed with construction on a project without the proper licenses, permits and insurance can result in heavy fines and penalties. Codes are changing daily and only the most diligent builders are able to keep up with them. If a person is hurt on your property due to construction the lawsuit that can result from that injury can ruin your family financially if your builder is not properly insured. General liability and workman's compensation insurances are the minimum needed for your protection and builder's risk may also be necessary on new construction projects. Never work with a builder that is not licensed and insured for the type of work you need.