Choosing a Builder
If you're in the market for a new home or want to invest in a remodeling project, you should shop for your builder as carefully as you shop for your home. Following are some tips to help you choose a general contractor that will meet your home-building or remodeling needs:
- Contact the Home Builders Association of Central Arizona to obtain a list of builders who construct homes in your area. For remodeling projects, contact the Building Trades Association or the Better Business Bureau.
- Tour the community that you live in or are planning to live in. Driving through the neighborhood can help you learn which builders are active in your area and the types of homes they are building. Make a list of builders who build the type of home you're looking for in your price range.
- Local real estate agents may also be able to help you in your search. Ask friends and relatives for recommendations. In the Arcadia area, Robert Joffe with Sotheby’s International Realty is a reputable source of information.
- Once you have a list of builders, the best way to learn about their reputations and the quality of their work is to visit homes they have built and talk with the owners.
- Ask builders on your list for the addresses of recently built homes or remodeling projects. Reputable contractors should be willing to provide names of homeowners who would be willing to talk with you.
- When you talk to builders and homeowners, take along a notebook to record the information you find and your personal impressions about specific builders and homes. Doing so will help you to make comparisons later. Some questions you can ask people include: Are you happy with your home? If you had any problems, were they fixed promptly and properly? Would you buy another home from this builder?
Finally, when examining a home, look at the quality of the construction features. Inspect the quality of the cabinetry, carpeting, trimwork and paint. Ask the builder a lot of questions. Get as many specifics as possible. If you receive the answers verbally rather than in writing, take notes. Never hesitate to ask a question. What seems like an insignificant question might yield an important answer.
Tips adapted from the National Association of Home Builders.
