7 Tips For Choosing a Builder For Your New Home

Are you embarking on the exciting journey of building your dream home? Choosing a home builder is a significant decision, and you want to ensure that the builder you select aligns with your vision and lives up to your expectations.

With over 20 years of experience in the design and build industry, our team at AV Architects + Builders has gained extensive knowledge and expertise in home building. We understand how difficult it is to navigate the intricacies of having to compare different architectural styles, construction techniques, and quality standards. Our expertise enables us to provide you with the guidance and support you need to make an informed decision on choosing the right home builder.

In this article, we discuss valuable tips to help you choose the best builder for your new home. We'll share our knowledge about evaluating a builder's previous work, assessing licenses and insurance, understanding their experience with architects, evaluating their construction team's expertise, and clarifying pricing and upgrades. By the end of this article, you'll have a better understanding of what you need to focus on to find the right builder who can turn your dream into a reality.

So, let's dive in and discover the 7 tips for choosing a builder for your new home.

1. Consider what you want the style of your new home to be and focus on the builders with experience building in your style. To do this, go online to look at the builder's previous designs and houses they have built to determine if their style aligns with your preferences. Builders often maintain continuity in their style, so finding someone with expertise in your preferred style means they will have the insight and knowledge needed to deliver exceptional results.

2. Read the reviews left by previous clients. Don’t just look at the star rating, but actually take the time to read some of the recent reviews left on a builder’s business page. Reading these reviews allows you to get a taste of what working with this builder is like, as well as give you insights into their track record and customer satisfaction.

3. Whenever possible, visit a house built by the builder in person. This allows you to assess the quality of construction firsthand and get a feel for the craftsmanship. If you’re looking into choosing a production builder, you might even be able to tour a home that is the same model or similar to the one you will be purchasing and building. If you are considering choosing a semi-custom or custom builder, you may not be able to tour a home that is similar to the one you want to build, but you can still get a feel for the builder’s quality of construction and the level of finishes they typically use.

4. Look for builders who possess the necessary licenses and insurance to operate in your area. A Class A license is typically the highest construction license available and demonstrates the builder's capabilities for handling larger projects. Additionally, inquire if the builder only works with licensed and insured subcontractors. This confirms that all trades involved in the construction process of your home meet the required standards and share liability, reducing your risk as the homeowner.

5. Inquire if the builder has experience working with architects. A builder’s ability to understand and interpret architectural plans can make all the difference on your new home project. Consider finding a design-build firm that combines architectural and construction expertise in-house for a seamless process from design to construction. One common lie from builders is the assertion that you don't need an architect for a custom home.

Architects bring valuable design expertise and ensure that your vision is translated into architectural plans that align with your lifestyle and aesthetic preferences. Builders who discourage working with architects may lack the necessary understanding and appreciation for the value an architect adds to the project. To evaluate a builder's stance on this matter, ask if they have experience building houses designed by architects and consider reaching out to those architects for feedback on what it was like working with said builder. 

6. Ask the builder about their trades team or subcontractors. The quality of a new home is influenced by three factors: the management of the project, the quality of the materials, and the skill level of the tradesperson or installer. That is why it is important to inquire about the level of expertise possessed by their tradespeople. Some builders have an in-house trades team, others subcontract their trades, and the rest do a combination of both. Either way, it is important to make sure the builder you choose is working with a well-rounded team of tradespeople who bring all the necessary skills to any unique or complex aspects of your project.

7. Get a clear understanding of what is included in the standard base price versus what is considered an upgrade or add-on. Unfortunately, some builders can misrepresent what is included in their pricing. Builders may provide a base price that seems attractive, but fail to disclose that many desirable features or finishes are considered upgrades, resulting in additional costs later on. To avoid this, ask for a detailed list of both standard features and upgrades. Clarify what is included in the base price and the associated costs for any desired upgrades. Understanding these details upfront will help you make an informed decision and prevent unexpected expenses later on. 

Choosing the right builder is an essential step in bringing your dream home to life. By considering their qualifications, comparing their work, and asking the right questions, you can make an informed decision that ensures your project's success. Remember, quality and expertise are key, so prioritize builders who align with your vision and have a proven track record of delivering exceptional homes. Good luck with your new home project and feel free to reach out to us with any questions about the home building process.

Who are AV Architects + Builders?

At AV Architects + Builders, we design and build modern homes utilizing the Master Builder approach. Our proven turnkey process is what you need for single-point accountability and minimizing all the stress of building a new home. You’ll be guided from start to finish by our team of Master Builders … from helping you find a perfect lot to handing you the keys. Consider us an all-in-one solution.

What’s more, our beautifully designed homes are constructed using the highest quality sustainable materials — making them easy to maintain. Our stress-free Master Builder process allows empty-nesters, busy professionals, and families with small children the feeling of Vacation Style Living™ all year round.

What is Our Process?

Architectural master planning is the critical first step in any design process. It is the creation of a framework in which the whole project proceeds.  While it may seem like a given to put thought behind the planning process, some don’t realize how helpful the art of master planning can be to your home project.

During the process, our team considers all aspects of the project including, the design and style of the home, surrounding infrastructure and utilities, local government requirements, budget, and so on.  By creating a master plan, the entire project is likely to go as planned and lead to an exciting final home design.

We have a strong client focused approach, and our design phase is structured to incrementally take you through the design of your home from concept design to obtaining building permits. We begin with creating concept design options with 3 dimensional models while utilizing virtual reality software that will allow you to visualize and make important design decisions early in the process.

We continue to develop and refine the design through the design development phase by selecting and specifying the exact materials that will be part of your home.

With all this information we can provide you with a construction cost prior to the start of construction.  This also allows you to make any additions or subtractions to the scope of your project prior to the start of construction.

As the Master Builder we do not hand off a set of drawings to another builder and hope for the best, we are the builder. We take complete ownership of the construction process and protect the integrity of the design that we worked so closely with you to build your dream home.

Our team manages all aspects of pre-construction and construction. This integrated approach offers many benefits and efficiencies such as a streamlined design process, a more predictable budget, and accelerated scheduling.