My father as well as you have been formulation to set up the brand new home. Our subsequent step is to find the builder in the area. Is there anything which you need to be discreet of when selecting the builder, given this is the initial time you have been frightened of being taken value of. Please any recommendation will help.
Thanks
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4 Responses to “BUILDING A NEW HOME – FIRST TIME?”
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May 28th, 2010 at 7:16 pm
Absolutely get a Realtor to represent you. A quality builder did not get where he is by playing fair all of the time. They are professional negotiators, and you are not…at least not on real estate issues. You need a good Realtor to represent you.
Also, look hard at the allowances that they give for each item. They usually give absolutely bottom dollar and if you actually want faucets taht are made of something more solid that celophane (obvious exageration) it will cost you extra.
If you want a referral to a good Realtor in your area, I have been a Realtor for several years and have a network of over 300 Realtor that I personally know and trust around the country. Email me what area you are in, and I will let you know if I have one in your area.
I cannot stress enough that you NEED a Realtor to represent you, and if a builder tells you that he will give you a discount without one, do not do it…they will pay your Realtor, and that is one HUGE investment that you are making. You want a professional on your side.
May 29th, 2010 at 9:06 pm
Don’t make a mistake……. Get your bid in writing. ASK what happens if they go over their estimate.
Get a bid on the JOB,,,,,,,,,, NOT, a pay as you go house where you pay them hourly.
We did these but still ended up paying about 50% OVER the bid. They did a wonderful job but didn’t follow anything.
We got cheated big time, and they were Amish and Mennonites. Be watchful.
There are organizations that rate builders, plus there should be a list at you chamber of commerce.
May 31st, 2010 at 1:21 pm
Find an established builder. We just built a new house and we had the best luck, but I have heard lots of horror stories.
If you are building in a new neighborhood or subdivision, knock on people’s doors that have lived there awhile and ask them about the experience and their home. That is what we did. Our builder had about 30 plans to choose from. We thought about how we would use the space to choose the right plan, and then we knocked on peoples doors who had that house and asked if we could take a peak. Everyone we asked was very friendly. After seeing furniture in the space, we decided to bump it out five feet in the living room.
I love my house and the experience.
Check with the better business bureau, ask around, check to see if the house was delivered on time, what kinds of structural problems arose in the first year and how quickly problems were resolved. That is what I would ask.
The idea about a realtor is a good one. We didn’t do that, but it definately would have gotten us more allowances for lighting and other things.
June 1st, 2010 at 11:26 pm
Ask questions….
Then
Find out if your state requires licensing for contractors. Some states only require builders pay a fee for a permit, others require a test. check with the bbb for complaints. Interview several, ask questions on things you don’t understand. Do they carry a GL policy and a workers comp policy… is it in force or have they paid the premium. How long have they been in business? Can they provide references? Do they warranty their work? For how long?
Not all, but its a start…