There are many, many choices when it comes to building or renovating a home. You’ll see countless ads, signs, and hear word of mouth horror stories. So how do you research a builder when the time comes?
- As with anything else: referrals, referrals, referrals! Ask other people who have gone through it how their experience was. Try a local ListServ, Parent Groups, Facebook Groups, send out emails to friends who can then pass on to people they know, etc. People love to talk about their experiences, both good and bad, so you’ll be able to compile a list.
- If you’re using an agent (you should be!), have them put out feelers to other agents in their office/colleagues. My office has over 300 agents in it and we get specific questions all the time about builders. Someone is bound to have information on them.
- Online research: check Facebook, Yelp, the BBB, Angies List, etc. Anywhere you can find something that might be written – read it.
- Dig deeper. Just to cover every angle, make sure you check that they’re licensed and have no pending litigation.
- Ask for references. Ask specific questions like: where they on time, on budget (Pending any unforeseen hiccups), communicative, etc.
I’ve been through the building process several times, so if you’re interested, please reach out via email or phone.