Checklist for hiring a new builder

Aside from finding and buying a plot for your new home, few decisions are as important as choosing your house builder. Whether you already have a dream home in mind and need builders to make it a reality or want to get ideas from the experts first, get some guidance from the Home Builders Federations (HBF). Their checklist is an excellent starting point for future homeowners who are looking for the right builders.

Get meaningful recommendations. Start with your local or regional homebuilders’ association. These organizations can provide a list of member builders in good standing. HBF also offers a wealth of legal and environmental information specific to your area.

Family, friends and business associates can be a great source of recommendations, too. Ask around, and you’re sure to find someone who’s recently built. The new homeowners may be happy to share their thoughts on the builders, both positive and negative. If you don’t yet know anyone in the area, look online for forums and reviews. Keep in mind, though, that online reviews may not cover everything you’d like to know; when possible, it’s always best to speak to someone who can answer your specific questions.

Learn about the company. Find out how long your prospective builders have been in business. Companies that have been around for more than three to five years are likely to be more financially established than newer firms. Your builder should have a permanent office where you can reach the company for warranty service and any questions you may have. A permanent location also means having a good reputation with lending institutions, subcontractors and suppliers. Check out a Builder’s trade references and banker. Always nice to know if the plumber, HVAC, and electrician thinks the Builder are good to work with same with his Banker… does the Builder have enough net worth.

Check for any complaints filed against the builder. Your local Trading Standards website is a valuable resource for finding a reputable builder with a sterling reputation. The group’s website makes it easy to verify your builder’s good reputation.

Talk to your prospective builders. After vetting your possibilities, talk with the builders who most closely fit your needs to find out more about them. Ask about workers health and safety, welfare facilities, NHBC compliance and general liability insurance; responsible builders protect not only their workers but also you from liability.

During your meeting with the builder, ask about previous work. A quality homebuilder will proudly point to references and welcome questions about past and current construction jobs. If possible, arrange a visit to a newly built home or to a site still under construction. If you go on site, note the quality of the workmanship, but also, pay attention to how well you and your builder communicate. You’ll be working with this team for months before your home is completed and often afterward if you have questions about warranties. You need a builder who works well with you.

Read bids and contracts carefully. Be wary of unusually low bids; they may indicate a company that takes short cuts with construction or materials or lacks sufficient insurance. If a low price means the homebuilder cannot pay for materials as needed, that bargain could delay the construction of your home.

A clear, complete contract protects you and your builder from misunderstandings and complications, so it is a must. New homes should come with a full home warranty and a custom homeowner’s manual too, so set aside some time to read everything. You might consider having a Chartered Building Consultancy firm scan bids and contracts if you feel unsure about any aspect of the paperwork

About the author

Carl Nelson

Carl has over 15 yrs of experience in construction works including, Design & Planning, Project Management using GC/Wks & JCT Forms of Contracts. He is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Building (FCIOB) and member of the Chartered Institution of Occupational Safety & Health (MIOSH). Carl takes a keen interest in Adjudication and is a member of the Forum for International Conciliation& Arbitration (FICA) and a named member for Dispute Resolvers.