You’ve decided to build your own custom home. You’re getting excited and considering all of the pieces that go into the process. And now, it’s time to find your custom home builder.
A custom home builder specializes in constructing made-to-suit homes for a specific client. Working with a custom builder allows clients to build a new construction home with their unique needs and style in mind. Unlike a contractor, a custom home builder handles the entire building process for the home.
But this isn’t always an easy process. The builder you choose will make a big difference in your finished product. And from floor plans and permits to finished landscaping, the right custom home builder will make the process enjoyable and help you accomplish your goal: to build the home of your dreams.
As a Boise custom home builder, we have plenty of experience on this topic. Let’s look at how to find your perfect fit in seven easy steps.
#1 – Identify Your Needs
Home builders have a wide variety of specialties. The first step in your process is to identify your needs, so you know which builders will be a good fit for you.
Here are the main categories that make the biggest difference in your custom home build:
- Lot and Location – If you already own a lot, you’ll need a builder willing to build there. Otherwise, most builders own a variety of lots for you to choose from.
- Customization Level – What level of customization are you looking for? The scale ranges from limited design packages to completely one-of-a-kind construction.
- Quality – High-quality builders use the best materials and will be more meticulous about details. Consider the quality of the build you want and how much quality is worth the cost.
- Style – Building a transitional farmhouse on acreage may require a different builder than a mid-century modern home on a hillside. Identify your style before you commit to a builder.
Once you know how your ideal builder fits into each of these categories, you need to consider how they work within your budget.
#2 – Make a Budget
Your budget will ultimately become the most important factor in determining which builder you choose. A general idea of your price range gives you the best starting point in your search.
There are options for custom home builders at many price points, depending on the quality, style, and level of customization. A fully customized, luxury home will cost close to the top of your area’s market pricing.
It’s important to consider the potential trade-offs between your perfect home and the one that suits your budget. Do you want to prioritize customization and quality, sacrificing square footage? Would you rather have limited selection options and build in your dream location? Determining budget priorities will help you identify which builder is best for you.
Knowing the price range makes your decisions easier when making a list of builders to consider.
3. Get Recommendations
Now that you have identified an ideal type of builder and budget, it’s time to make a short list of potential companies.
To begin, start asking around. Do you know anyone who built a custom home before? Talk to them about their experience and ask for a recommendation. You may get a great name to add to your list or know who to avoid.
You can also reach out to a realtor if you don’t have one. Ask them about builders in your area. An agent with experience in custom home building can suggest builders who both suit your needs and provide good customer service.
If you don’t already have an agent, call around to realtors and ask which builders they recommend.
Also, sites like Nextdoor may provide a platform where you can easily ask people in the area you are considering for builder recommendations.
Keep in mind the names you hear when you start looking around.
4. Explore
Your perfect home builder can be found in various places, so it’s best to just explore.
Start by looking online on home listing sites like Zillow. Builders like to list homes as examples of their work. This is a useful way to not only find builders in your area, but also get an idea of the style and cost of homes they build.
When you see a builder you like, tour a few of their homes for sale in person. Actually walking through the house, you will see details and quality that pictures might miss.
Find more houses to tour through opportunities like the Parade of Homes, where builders frequently showcase their best work.
If you live around the area where you want to build, you can even drive around to see communities or homes being built there. You might find signs, lots, or model homes to demonstrate which builders already work in the neighborhood.
5. Do Your Research
From recommendations and home tours, you now have an idea of the companies you like. The more you know about them, the better.
Browse through home builder websites. There you can find the communities and home models they build. Most builders will have a gallery with pictures from their previous projects. All of this will give you a better understanding of their company.
You should also find reviews from the builder’s clients. Even if someone you know recommended a builder, reading about other experiences gives you a broader idea of how they work.
Find reviews on Google Maps, as well as Facebook and Yelp.
After receiving recommendations, touring, and researching, you should have a short list of builders still under consideration.
6. Interview Potential Builders
Narrow down your list further by contacting custom home builders and asking the right questions.
Some questions to ask include:
- What kind of customization do you offer?
- How long have you been building homes in my area?
- Do you have an architect and designer on staff?
- What is included in your standard features?
- What kind of support will you offer me through the build process?
- What is your communication process?
- What is your typical build timeline?
- What is your average price per square foot?
- Can I tour a home you’ve built?
- What is your home buyer warranty?
Make sure you pay attention to the way they treat you during the call. The person on the other end of the phone is a part of the company you might work with for the next year or more. Listen for honest and thoughtful answers to your questions.
7. Ask About Incentives
At this point, you might feel ready to move forward. If not, now is a good time to consider the incentives potential builders offer.
Depending on the state of the market, builders often extend deals for potential buyers.
Usually, these deals are free upgrades up to a certain dollar amount. More recently, a lot of builders are offering interest rate buydowns. Either offer saves money on your build.
Even if the offer isn’t advertised, it may still be available from the builder. That’s why asking for an incentive before you move forward with a builder is always a good idea. The money saved may be a helpful tiebreaker between builders when you make a final decision.
Have Fun Building Your New Home
Building your dream home should be a fun and exciting process. Finding the right custom home builder makes this a reality. Not all builders are the same, so knowing what you want makes this decision easier.
Take the time to find, research, and vet each builder before making a final decision.
Good luck building the home of your dreams!
