The easy answer would be to choose the correct builder. But how do you do that? And once you’ve chosen one, how do you make sure your relationship is a good one?

I know some builders who argue that the relationship doesn’t even need to be good. They believe that the responsibility of the builder is simply to build the house. That’s what they get paid for, that’s where their expertise is, and that’s what gets the job done.

His Homebuilding Experience

I completely disagree with the notion that a builder’s job is simply to build. And there are good reasons to believe that you can Know, love and trust your builder too. Whether you’re building a custom home from scratch or completing a major remodel, you can find a good builder and develop a great relationship.

Five tips for choosing the right builder

Naturally, relationships are easier when you are with the right person. One of the biggest fears people tend to have when it comes to building is knowing which builder is right for them. Here are some simple guidelines to follow:

  1. Construction experience: Your builder must not only be experienced and licensed, but must also know your market.
  2. Consult references: Ask for references on promises kept or broken. Ask about punctuality. Ask questions about things that are vitally important to you.
  3. Visit Projects: Your potential builder should be able to show you past or current projects. The photos are fine, but there’s nothing like seeing the real thing.
  4. Interview often: Personal conversations eventually reveal the person. Don’t assume you know the builder based on one or two short meetings.
  5. Be patient: Once you’re sure you’ve found your best fit, be patient if it’s not immediately available. Don’t settle for the second or third just because you’re itching to get started. Trust your instincts and wait for an opening in your schedule.

Five tips to ensure a smooth partnership

Relationships can break. Building or remodeling a home can be an emotional and unsettling time. However, with the right preparations, you can avoid this. Implement these strategies for the best result.

  1. Make it your coach: This is my personal bias. I believe the best relationships depend on a proper balance of power, and making your builder “an equal” is the best foundation you can have.
  2. Get it in writing: Verbal agreements, especially in a long relationship like construction and remodeling, can be forgotten. Put it on paper.
  3. Organize established communications: Establish daily and weekly communication schedules to keep all parties updated and informed.
  4. Address concerns early: Be sure to raise concerns and confusions right away to prevent them from becoming hard-to-resolve issues.
  5. Trust your coach: You have chosen your builder/trainer well. You have created the best relationship and contractual agreements. Now, trust the system and trust your coach.

trust is a bidirectional street

Remember that if you expect your builder/trainer to be consistent, you need to be consistent too. If you and your coach have planned and prepared well, the next step is to stick with the program and avoid changes.

Consistency and communications make for a better home building experience.