11 Apr 7 Insights for Choosing the Right Custom Home Project Partner

There are many crucial decisions to be made when you build a custom home, but by far the single most important decision you’ll make is choosing the right custom home project partner. Finding the right person to build your custom home impacts every aspect of the project. From budget to timeline to securing building materials and more the building process finely tuned. Everything needs to line up accordingly and the right project partner makes sure your custom home build is as smooth as possible.

Choosing the right builder helps ensure your new home is move-in ready on time and on budget. With the right builder you’ll have peace of mind throughout the entire process. Unfortunately it can be difficult to find the ideal person for the job. After all, most custom home clients don’t embark on custom home builds on a regular basis. 

7 Insights for Choosing Your Custom Home Project Partner

So, how can you be sure you have the right custom home project partner for your build? And how can you make sure the There are a few steps you can take. Here we present our tried and true insights for choosing the right custom home project partner.

When you begin the process of choosing the right custom home project partner you need to ask the right questions and perform your due diligence. Here are 5 ways to properly vet your custom home builder.

1. Look for Experience

Anyone can claim experience in custom home building but a builder with tried and true-and verifiable-experience makes all the difference when it comes to everything from the building process to the quality of workmanship found in your home. Don’t go with a builder who has limited experience in the custom home building process or who isn’t that accomplished in the style of home you wish to build. 

Experience counts of a precious plenty when it comes to choosing a custom home project partner. Not only have they honed their craft to an expert level but they can spot any mistakes before they happen and end up costing you time and money. An experienced builder also has a network within the community of suppliers, contractors and others critical to your home building project.

2. Ask to View Their Previous Work

If your custom home project partner has experience then they are sure to have completed homes in the area for you to view. A few builders may have model homes available but most will at least have references from previous clients. You should be able to reach out to those clients for their recommendation. In some cases the builder will have homes at various stages of the building process which you can check out for yourself.

3. Look at Online Reviews and Information

These days just about everyone has an online presence including custom home builders. There are plenty of websites that offer reviews so be sure you take advantage of these reviews. In particular look at verified client reviews and if there is any comment that’s less than glowing ask your potential custom home project partner about it. Most reviews are going to be honest however keep in mind sometimes the reviewer had a bad experience through no fault of the project partner.

4. Have a Look at The Standard Contract

Ask to see a copy of the custom home project partner’s standard contract. See that the terms of the agreement are laid out clearly and concisely. Go over anything that seems confusing, ask for clarification especially as the agreement pertains to costs. Be absolutely certain you understand any and all financial agreements and pricing terms related to your custom home project.

5. Ask for A List of Subcontractors Your Custom Home Project Partner Typically Uses

All experienced home builders have a team of contractors and tradesmen with whom they work. Each one has a role in the custom building process such as electricians, plumbers, HVAC installation and so forth. It’s your absolute right to know who is doing the work on your home.  As mentioned above any experienced custom home project partner has a network of tradespeople and contractors within the community. When you review the list of those workers don’t hesitate to ask questions.

6. Never Rely on Price Alone

Unless you have money to burn price is a major factor in your custom home building project. It may be tempting to go with the least expensive custom home building professional but remember the old adage: you get what you pay for. If the price you’re quoted comes in on the low end it could be indicative of less-than-desirable situations like:

• Inexperienced builders 
• Low quality materials
• Unreliable contractors
• Incomplete proposals that may end up costing more due to factors that were omitted.

7. Go With Someone You Can Trust

Your custom home should be everything you want and more. Don’t think all builders are equal. This project is a big deal to you and your family and should be treated as such. When you choose your custom home project partner rely on the experience and professional people at Seiffert Home Design. Our Quad Cities neighbors have relied on the Seiffert name for over a century. Contact Seiffert Home Design today for your perfect custom home project partner.