Top Tips When Hiring a Home Builder

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If you are looking to renovate, remodel or build a home, you should consider hiring a home builder. This essay discusses the various considerations one should make when hiring a home builder. 

Architectural drawings

Hire an architect or draftsman to prepare technical drawings. Blueprints are vital as they provide you with a visual representation of how the project should look like when complete. As such, it becomes easy for you to monitor the builder's progress. Use the blueprints to get a quote of the materials needed to complete the project. 

Financing

You may require a construction loan or mortgage to complete your project. If you have a good credit score, shop around for a lender who has a low interest rate and favourable terms and conditions. Most construction loans are disbursed in phases. Therefore, your builder must be good at budgeting and scheduling since the bank will only release funds after verifying that the construction works are on course. 

Finding a builder

Below is a short guide to help you find a home builder. 

1. Look for a builder that has experience in conducting similar works. Evaluate the builder's work by visiting some of his or her recent projects.
2. The builder must be reputable. Unscrupulous builders will take longer to complete the project.
3. Ask the builder to visit your home and evaluate the scope of works. He or she must have sufficient understanding of the project at hand.
4. Preferably, the home builder should be a member of the local home builders' association. In such a way, you can file a complaint against the builder if he or she underperforms.
5. The builder must have an insurance policy to cover injury to employees and damage to property in case of accidents. 

Costs and timeline

Ask the builder to provide you with a quote. The quote should also include any extra costs you might incur during construction. You may choose to save costs by buying the materials. However, if you have a busy schedule, most home builders will also supply building materials. The builder should also provide you with an estimate of how long he or she will take to complete the project.  

Contract signing

Hold a meeting with the builder and decide on how best to conduct the construction works. Agree on the payment plans and actions to take if either party defaults on the agreement. Ask a lawyer to prepare the contract and sign it before the construction works commence.  

The primary considerations to make when hiring a home builder are the building's blueprints, financing, interviewing the home builder, costs and contract signing.

22 February 2019