Congratulations! You’ve decided to build your next home. Now you need to find a home builder. There are several key steps to take when looking for a contractor. Segal & Morel has been designing and custom-building energy-efficient homes in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, for over five decades. We understand that the process of finding a quality and compatible home builder can be challenging. Here, we offer valuable information on how to hire a builder for your dream home.
Determine Your Dream Home Must-Haves
One of the first steps to hiring a home builder is to know what your must-haves are. Make a checklist of the features and amenities you can’t live without, such as:
- A fireplace in the living room
- Energy Star appliances
- Green, energy-saving heating and cooling systems
- Ample kitchen space with top-quality appliances that are easy to use and maintain
- Guest bedrooms and bathrooms for visiting friends and family
- Clubhouse or other community facilities
It is important to know what you won’t compromise on and communicate these must-haves to your contractor. It’s also essential that the company you hire listens to your needs, custom-building the home to your specifications.
Contact a Local Home Builder Association
When searching for a company to design and construct your home, make sure the builder is part of a local home builders association, such as National Association of Home Builders. These affiliations indicate that a contractor is part of a reputable network, which holds its members to performance and quality standards.
Seek Recommendations and Reviews
Another important step to hiring a home builder is to speak to those who have gone through the new home construction process. At Segal & Morel, we recommend obtaining recommendations and testimonials from potential builders’ previous customers. This helps you choose a trustworthy home builder that has a long track record of superior service. It may also be helpful to ask trusted friends and family members if they can recommend reliable home builders in your region.
Interview Home Builders
Hiring a home builder is a serious commitment. You want to make sure you’re making the right choice for this milestone. What better way to know about a building company than to interview them? Questions you may want to ask a contractor include:
- How long does construction take?
- Can the home be customized?
- What is your pricing structure?
- Are amenities and appliances included in the home before I move in?
- Are additions available?
- How energy-efficient are your homes and home-building processes?
- Is a home warranty included?
It’s important to be honest and open during this process, so each party understands expectations, values, price points, and timelines.
Visit Recently Built Homes and Talk with Homeowners
Another great way to get to know a builder is by checking out their recently finished homes. That will enable you to ask current homeowners about their experience working with the builder. This can also ensure you get a genuine sense of the comfort and quality of a home you are considering constructing.
You can vet a home builder by taking a virtual tour or checking out the company’s YouTube channel, allowing you to get a good look at the contractor’s vision and finished products. These virtual images should provide aerial views that include the home’s neighborhood to gain an idea of the environment. In addition, the virtual tour should demonstrate the outside and inside of the home, capturing the workmanship and amenities.
Count on Segal & Morel for Custom Home Building
Segal & Morel has over 50 years of experience guiding customers through their home build. We offer a wide array of floor plans and attractive additions to choose from so that your new home fits your must-haves, lifestyle, price points, and expectations. All homes we build are Energy Star-certified, providing you with the utmost comfort and energy savings. We have built a reputation for constructing superior-quality homes in NJ and PA that are low-maintenance and leave a small carbon footprint. To learn more about designing and building a luxury home, contact us today.
