By Mark McCollom, Owner of McCollom Construction, Inc.

You have decided you want to build a home . . . your dream home.  Now, you must make the most difficult decision yet - choosing a builder that is right for you.  And this is a decision that should not be taken lightly.  After all, the professional home builder you choose will be responsible for building and coordinating every aspect of your new home.

Reputation
The best - and worst - form of advertising is word-of-mouth.  Think about what you have heard.  Think about who you know.  Who do you know who has recently had their home built?  Who do you know whose opinion you trust?

Once you are in the "interview" process with home builders, ask the home builders for referrals.  Most builders will have a list of previous clients whom you can contact.  Ask for a minimum of five.  Make those calls and find out what you need to know.

Questioning Others
You now have friends and family you can contact for referrals.  You have also been given a list of referrals from prospective home builders.  But what do you ask?

• What is your honest opinion of the home builder?
• Was the home builder an honest person?
• Did the builder have a good work ethic?
• Was the builder timely, efficient and reliable?
• Did the builder help you with decisions?
• Did the builder allow you to make decisions on your own?
• What kind of service did you receive from the home builder and his staff?
• What kind of service did you receive after your home was built?
• Did you have any problems with the builder and his staff and building crew?
• If you encountered any problems, did the builder resolve the issue to your satisfaction?

Most importantly . . .

• Were you pleased with your home?
• Would you recommend your builder to others?

Many times, you will find out exactly what you need to know by simply asking the right person or people.  Be sure to request more than one referral from a builder or inquire with more than one friend or friend of a friend.  Keep in mind that certain personalities do not always mix or a client may be disgruntled for an unusual reason (or the cost of their home, even it if is the "going rate").  Just one opinion isn't enough.

Answers should also be sought out in the area's builders association.  And it never hurts to check with the Better Business Bureau to see if any complaints have been filed on the builder.

Interview Process
Once you have a list of builders whom you would consider, contact each one.  Take notes.  Take notes on the quality of service you receive during the initial call.  Take notes if you receive specific answers verbally such as estimates, time to complete your home, warranties and qualifications.

After you meet the builders you are considering, take notes on what you thought of the builder.  How were you treated?  How was your spouse/significant other treated?  Did the builder answer your questions in an understandable way?  Did the builder ask questions in order to better understand your needs?

Be sure to ask the builder if he has any completed homes that you may tour.  Be sure to take time to tour these properties.  Pay attention to the quality of work and details included in the home/s you tour.  Utilize this information not only to choose a builder but to also get ideas for your home.

Experience
It is important to look for a builder with experience, solid references, a quality portfolio of homes and membership in area builders associations.  However, it is also important to keep in mind that there are quality builders who are newer to the home building profession.

More to Consider
There are more considerations when choosing a home builder. 

• Where does (can) he build?  Many times, a residential development has selected certain builders who are the only builders allowed in that development.
• Is the builder a licensed contractor?  Has he furnished you with complete plans, specifications and a firm price for the home?
• Is the builder a full-time builder?  Does he seem organized?  Does he pay attention to every detail?

You should feel comfortable with the builder and have a rapport with him.  Regardless, put everything in writing.  That way there will be no disputes if it is in writing and signed by both parties.

And when comparing home builders, be sure to compare apples to apples.  One price may be less but does not include the same quality of material, ceiling height difference and much more.

I have often heard, "There are no home builders out there who I can trust!"  There are.  There are honest, hard-working, dependable builders out there.  And they can be found.  How, you know how to look.  And, of course, my experienced staff and I would appreciate the opportunity to meet with you and discuss your home-building needs.  Whether you consider McCollom Construction, Inc. or another builder for your dream home, I hope these suggestions will help you make that decision.