Planning on building a new home in Berks, Lebanon, or Schuylkill County? Choosing the right builder will determine the quality and completeness of your new home. Making the correct choice for your contractor is vital.
Ready to start your new build?
Building a new home means a LOT of choices, but the most important one you’ll make is who you trust to make your dream a reality. There are so many horror stories out there about builds gone wrong that can make choosing the right builder a stressful decision.
How can you be sure you’re choosing a reliable, experienced builder who will deliver your Home Sweet Home and NOT disappointment or unwanted surprises?
5 Tips for Choosing Your Builder
Because we work with many different contractors in Pennsylvania, we know how to choose to work with excellent new home builders. Be sure to do the following when choosing your new home builder:
1. Ask Your Community Who The Best Home Builder Is
Getting recommendations from people who have built new homes in your area is one of the best ways to learn which builders are consistently reliable and easy to work with.
When you post to ask for recommendations in a community group, be sure to ask follow-up questions to those who respond:
- Is the quality of your new home what you expected?
- Did you find the process smooth & easy?
- Did the builder answer your questions along the way?
- Would you hire the builder again for another home or project?
- Is there anything you wish you had known before you began building?
2. Look At Your Potential Builder’s Past Work
Once you have a prospective builder in mind, ask to tour a completed home. Many builders have model homes available that are meant to represent their standard work. As you’re touring a model, pay close attention to finishes like cabinets, countertops, flooring, light fixtures, doors, & windows. Then consider:
- Do the finishes meet your expectations?
- How long are the manufacturer’s warranties on specific components like decking & cabinetry?
- Are you able to upgrade or downgrade to meet your needs & budget?
- Would you be happy moving into the model home?
3. Understand the New Home Builder’s Contract
If you’re used to asking for the “gist” of a contract and then skimming before you sign, this is your warning NOT to do this for a new build! Otherwise, you may end up spending much more than you planned to put screens on your windows, hardware on your cabinets, and other items you may have assumed were included in the cost of a “finished” home. Specifically, be sure to check to see if your contract includes an “allowance” for finish materials like windows and cabinets, or if the price on the dotted line covers specific materials you’ll select and approve in advance. If there’s an allowance, be sure to find out if it isn’t enough to meet your expectations in one area, are you able to cut costs somewhere else or will you end up over budget?
Protect yourself by knowing what to expect and exactly which materials are included before you sign on the dotted line.
4. Determine Price For Your New Home’s Building Materials
How will you know if the “allowance” for materials in your contract will actually cover the finishes you expect or how much the finishes you are required to choose will cost? Do your homework before signing the contract by shopping around. Be sure to look at all the finish components, in person, at a building materials showroom where you can accurately judge the quality & ask questions about each product.
Is the siding quoted resistant to hail and high winds? What type of a warranty do the doors carry? Is it better to use casement or double-hung windows for energy-efficiency on your build site? How thick is the wear layer on the included LVP flooring? Are the kitchen drawer boxes stapled or dove-tailed? What are the quality differences between stock, semi-custom, and custom cabinets? Is your granite countertop one thickness or built up with a plywood substrate?
Not sure which questions you should be asking? MRD Can help you with all the materials you need for your new home construction.
5. Ask the Pros At MRD For Advice
Stressed out already? Don’t be! We can help! Our knowledgeable team members have years of experience in the building industry and review new home building plans on a daily basis.
We are here to help you understand what a builder is including and the pros/cons of the available options. We’ll help you figure out the best fit for your needs, value-engineer your wish list to help you get the most for your money, and help you know which questions to ask when comparing options.
Contact MRD To Start Your New Home Building Process
If you want to be sure that your new home will bring long-term value & satisfaction, it’s important to know that the job will be done right – with quality materials – the first time. MRD is committed to carrying brands that combine time-tested engineering and craftsmanship with up-to-date styles and features. We also only recommend experienced, quality-oriented builders with excellent service records.
When you trust us to supply your project, you can expect to receive knowledgeable advice and personal, friendly service to make the process easier. Put us on your team from the very beginning, and our knowledgeable staff can help you create a home you’ll be happy with for years to come. Don’t wait, reach out to us, or visit our showrooms today!