Clarifying Your Expectations

KNOWING AND COMMUNICATING YOUR EXPECTATIONS TO YOUR BUILDER IS VERY IMPORTANT

As every builder knows, each project comes with its own set of challenges to satisfy client’s wishes and accommodate strict building codes. While there are many steps to designing and building a home, there are key elements to make sure you are getting the excellence you deserve with a reputable builder that will be with you every step of the way. But among those, the most important thing to consider when building, is quality control.

Quality control comes in a variety of forms, and embodies many aspects of the building process. It is often not discussed with clients, but should be noted, that regardless of your budget or square footage, the quality of workmanship and supplies should never be compromised.

In building a custom home, it is beneficial to find a builder that takes a hands-on approach and prioritizes building a relationship with you, to ensure personal attention to your job. Knowing and communicating expectations, advocating on your behalf and maintaining a professional reputation in the community is important to find in a builder. Builders who facilitate relationships with you, likely have a good rapport with review boards and sub-contractors which is imperative to keeping your project without delay and ensuring quality work is being done.

Attention to detail is equally important. It means in the office schedules are maintained, options for supplies within your budget are discussed and open communication is valued to ensure any changes or requests along the way are accommodated. It also guarantees multiple eyes are on your job in the field, inspecting and correcting where needed, and project managers are working on your behalf to make sure the correct materials are on site, installation is right and the quality is not compromised in the rush to stay on schedule. The number one rule is inspect, don’t expect. Having an in-house designer that aids in interior and exterior selections is also beneficial to bounce ideas around and make sure all colors and patterns flow seamlessly throughout the house, while giving you alternative options in materials or new technologies. From inside the office, to outside on the job, attention to detail guarantees quality control.

It is imperative to select a builder that can guide you through every phase of the construction process and for you, the client, to learn the building philosophies of each builder you are interviewing. This ensures the builder’s guidelines align to your expectations before signing an agreement. For example, are the builder’s homes all stick framed or set in place trusses? Do they use spray foam installation or fiber glass batt installation? If they use spray foam, are the exterior walls included, or only the roof deck? Are compaction tests and soil reports important to and reviewed by the builder? These are just a few questions to ask your builder in order to certify that you are getting quality materials and longevity with a well-built home.

While there is more to building than meets the eye, every builder’s goal is to exceed clients’ expectations and bring their ideas to life. Building a home should be a fun and exciting process, and is something most people spend years planning. Take the time to do your homework, talk with your builder about your vision and remember, “there is no substitute for quality” so that your home embodies everything you want, while having strong bones to withstand the test of time.