Even with the best plans, having your dream home built from scratch can be a nightmare if you hire the wrong contractor. Many people don’t know how to choose a builder because building a home is usually a once-in-a-lifetime project. 

Look For Experience

One of the first things you’ll want to do is look for a builder who has been in business for a while. While newer businesses may be just as trustworthy, you don’t want to take a chance with your new home construction. It’s better to look for contractors who have built homes and who have a solid reputation in the community. If you’re unsure how to start looking, ask friends and co-workers about builders they have used in the past.

Check Credentials

Once you have a few possible builders to hire, take the time to check out the credentials for each one. This should include verifying that their licenses and certifications are valid. If they belong to any builders associations, contact those organizations to determine if the builder has a good standing with them. You should also ask each builder if they carry insurance to protect their clients from liability. 

Look Up Past Client Reviews

You can check sites like Google and the Better Business Bureau to read reviews for each builder you’re considering hiring. You shouldn’t be alarmed by a few poor reviews. However, if you notice that a builder has more bad reviews than positive testimonials, you should pay closer attention to what those previous customers had to say. You’ll likely experience similar problems if you choose to hire that builder. Instead, you’ll have a better experience with a different contractor.

It might happen that you’ll end up with two or more contractors who seem to measure up equally. In that situation, you should trust your instincts and choose the builder who fills you with the most confidence. You’ll be trusting this contractor to build your dream home, so you should like and trust the contractor you choose to hire.