The quality of a new home will in large measure be determined by the skill of the builder who constructs it. That's why you should shop for a builder as carefully as you shop for the features of a home. By doing so, you will be able to shop with a sense of confidence and knowledge that will help you make the correct decision.
When you buy a new home, you are not just buying a structure. Along with the structure comes a package of services, and the quality of those services will have an important effect on your enjoyment of the house. Most homes come with a one-year warranty on workmanship and materials. Since virtually every home is going to need at least minor adjustments and repairs during the first year, you should look for a builder who will provide quality service after the sale.
Where do you find a skilled builder? A good place to start is the Home Builders Association of West Florida. We can provide a list of our builder members. The real estate section in one of our local newspapers is another good source of information about builders active in northwest Florida, the types of homes they are building, and the prices you can expect to pay. Also ask friends and relatives for recommendations.
The best way to find out what kind of service a builder offers is to ask previous customers. If you are buying a detached home in a subdivision, a townhome, or a multifamily condominium, find out what the builder has recently built in the area near where you are buying. Then visit one or two of the previous projects and ask the residents about their experiences with their home and their builder. The best time to visit is usually a Saturday morning when people are out doing yardwork or chores.
When shopping for a new home from a particular builder, you should try to talk to people who have gone through the same experience that you are contemplating. Don't be shy about approaching people. Even knock on some doors if you have to. The worst that usually happens is that someone will refuse to talk to you. However, in most cases, a builder's previous customers will be quite open with you. If they are unhappy with their homes, they will let you know. And if they are happy, they will want to give the builder more business. Try to talk to at least three or four homeowners per neighborhood. You should not rely on the views of only one person.
Try not to rush through the process of choosing a builder. Set a reasonable timetable for your search, and do not make your decision until you feel comfortable about what you are doing. After you have happily settled into your new home, you will realize that the homework you did was well worth the effort.
May not be used without written permission from The Home Builders Association of Northwest Florida.