To Get A Quality Home Choose A Professional Builder

Everyone interested in buying a new home wants to find a quality house built by a professional. But professionalism is one of those concepts where you know it when you see it, but you may have trouble defining it.

There is no single definition of professionalism, but there are certain principles that a building professional will practice.

• Building professionals believe homes should be well designed, well constructed and well located in attractive communities with accessible educational, recreational, religious and shopping facilities.

• They feel a strong responsibility to their customers and their community.

• Honesty is their guiding business policy, and they believe in dealing fairly with their customers, employees, subcontractors and suppliers.

• They try to build high standards of health, safety and sanitation into every home.

An important indicator of professionalism is whether the contractor belongs to the Home Builders Association of West Florida or other professional groups. Becoming a dues-paying member of such groups usually means that a builder is an established member of the community. Our association encourages research to develop materials, new building techniques, new building equipment, and improved methods of home financing so home buyers may receive the greatest possible value for their money.

The Home Builders Association cares about the image of its industry. if a builder in the association acts unprofessionally, it reflects badly on other members. So a builder in the association will have a greater incentive to conduct business in a professional manner than a builder who does not belong to the association.

The quality of a new home will in large measure be determined by the skill of the building professional who constructs it. You should shop for a builder as carefully as the builder shops for the features of a home. 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.

Do not rush through the process of choosing a building professional. Set a reasonable timetable for your search, and do make your decision until you feel comfortable about what you are doing.

You will be in frequent communication with your builder during the construction process and after you move into the house, so try to choose a builder with whom you will feel comfortable working.

For most people, buying a new home will be the largest single purchase they will ever make. So make sure that you buy it from a qualified professional builder.

The Home Builders Association has a membership brochure listing all members available to home buyers. Give us a call, and ask for the listing.

Written by David Channell, President, Home Builders Association of Northwest Florida.

May not be used without written permission from The Home Builders Association of Northwest Florida.