A recent survey shows that quality of construction is one of the most important decision points in buying a new home. Quality homes are built by professional builders who care about their product and their customer.

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 in the building industry, but there are certain principles that a building professional will practice.

• Building professionals believe that 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 a home builders association and other professional groups. Becoming a dues-paying member of such groups means that a builder is an established member of the community who cares about the industry as a whole, not just his or her bottom line. Builder associations encourage research to develop materials, new building techniques, new building equipment, and improved methods of home financing so that home buyers may receive the greatest possible value for their money.

Builders associations care about the image of their industry. If a builder in the association acts in an unprofessional manner, it is a bad reflection on the other members.

So a builder who belongs to an association will have a greater incentive to conduct business in a professional manner than a builder who does not belong to an association.

Our association has a membership directory available to home buyers. Give us a call, and ask for the directory.

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 carefully since you are not just buying a structure when you buy a new home. Along with the structure comes a package of those 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 not 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 feel comfortable working.

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