Choosing who builds or renovates your home is a big decision. You’ll be working closely together for months, and living with the results for years. The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) put together a great checklist for homeowners, and we wanted to share the highlights, along with a few thoughts of our own.
1. Start with people you trust. Ask friends, family, and neighbors who they’ve worked with and whether they’d hire them again. Your local home builders’ association can also point you to qualified pros.
2. Look for a real, established business. A permanent office and a solid reputation with local banks and suppliers are good signs. Time in business matters too, since you want your builder around long after the project wraps to stand behind the work.
3. Check reviews and complaints. A quick look at the Better Business Bureau and online reviews can tell you a lot.
4. Confirm insurance. Your builder should carry workers’ compensation and general liability coverage. Without it, you could be on the hook if someone gets hurt on your property.
5. Talk to past clients. A good builder will happily share references. Ask those homeowners one simple question: would you hire them again?
6. See the work in person. Visit finished projects and, if possible, one in progress. Pay attention to craftsmanship, materials, and how clean and organized the site is.
7. Trust your gut on communication. If it’s hard to get answers now, it won’t get easier once construction starts. You should feel comfortable asking questions.
8. Get a clear, complete contract, and be wary of a bid that seems too low. A detailed written contract protects everyone. And a price that’s far below the others can be a warning sign, not a bargain.
NAHB also notes that if your home was built before 1978, any remodeler disturbing painted surfaces should be EPA Lead-Safe Certified.
How we see it at Gold Hill
We love it when clients come in with questions like these. We’re always glad to share references, proof of insurance, and a look at our work, both finished and underway. The right builder should make you feel informed and confident from the very first conversation.
Thinking about a new home or renovation? We’d love to hear about it.
See NAHB’s full “Checklist for Finding and Hiring a Builder or Remodeler” at nahb.org.