Home building is the creative process of building a residential home, usually called a ‘house’ by the people who may at some point in time or future live there. Many people dream about living in a certain house they see in their dreams. People hire home builders to build their homes for them because they cannot do it themselves. A lot of people buy a home they like in the dream state, but the reality hits them hard when they get to the house and find out how much it is really worth. Many home builders have home models that people like so much that they hire them to build that model instead of the original home.
The cost of construction depends on the home builders experience and skill, the materials to be used, the state of the current building codes, and many other factors. Home construction is not rocket science, but it can be tedious and expensive if you are not careful and have a clear plan before hand. One of the first things that people learn after they have decided on purchasing a home is what all kinds of permits and licenses are required to build a house. Most builders have a checklist of required permits that must be acquired before construction begins.
Some homebuilders specialize in only one type of home construction. This way you know that they know the ins and outs of the business. If you need specialized assistance hiring homebuilders, this may not be possible. Do some research online about the various types of home construction that home builders specialize in. Most homebuilders have web sites that will show pictures of completed houses that they have built. There should be plenty of testimonials on these sites from happy customers that have previously contracted the services of the homebuilders.
Once you have decided on a particular home builder, you will need to find a construction company that can complete your project. You can check the local phone directory or online directories for companies that contract new home construction projects. Make sure the company is licensed and has insurance. You can also look in the telephone book under “home builder” for more specific companies that may be suitable for your needs. Once you have short-listed the different contractors that you feel will meet your requirements, make contact with them to discuss your project and what you expect from them.
One important thing that homebuilders must provide is an earnest money advance, sometimes referred to as an escrow account. It is normal practice for them to ask for the money upfront so that they do not have to wait to receive any payment from the subcontractors. Homebuilders that are selling homes often require a down payment from the buyer. The amount varies depending on the contract between the builder and the subcontractor, and can even depend on the type of home being constructed. This money needs to be set aside in advance, or it will be required at the time the bidding starts for the new homes.
Before you let the home builder choose your general contractor, find out the typical schedule for completion of the job. Find out if the contract has any penalties for delayed work. Ask for copies of agreements that you both signed, including the amount of advance and down payment that is required. If you are satisfied with the contractor, then award him the job. On completion of your new home, you should receive written confirmation from the builder that he is paid in full.