What to Look for in a Quality Homebuilder?!
Are you looking for a quality homebuilder to build your next home? Where do you look? What do you look for? Gustafson Properties, LLC has been building homes for nearly twenty years in the North Mississippi area! We know what it takes to build a quality home, but if you’re still in the decision making process, here’s some things to look for!
Structure. Homebuilding is a business like any other. And like any other, a business with no structure will crumble. When you interview homebuilders, pay close attention to how they present themselves and their companies. Do they have a plan? Do they lead the conversation and carefully explain how each phase of the construction process works? Do they appear to have a good grasp on all aspects of their business, from marketing to operations?
Knowledge. Building even one home can be a hassle for someone who is unaware of all it consists of. I’ve heard it said before that sometimes you need a checklist for all the checklists! Without having a clear understanding of each stage of construction some very crucial steps can be overlooked and possibly lead to some big problems.
Good Workmanship. This is perhaps the most important characteristic to look for! Unlike with a lot of professions, the work of homebuilders is all around us and in most cases, is open for criticism. Most homebuilders always have at least one or two speculative (or spec) homes being constructed at any one time. Even better, these homes are usually in different phases, allowing customers to critique the work more. If you would like to know more about a particular homebuilder, ask if he has any homes you can tour. When on the jobsite, pay close attention to cleanliness, safety features (such as temporary railing on balconies during framing), and general construction (i.e.: Do doors appear to have been installed correctly, or do they show wide gaps and barely latch when closed? Does there appear to be an adequate amount of blown insulation upstairs?).
Employees. A company is only as good as its employees! Homebuilders deal with hourly workers, sub-contractors, sales reps, and real estate agents. Ask your potential builder about the people that work in his company or that he deals with on a regular basis. Are they prompt workers that will keep the project on schedule? Does your builder have a good working relationship with sub-contractors he’s been using for several years? Do the sub-contractors (and the builder) have a good reputation with the surrounding community?
Are you looking to build or buy a new home? We would love to meet with you and discuss you’re plans! Visit our website at www.gustafsonproperties.com and contact us today!
