| CHOOSING A BUILDER |
| If you are in the market for a new home, you should shop for your builder as carefully as you shop
for your home.
Whether you are buying a condo, a townhouse, a house in a subdivision, or a custom built house,
you want to know that you are buying a good quality home from a reputable builder.
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| START YOUR SEARCH |
| Once you have thought about the type of house you want, where should you look for a builder? First,
make a list of a good place to start. Looking through the ads and reading the articles can help you
find out which builders are active in your area, the types of homes they are building, and the prices
you can expect to pay.
In addition, your local home builders association has a list of builders who construct homes in your
area. Local real estate agents may also be able to help you in your search. Ask friends and relatives
for recommendations. Ask about builders they have dealt with directly, or ask them for names of
acquaintances who have recently had a good experience with a builder.
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| TAKE A LOOK AROUND |
Once you have a list of builders, how can you find out about their reputations and the quality of
their work? The best way to learn about builders is to visit homes they have built and talk with the owners.
Ask builders on your list for the addresses of their recently built houses, subdivisions, or condos.
Builders may even be able to provide names of some new home owners who would be willing to talk to you.
Drive by on a Saturday morning when home owners may be outside doing chores or errands. Just introduce
yourself and say you are considering buying a home from the builder who built their home. Talk to several
owners, and try to get a random collection of opinions. The more people you talk with, the more accurate
impression of a builder you are likely to get. At the very least, drive by and see if the homes are
visually appealing. Look at homes that are like the style you plan to buy-for example, if you are
interested in a two-story home, look at two-story homes rather than split levels.
When you talk to builders and home owners, take along a notebook to record the information you find
and your personal impressions about specific builders and homes. Doing so will help you to make
comparisons later. Some questions you can ask include:
- Are you happy with your home?
- Did the builder do what was promised in a timely manner?
- Would you buy another home from this builder?
Usually, people tell you if they are pleased with their homes. And if they are not, they will probably
want to tell you why.
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| SHOP FOR QUALITY AND VALUE |
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Look at new homes whenever you can. Home shows and open houses sponsored by builders are good
opportunities to look at homes. Model homes and homes displayed in these shows are often furnished
to give you ideas for using the space. You may also ask a builder to see unfurnished homes.
When examining a home consider the following factors:
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| QUALITY OF CONSTRUCTION FEATURES |
Quality of cabinetry, carpeting, trim work, and paint.
Ask the builder or the builder's representative questions.
Demand specific answers to questions.
If you receive the answers to your questions verbally rather than in writing, take notes. Never
hesitate to ask a question. What seems like an insignificant question might yield an important answer.
Always keep value in mind when shopping. Just because a home is less expensive than another does not
mean it is a better value. Likewise, a more expensive home does not assure higher quality.
A home is primarily a place to live, but it is also an important investment. Consider the appreciation
potential of any home and the possible future influences that location, housing supply and demand, and
other market factors will have on the value of your new home.
Another important aspect of value is design quality. When you look at a home, determine whether it will
suit your lifestyle. You must think about the amount of upkeep required both indoors and out. Also,
consider the location of the property. Ask yourself the following questions:
- Is there enough living space?
- Are there enough bedrooms and bathrooms?
- What about storage space?
- Will you have room to accommodate special interests or hobbies-for example, a large kitchen for casual
entertaining, or a room for a home office or exercise room?
- Is it convenient to transportation, schools, or other places of interest to you?
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| QUESTIONS ABOUT SERVICE |
One important criterion for selecting a builder is the warranty provided on the home. Most builders
offer some form of written warranty. Many builders back their own warranties on workmanship and materials,
typically for one year. Other builders offer warranties backed by an insurance company. Ask to see a copy
of the builder's warranty. Although reading legal documents is tedious, read the warranty to understand
what protection you would have. Do not wait to read it until after you move in and a problem arises. If
you have any questions about the coverage, ask the builder.
Also, find out from each builder what kind of service you can expect after the sale. Typically, a builder
makes two service calls during the first year after you move in to repair non-emergency problems covered
by your warranty. The first call is usually 30 to 120 days after the move-in, and the second is around
the eleventh month-right before any one year warranties on workmanship and materials expire.
For emergencies, the builder should be able to send someone to your home right away.
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| OTHER QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER |
- How long has the company been in business?
- Whom do you contact for customer service after the sale?
- Should requests be in writing?
- What responsibility does the builder assume for the work of subcontractors?
- Who will be responsible for correcting problems with major appliances?
- Does the builder belong to the local builders association?
(affiliated with the National Association of Home Builders)
- Does the builder use state-of-the-art energy features?
Equipment, insulation, design, and landscaping can all affect a home's energy efficiency.
A new home is one of the biggest and most important purchases you will make in your lifetime. By doing
your homework, you will be able to shop for a home with a sense of confidence and the knowledge that
will help you make the right decision.
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| LOOK FOR THE "Q" |
"Q" stands for the Quality Standards! Whether building or remodeling, quality is always essential.
In fact, you'll want to monitor the quality of workmanship and materials throughout the completion of
your project. The Home Builders Association of Illinois has made it easier. Our Quality Assurance
Builder Standards program has the answers you're looking for. These guidelines were written so you
and your contractor can talk about specifications, materials and expectations even before the
construction begins. Then, you both can refer to the Standards as progress continues to make
sure your project measures up. Clear, plain terms make it easy for you and your builder or remodeler
to communicate about every aspect of the construction process, from roofing nails to foundation
insulation. Visit our Illinois Quality Assurance Standards program page for more information.
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