Choosing a Home Builder

So you've decided to build a new home. Like many home buyers you realize that buying a new home offers a wide range of advantages over buying an existing home. You are getting exactly what you want, demanding the highest quality construction, as well as learning how to operate and maintain your home's systems and equipment. You're also developing a relationship with the builder. Congratulations on making a great choice, however, you still have a big decision left to make.

What kind of home builder is right for you? Should you go with a production builder who builds many homes at a time, or do you want a custom home with a distinctive style and features unique to you?

Production home builders typically tend to use stock plans, but often have a variety of options from which to choose. They will tend to build on land they own and build for a wide range of price points. They are generally high volume builders with many builders completing over 200 homes a year.

Custom home builders typically build fewer than 20 homes a year and work to create one-of-a-kind homes. Many of these homes are site specific on either land owned by the builder or on land you already own. They may offer design/build services and usually build higher end homes.

While a production builder may be able to deliver your home more quickly or at a lower cost, this may come at the expense of unique features and one to one service typically offered by a custom builder. As you consider the options, here are a few questions to help you decide which type of builder best suits your needs.

How long will you be in the house? If you're just planning on being in the home a few years, the extra time and attention that goes into a custom home may not make sense for you.

Have you dreamed about special features? With the stock plans used by production builders, it often gets expensive to add unique touches, and they may feel out of place with the rest of the design.

Do you want a distinctive home? The production builder can make a number of modifications, but you'll still be living in a home like many others in the area.

In either case, you should ask the builder for references from past clients. Contact the references and see how satisfied owners are with their homes. Find out what it was like to work with the builder and if their expectations were met. Visit a work site or recently completed home to get a sense of the quality and workmanship of the builder. Finally, look for a professional builder who builds homes full time and has a vision and style that matches your own.

Reid Colson is a Principal in Bridlewood, a custom home builder serving the Central Virginia market. Bridlewood takes more pride in the quality and distinction of their homes than in the number they build. They are committed to providing the highest levels of professional service and consistent communication throughout the design and building process.

Visit http://www.bridlewoodproperties.com for more information.

---

Planning Permission Tips UK - Is Todays Popular Quest For Contemporary Design The New Bad Taste

Can you remember when people used to install slatted louvre... Read More

Measure Your Window for Verticals and Horizontal blinds, Wood blinds, Faux Wood Plantation Shutters

Here are five important things to remember.1. Use a steel... Read More

Pergo Flooring Is Perfect For The Home or Office

Pergo flooring was invented more than 75 years ago, and... Read More

Lighting and Your Emotions (Part One)

Do you feel unhappy in your home and you don't... Read More

Top Tips When Planning a Conservatory or Sunroom

General advice.Negotiate fairly with suppliers. Don't expect to get all... Read More

Repairing a Hole in a Sheetrocked Wall

It is quite simple to repair a hole in a... Read More

Can You Buy Luxury Home Brands Online and Save - Worry Free?

Are you frustrated with the high prices you've been quoted... Read More

Installing Vinyl Replacement Sliding Glass Doors

Last week I told you how to remove your old... Read More

Successful Motor Protection Formulae

As we have discussed before, all overload relays have one... Read More

Log Homes for Beginners - 10 Steps to Success

For those who may be thinking of building a new... Read More

Use the FHA Mortgage Specifically Created for Home Improvement

Almost everyone knows about FHA mortgages. They are tailor-made for... Read More

Building a Backyard Play Structure

A child's dream backyard includes a play structure complete with... Read More

Colour Your World With Art

When you buy art, you may think you not consciously... Read More

Guide to Bathroom Design

The first step is to plan the design ? as... Read More

How to Buy a Home with Good Feng Shui

Buying a home is usually a stressful experience. So much... Read More

Ways to Heat Your Water

Water heating optionsWhere you live, as well as the life... Read More

Swim Spas Make a Big Splash with Baby Boomers

If you are an aging baby boomer like I am,... Read More

Outdoor Decks - Understanding Seven Elements of Good Deck Design

You're all comfortable in your favorite lounge chair, reading your... Read More

Interior Design For Bargain Hunters

Interior design for bargain hunters is the new fashionable item... Read More

Repairing Putty Window Glass

Have you ever thought about fixing a broken window in... Read More

A Look at Steel Building Kits

Steel building kits are a comprehensive set of all the... Read More

Removing Your Old Sliding Glass Door

Last week I explained how to measure your existing sliding... Read More

Key Bathroom Remodeling Ideas

One of the simplest ways to start planning your bathroom... Read More

Change The Style Of Your Interior With A Minimum Of Costs

The style of your interior depends for a great part... Read More

10 Spring Cleaning Tips For Your Kitchen

The words "spring cleaning" can make the neatest person cringe.... Read More

The Benefits of Small Dehumidifiers

So it's too humid in your 10' X 10' bedroom.... Read More

Planning Permission Tips UK - What To Show And What Not To Show On Your application Drawings

Many successful business deals are the result of being a... Read More

There Is Always Something To Improve Or Innovate For Comfort

In this fast moving world of the 21st century, we... Read More

Laminate Flooring is Built for the Twenty First Century

The tradition of hardwood floors dates back hundreds of years,... Read More

Why Double Glazing?

Why replace your single-glazed windows with double glazing ? For... Read More

You Say Jacuzzi and I Say Whirlpool

What's in a name? Whirlpool baths have been around forever,... Read More

Pre-Fabricated Steel Buildings

More and more construction is being done with steel in... Read More

Do You Know How Important Your Air Conditioner Filter Is?

When most people think about an air conditioner filter, it... Read More