What To Look for in a Home Builder


October 20, 2021

What To Look for in a Home Builder Featured Image

If you want a brand new home, you need to know how to find the best home builder. Finding a builder that offers a quality and affordable product to meet your needs is a good start. With so many builders to choose from, offering a wide range of models, styles and price points, you’ll want to enter the process with a strong sense of what to look for in a home builder.

In this article, you’ll find a few suggestions to help you with your new home buying journey, including what to look for in a new home builder, what to ask a new home builder, and how to choose the right home builder. We’ll show you exactly how to tell if a home builder is good or not. 

Experience

When you work with an experienced builder, you won’t have to worry about craftsmanship. If a company produces a shoddy product, they won’t be able to stay in business. Established experience is a sure thing to look for in a home builder

However, the benefits of experience go far beyond the obvious. Experienced builders have developed relationships with suppliers and know when to order supplies to avoid delays during construction. Experienced builders also know how to cater their homes and their communities to buyers. 

You’re not taking a risk by building in a new Edmonton community. With over 60 years of experience, Sterling Homes can create your dream home in a community that fits your needs.

What To Look for in a Home Builder Handshake Image

 

A Variety of Home Styles

Each builder has a unique style. Your preferred style is something you should keep in mind when considering how to pick a builder for your home. Modern styles with sharp angles are a popular choice these days, but some people prefer a more classic look. Sometimes, the builder is restricted by community guidelines, but you usually find that builders tend to stick with certain styles. Knowing how to choose a home builder is easier if you find one with a similar style to your own.

You should also consider what type of home you want. If you want a detached home, do you want one with a front-attached garage or do you prefer the neat look of a laned home? Townhomes and duplexes are more affordable, but not all builders create these styles. Some builders offer only one type of home, while others offer a variety of options.

Flexible Floor Plans

In building your home, you get to choose the layout of each rooms. Your choices are usually based on a few plans the builder already has. Large families, for instance, may want a home with a big mudroom, extra bedrooms, and a separate living room and family room. Retired couples might prefer single-storey homes.

Some families want the option of finishing the basement to include a guest or in-law suite. List all of your family’s needs, then find out which floor plans are best for you by researching various builders. Don’t forget to add the ability to build your preferred floorplan to your list of ‘what to look for when choosing a home builder.

What To Look for in a Home Builder Quality Image

Quality

You want a home that  lasts, so you need to know how to choose a home builder with credentials,  quality workmanship and top-notch building supplies. Take note of these things as you tour various show homes. Ask the Area Manager about the suppliers and types of products used in the home build, then look for reviews to see if others have had problems.

What to look for in a home builder in the show home

  • Doors and drawers that open and close flush without sticking 
  • Light switches and outlets flush against the wall 
  • Positive or negative reviews of products used 
  • Sheetrock cracks over doorways or windows 
  • Crown moulding flush against the wall
  • Anywhere that it looks like water could leak either in or out 
  • Any cracks in concrete bigger than a quarter-inch (check the garage and driveway) 

Upgrades Included

It’s important to get the best deal on your home, but if you want a lot of upgrades, you may be better off looking for builders who include these finishes as standard. 

One builder’s starting price might be low, but the price increase. For instance, Sterling Homes includes quartz countertops in all of their homes, but other builders might include this popular material as an upgrade.

When deciding how to choose a new home builder, look at what they consider to be standard material and what’s extra. You may find that the better home builders’ standard materials are not the cheapest option. 

The Best New Neighbourhoods

Where you live is just as important as the house you live in. Some might even say it’s more important. You want to live in a neighbourhood that’s convenient for commuting and close to plenty of amenities

If you have kids, you might want a neighbourhood with a playground. Those who like jogging might prefer one with paved trails. These little things will make a big difference in your overall happiness, so research neighbourhoods and choose from the builders in the area  you prefer.Some people will answer your question of “how do you pick a home builder?” by choosing one they’ve seen in the neighbourhood they want. But, we’re here to remind you that location is only one piece of the puzzle.

Affordability

Ultimately, you want a home that fits your budget. Make a list of the things you want in your home, and get quotes from various builders. Let them know your budget and explain what types of homes you can purchase within that range. Don’t let anyone pressure you into getting upgrades that increase the cost.

Affordability should be near the top of your list of what to look for in a home builder. 

What to Ask a New Home Builder 

Here are a couple of questions that can help you choose the right home builder. If you’re confident in their answers, that’s a great sign! 

  1. What is the process for building a new home in Edmonton?
  2. Why should I work with your company as my builder?
  3. How do you ensure that my home will be completed on time and within budget?
  4. Who are your subcontractors, and what makes them qualified to build homes in Edmonton?
  5. Do you have any references from past clients who can speak about their experience working with you as a builder?
  6. Can I visit some of the projects you’ve completed recently to see if they’re similar to what I want for my own property?

How to Know if a Home Builder is Good

One of the biggest things to look for in a home builder is good reviews. It’s a surefire way to find out how to know if a home builder is good. If other people trust the home builder, it’s likely you can too. You can also see if the organization has won any awards. Being recognized on a macro scale is a great way to know your home builders are legitimate and trusted across the industry. 

At Sterling Homes, we’ve made it our mission to be the best home builder in Edmonton. But, don’t take our word for it. See why countless other people like you have chosen us to build their homes. 

Warranties and Guarantees

All new homes come with a new home warranty, but some builders will offer better protection for you than others. Be sure to ask about the builder’s warranty. Read the fine print to compare. A warranty is only good if you’ll be able to use it when you need it.

There are plenty of great builders throughout Edmonton, and it’s important to get a sense of what each one has to offer. When you find a builder that meets your needs and can build a home within your budget, you’ve found the right one for you.

Click here to learn why Sterling Homes could be the best choice for you!

Photo credits: question, handshake, floorpans
Originally posted on February 2, 2018




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