At Home Living: Finding right builder key to building your home

Are you ready to start seeing your dream home come to life? Youre in good company. Bloomberg reported recently on figures released from the Commerce Department, which showed new home sales in December reaching the highest level in more than six years.

Since youve done the research to know exactly what style of home you want to build and the products youd like to see installed, it is time to look for the builder to make your image a reality. Where do you begin the search?

Start by calling your local home builders association for a list of builder members, Keith Kerns of Kerns Construction, Inc. said. (The Topeka Home Builders Association also has a list of member builders on their website, thba.com.) Kerns added, Call your local lumber yard and ask for a list of local quality builders, and check with family, friends and co-workers who have recently built.

Personal references from people you know are also the favorite resource for Mark Boling of Mark Boling Construction, Inc. Plus, he recommended scoping out trade shows, such as the upcoming THBA Annual Topeka Home Show at the Kansas Expocentre February 27 through March 1. Most area builders will be on hand to meet with you and answer any questions.

Local REALTORS are also good information resources. Look in the At Home Living section at the new homes for sale to find builders who construct your style of house. Once you get a list of builders you think may fit what youre looking for, search the internet to see what is being said about their work. Also check with the Better Business Bureau.

Next, schedule interviews with the builders, and make sure you bring a notebook to jot down the information you receive. What questions should you ask a prospective builder? Here are some important ones:

1. How long have you been in business?

2. Are you a licensed and insured contractor?

3. What kind of warranty do you offer? Read the warranty carefully to see what kind of protection the builder will provide after the home is complete.

4. Do you have references? You will want current references for projects similar to yours, plus references from past customers to judge the quality of the builders work over the long term. Also ask to view these homes.

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At Home Living: Finding right builder key to building your home