Ten Steps to Selecting the Right Builder

Building a custom home is exciting, and we share your enthusiasm. Before you dive headlong into the process, you want to ensure you’re assembling the right team – from architect to builder to interior designer.

As a custom home builder serving the Asheville area, our goal is to make that process as easy as possible for you. We put together a list of the top things to do when picking your builder, and you can easily apply a variation of these steps to anyone else on your journey to build a custom home.

Step 1: Unleash Your Curiosity – Ask Questions!

Arm yourself with a list of questions as long as your enthusiasm. Reach out to friends and family who’ve built a custom home before and soak up their wisdom. Transparency is one of our core values, so ask us your questions.

Step 2: Get Nosy – Ask for References

Time to do some homework. Ask your potential builders for references. They should have no problem supplying you with several. Ring them up those references, drop them an email, or even plan a visit if you’re feeling adventurous. You’re essentially interviewing previous customers. Is the builder’s work top-notch? Are their clients grinning from ear to ear with their custom homes? This is your chance to nose your way to satisfaction.

Step 3: Take a Trip to Dreamville – Tour the Homes

Asheville and the surrounding area are a dream location for a luxurious second (or third) home. And if you’re not from the area, then hop in the car or on a plane and visit. Drive around. Get to know the area. Read our handy article about Asheville restaurants, Asheville hiking, and Asheville shopping. Better yet, get up close and personal with the craftsmanship of each builder you’re considering by touring their finished homes. After all, we’re talking about your dream home. Real talk, real insights!

Step 4: Level Up – Know the Process

Custom homes come in all shapes and sizes, just like the builders behind them. Dive deep into their processes. Do they use high-quality materials? Is their process synchronized, systematic, and scheduled? How often do they like to sit down and chat? Take note of their communication process and timeliness. How do they talk about the budget? How much visibility will you have into the cost of your home? You and your builder need to be in tune.

Step 5: Build Bridges – Connect with the Builders

When you pick your builder, you’re picking your dream weaver. So make sure you build a good relationship with the builder who will deliver on your vision for your dream home. Regular chit-chats and camaraderie are key. A good builder will do the work to build trust and understanding. And so must you. It’s the secret sauce to ensure you’re a dream team, all on the same page, building luxurious castles in the Land of the Sky.

Step 6: Legit or Not – Check for License and Certification

Before you seal the deal, take a peek at your builder’s credentials. Are they rocking the license and certification scene? Trust us; you don’t want a “whoopsie” moment halfway through your dream home journey. Chat with your potential builder about this upfront to avoid any plot twists. We like plot twists, but not this kind.

Step 7: Warranty Wonderland – Ask About Warranties

When you’re investing in building a home or anything really, you deserve some warranties. You deserve a builder that stands behind their work. Ask your potential custom home builders about their warranty offerings. Think limited material warranties, mechanical assurances, and third-party peace of mind. Make sure you’re crystal clear on the warranty timeline because clarity is key.

Step 8: Grab Your Readers – Understand Their Standard Contract

Surprises mid-construction because you didn’t read the fine print are no fun. When you’re interviewing builders, ask to see a copy of their contract. Go through it with a fine-tooth comb. If there’s something you don’t understand, ask. Ask the builder. A builder with integrity will explain it thoroughly. Or ask an attorney to review it for you. Don’t sign anything if you have questions about it.

Step 9: Heads Up – Know What’s Not Included

The beautiful garden in your mind might not be in your contract. Landscaping, other than what is required for a certificate of occupancy, may be a separate gig for some builders. If that’s the case, you’ll need to bring in a landscaping pro to make your garden dreams come true. We can wrap your landscaping plan into your project, or you can fulfill that dream later. Just make sure you plan and budget accordingly!

Step 10: Decision Time – More than Just the Price

Choosing a builder solely based on the price tag? You’re sure about that? A super low price might hint at inexperience, shoddy materials, upselling schemes, or a shaky business. While cost is important and a major consideration factor – after all, building a custom home is no small investment – you don’t want your dream home to turn into a nightmare. Are you and your builder aligned on cost, communication, transparency, timeline, materials, your vision? Choose wisely, my friend.

Let’s Connect

Now, if you’re ready to embark on a journey to build your custom home, we’d love to connect. We’d appreciate the opportunity to see if we can turn your vision for your dream home into reality.