Consumers need to make an educated decision when choosing a builder to build a home for them. Not doing your homework before hand may lead to problems later.

This information highlights areas where questions should be asked and a reputable builder will have no problem producing the documents or answers to the questions.

All to often, individuals are trusting of someone who appears to be a "nice guy" and they don't ask the tough questions. Many time individuals will spend more time test driving a car before they make the purchase than they do researching a builder who they will spend ten times the money with!

Although "let the buyer beware" is not a saying that the industry wants to be associated with, those people who typically get into trouble with either fly-by-night builders or builders with a poor business record have not done their homework. We want you to have a pleasant building experience so to become an educated homebuyer, here's your homework......

CHECK REFERENCES
It is important that you verify references. Go back as far as the company will give you information. Don't just take the names and consider the job done. Call them.

Ask them questions.
Was the home completed timely?
How were changes handled?
Did items after closing get completed satisfactorily and in a reasonable amount of time?

INSURANCE
A reputable builder will be happy to provide insurance information to you. Some builders have all work done with subcontractors. Other builders have employees. Both will need to show you liability insurance certificates. Those with employees should also provide a workman's compensation policy.

VERIFY TIME IN THE AREA AND INDUSTRY

This one simple question asked, answered and verified will eliminate any possibility of being the victim of someone coming into our area for the purpose of scamming unsuspecting homeowners. Generally this can happen after severe weather, but has been known to happen in building homes as well. Even a builder who recently moved into this area should be able to provide information on his previous location and length of time in business.

LICENSES
Some areas do not require contractors to be licensed. Check with the local building inspection department in the area you are planning to build, verify the builder you are considering is licensed.

TRADE REFERENCES
Your builder should be able to provide you with supplier references. Check them. Although you should not expect to get detailed balance information, the supplier will be able to verify that the builder has done business with them, for what period of time and if they pay their bills on time.

A HOME IN PROGRESS
Ask the builder to see a home that he is currently building. Drive by the site and watch the progress.

REMEMBER
Following a few simple steps prior to hiring a builder will insure the company that you hire is reputable and will be time well spent.