Logo of Patterson Homes, featuring a stylized house design with the company name in bold letters.

30 Things To Look For In A Home Builder

Building a home is one of the most significant investments a person can make in their lifetime. Choosing the right home builder is an essential part of the building process. A good home builder will ensure your dream home is built to your specifications and meets all the necessary standards. Out of all the home builders out there, how do you choose the right one for you? 

In this article, we are going to explore the top 27 things to look for when you are choosing a professional house builder: 

  1. Reputation: Look for a home builder with a good reputation in the industry. This can be assessed by checking their customer reviews, industry awards, and the number of years they have been in business. A builder with a good reputation will have a proven track record of delivering quality work and customer satisfaction.
  2. Experience: Choose a home builder with significant experience in the industry. An experienced builder will better understand the local building codes, regulations, and construction methods, which can result in a smoother building process and a higher-quality final product.
  3. Licenses and certifications: Verify that the home builders you choose have all the necessary licenses and certifications to operate legally in your state. This ensures that the builder is held to the highest standards and that their work meets all the required regulations.
  4. Insurance: Choose a home builder with proper insurance coverage. This includes general liability insurance, workers’ compensation insurance, and builder’s risk insurance. These types of insurance will protect you, your property, and the builder’s employees in case of an accident or damage.
  5. Effective communication: Look for a home builder who communicates effectively. This means that they should be responsive to your questions and concerns and provide you with regular updates on the progress of your project. Clear and open communication is essential to ensuring that your project stays on track and that you are satisfied with the final product.
  6. Realistic timeline: Choose home builders who provide a realistic timeline for the completion of your project. A builder who over-promises on the timetable may be cutting corners or rushing the project, resulting in a lower-quality final product.
  7. Attention to detail: Look for a home builder who pays attention to detail. A meticulous builder will ensure that every aspect of your home is completed to the highest standards and that no detail is overlooked.
  8. Warranty: Choose a home builder who offers a warranty on their work. This provides peace of mind knowing that any issues that arise after the project is completed will be addressed promptly.
  9. Financing options: Look for a home builder who can assist you with various financing options. This can include construction loans or other types of traditional new-home financing that can help you pay for your home over time.
  10. Customization options: Look for a home builder who offers customization options. This allows you to personalize your home and ensure that it meets your specific needs and style preferences.
  11. Transparency about pricing and budget: Choose a home builder who is transparent about their pricing and budget. A builder who is upfront about the costs associated with your project can help you make informed decisions and avoid any surprises later on.
  12. Focus on safety: Choose a home builder who prioritizes safety on the job site. This includes ensuring that their employees have proper safety equipment and training and that the job site is kept clean and free of hazards.
    Focus on Safety
  13. Solid project management system: Look for a home builder who has a solid project management system in place. This includes up-to-date schedules, timelines, milestones, regular progress updates, and communication with you.
  14. High-quality materials: Choose a home builder who uses high-quality materials in their projects. High-quality materials will ensure that your home is built to last and is durable and safe.
  15. Attention to energy efficiency: Look for a home builder who pays attention to energy efficiency. This can include using energy-efficient appliances and fixtures, insulation, and other measures that can help you save money on your utility bills.
  16. Availability of references: Choose a home builder who can provide references from past clients. This allows you to speak with others who have worked with the builder and get a sense of their experience and satisfaction.
  17. A team of skilled professionals: Look for a home builder with a team of experienced professionals, including architects, engineers, and subcontractors. A team of professionals with expertise in their respective fields will ensure your project is completed to the highest standards.
  18. Flexibility and adaptability: Choose a home builder who is flexible and adaptable. This means they can adjust to changes or unexpected issues that may arise during the building process and are willing to work with you to find solutions.
  19. Clear contract and documentation: Look for a home builder who provides a clear and detailed contract and documentation. This includes a written agreement outlining the scope of work, pricing, timeline, necessary permits, and other documentation.
  20. Collaboration and teamwork: Choose a home builder who values collaboration and teamwork. This means they are willing to work with you and other professionals involved in the project to ensure that the final product meets your needs and expectations.
  21. Good communication with subcontractors: Look for a home builder who communicates well with their subcontractors. This ensures that everyone involved in the project is on the same page and that the work is completed to the highest standards.
  22. Transparency in subcontractor relationships: Choose a home builder who is transparent about their relationships with subcontractors. This includes disclosing any potential conflicts of interest and ensuring that subcontractors are properly licensed and insured.
  23. Willingness to answer questions: Look for a home builder willing to answer your questions and address any concerns you may have throughout the building process. A builder who is open and transparent about their work can help alleviate any anxieties you may have and ensure that you are satisfied with the final product.
  24. Willingness to provide design assistance: Look for a home builder willing to provide design assistance. This can include working with you to choose materials and finishes and providing input on design elements that will make your home functional and aesthetically pleasing.
  25. Commitment to customer satisfaction: Choose a home builder committed to customer satisfaction. This means that they prioritize your needs and satisfaction throughout the building process and are willing to make changes or adjustments as needed to ensure that you are pleased with the final product.
  26. Ability to handle permits and inspections: Look for a home builder with experience handling permits and inspections. This ensures your house-building project stays on track and complies with all necessary regulations.
  27. Post-construction support: Choose a home builder who offers post-construction support. This includes addressing any issues or concerns that arise after the project is completed and ensuring that any necessary repairs or maintenance are performed promptly and professionally.

Choosing the right home builder is essential to ensuring your dream home is built to your specifications and meets all necessary standards. Now you know how to choose the right home builder, but do you know why it is important to hire a professional? 

Building a home is a complex and expensive process that requires significant expertise, skills, and resources. While some people may choose to build their homes independently, hiring a professional builder offers numerous benefits.
hiring a professional builder to construct

Here are some reasons why you should consider hiring a professional builder to construct your home:

  • Experience and Expertise: Professional builders have extensive experience and expertise in the construction industry. They have the skills, knowledge, and resources to complete your house-building project on time and within budget.
  • Quality Workmanship: Professional builders use high-quality materials and employ the latest construction techniques to ensure your home is built to the highest standards. They also have access to the best subcontractors, who are experts in their respective fields.
  • Time and Cost Savings: Building a home on your own can be time-consuming and expensive. Professional builders have the experience and resources to streamline the construction process, saving you time and money.
  • Legal Compliance: Building a home requires compliance with various building codes and regulations. Professional builders have the necessary licenses, permits, and insurance to ensure that your home is built to code and complies with all necessary regulations. 
  • Warranty and After-sales Service: Professional builders usually offer warranties on their work, which means they will fix any issues that arise after the completion of the project. This provides peace of mind and ensures that your investment is protected.
  • Design Assistance: Many professional builders have in-house design teams or work with architects and designers to help you create a customized and functional home that meets your unique needs and preferences.
  • Project Management: Building a home involves coordinating various subcontractors, suppliers, and other parties. Professional builders have a project management system that ensures everything runs smoothly and the house-building project is completed on time.
  • Safety: Building a home may involve several safety hazards. Professional builders have the safety protocols and equipment to ensure everyone on the job site is safe.

Hiring a professional builder to construct your home can save you time, money, and stress and ensure that you end up with a high-quality, safe, and functional home that meets your needs and exceeds your expectations.

Let Patterson Homes Build You a Dream Home!

Patterson Homes has over 75 years of experience building homes people are excited to call home. The question is — what are you waiting for? Your dream home is just a phone call away. So, call us at 801-756-7303 or contact us on our site, and let’s get started today!