Choosing a Custom Home Builder

Finding a custom home builder in Maryland can be very exciting, very rewarding, and very stressful if proper “due diligence” is not used.

WATCH OUT FOR BAITERS!

WHAT IS BAITERS?

The elmhurst home builders are the builders who will quote a ridiculously low price per square foot in dollars. A low price per square foot grabs your attention. Then the strategy/trick invites you to contact the custom builder. When you start to “peel the onion” you start to realize that the ridiculously low price per square foot number doesn’t include everything (site work, all permits, etc.) and makes it low grade. / is being indexed with standard content. inferior quality.

What are the things to “make sure” when choosing a Maryland custom home builder?

1) Make sure everything is included in the price quoted by any Maryland custom home builder. This includes, but is not limited to, all permits, all necessary site work (driveway, excavation, septic, etc.), and all necessary connections (water and sewer, well and septic, gas and electric). ). There is no surprise later, when it is already too late. If you’re not a do-it-yourselfer, you’ll want the home building process to be completely “turnkey.”

2) Be sure to compare “apples to apples” when comparing the materials used by any new Maryland home builder. Using 2x4 vs. 2x6 construction, Formica vs. granite countertops, single vs. double-hung windows, brick vs. vinyl siding, cabinet grade, carpet grade, appliance grades, the list goes on and on. The best thing you can do is run a computer spreadsheet that compares the included features of one potential custom home builder to another custom home builder.

3) Be sure to check out some of the custom homes that are under construction to verify the “build quality” and original materials used. If you see a subcontractor/supplier on site, don’t waste too much time (they are working), but ask them, “Would you like to work for this particular custom builder?” If there’s a payment problem, or if it’s a bad workplace, you might be surprised at the candid answers you get. Observe the condition of the job site. Is it sloppy or dirty? This may indicate an “I don’t care” attitude.

4) Make sure there is a communication process during construction. Each week you should be informed of the events scheduled in your home for that particular week. Photos, emails, phone calls, etc… are great tools for a Maryland custom home builder to stay in touch with their client.

5) Make sure that any builder you are considering has excellent client references. Contact several references and ask them about their overall experience with the custom builder. If people were not satisfied with their experience, they will tell you.