Hiring Builders

Hiring Builders
 

Shop for your builder as carefully as you shop for your home. Whether you are buying a condo, a townhouse, a house in a subdivision or a custom built home, you want to know you’re dealing with a reputable builder. Here’s how:

Start your search.

  • Decide what type of home you want to build.
  • Look through the real estate section of your newspaper for builders in your area.
  • Seek out your local home builders association for a comprehensive list of builders.
  • Ask local real estate agents about builders they’ve dealt with directly.
  • Think about your budget – consider those builders who fit it.
  • Finally, generate a list of the builders you’re interested in.

Take a look.

  • Ask builders for the addresses of their recently built houses, subdivisions, or condos.
  • Drive by to see if the homes are visually appealing.
  • Builders may provide names of customers who would be willing to talk with you.
  • Talk to several customers to get different opinions.

 

Virtual tours image

Virtual Tours

View virtual tours of home projects by top builders in your area and see Andersen windows and doors used in a variety of applications:

hometalktours.com

 

 

Prepare for your visit.

  • Gather all ideas, information and plans to share with the builder.
  • Have your budget worked out to communicate it up front.

 

Window & Door Ideas

Save ideas and images in your Account as you browse windows and doors. From your Account, email or print your ideas to easily communicate with your builder.

Create an Account

Check for a warranty.

  • Most builders offer some form of written warranty – ask to see a copy.
  • Many builders back their own warranties on workmanship and materials, typically for one year.
  • Other builders offer warranties backed by an insurance company.
  • Read the warranty to understand what protection you would have.
  • Don’t wait to read it until after you move in and a problem arises.
  • If you have any questions about the coverage, ask the builder.

Ask about service.

  • Find out what kind of service you can expect after the sale.
  • Typically, a builder makes two service calls during the first year after you move in.
  • The first call is usually 30-120 days after the move-in.
  • The second is around the eleventh month -- before one year warranties expire.
  • For emergencies, the builder should be able to send someone to your home right away.