How to Choose a Home Builder

When you’ve made the decision to build a new home from the ground up, one of the most important things you’ll do is choose your builder. Building a new home is a huge investment of time, money, and energy. You want to make sure that the builder you select is someone you can trust and collaborate with long-term. To help you do this, we’ve laid out some tips to guide you through the process.  

1. Identify your needs 

To choose your home builder, you need to narrow down your options. You can do this by identifying some of your biggest priorities, such as: 

• Location 

Do you know where you’re looking to build? Do you already have a lot? Use these questions to find a builder close to where you want to live. 

• Budget  

What is your budget, and what do you prioritize spending on? Are there design selections or upgrades that might increase your costs? Make sure to find a builder that’s within your budget, and talk to them about variable and upgrade costs.  

• Look and Feel 

What kind of aesthetic do you want your home to have? Figure this out before you start searching for a builder so that you can find someone who knows how to bring your vision to life. 

• Custom or Semi-Custom 

Do you want to build a custom or semi-custom home? Know how involved you want to be in the design process beforehand. Some builders specialize in fully custom homes, some build semi-custom homes, and some do both. Make sure you have a full understanding of what kind of builder you’re looking for so that you aren’t caught by surprise later on.  

2. Discover and research 

Once you have answered some of your most important questions, find out what builders are in your area and learn everything about them. The internet will be a very useful source during this process. Start out by making a list of builders that are available, and then start asking questions. Reach out to the builders and find out more about them. Here are some good questions to ask: 

• What are your current build times? 

• What size homes do you build? 

• Can I see your available floor plans? 

• What is your cost per square foot? 

• What kind of warranty do you provide? 

• What suppliers do you use for appliances, paint, cabinets, etc.? 

• How do you ensure quality in the homes you build? 

On top of asking builders questions, see if you can reach out to people who have already worked with them. Ask them how their experience was, what they loved, and what they didn’t. This will help you understand what it’s like to build with them from someone who has already done it.  

Lastly, check out their previous builds! Find pictures of work they have already completed as well as projects they’re currently working on. If you can take a drive by or walk through to see their work in person, that’s even better.  

3. Things to look for 

As you do your research, look out for clues about how it may be to work with a builder. 

• Do they answer questions quickly and thoroughly? 

• Do they give you opportunities to be involved in the building process?

• Do they care about quality and enforce it in tangible ways?  

• Do they acknowledge your concerns and understand them?  

You know what’s important to you, so use these guiding questions to get a feel for the builders you are considering. Take your time in choosing a builder until you feel 100% confident in moving forward.  

At Kept Classic Homes, we understand what it’s like to build a new home. That’s why we give you as many tips as possible to help guide you through the process. To learn what it’s like to build with us, call 979.429.2444 or email info@keptclassichomes.com. We’ll be happy to answer all your questions about our home designs, lots, quality, and more!