How do I hire a builder for my home?  This is a very important question for any person planning to build a custom home.  The builder is the person who turns your vision into reality.

Your task is to find the best builder available, one that will build your home, in a timely, efficient manner, at the price the two of you have agreed upon.

The true test of the builders competence is their recent work.  It is important for you to inspect work that has actually been completed in the last year or so.

It will be quite obvious the difference between a well-built and a poorly built home.  Look at the seams where different materials meet.  How are they finished?  Are there large gaps between the siding and the windows or baseboards and floors?  A builder that allows such details to pass by on a custom home is not likely to pay much attention to important hidden details either.

A reliable builder will have a list of references for you to check.  These should be from customers the builder has worked with during the last 12 months.

It is important for you to feel comfortable with your builder.  There are always decisions to be made that will arise while building your home.  You must be able to communicate with your builder and feel that the builder understands and knows how to realize what you are trying to achieve in terms of design and quality.

Finally, make sure to check that your builder is properly licensed and insured. Ask to see evidence of General Liability and Worker's Compensation Insurance before signing a contract.

Most new custom homes are built for a Fixed Price or Lump Sum Contract that is negotiated up front based on construction documents (plans, specifications, and material list). We do not recommend a Cost Plus Contract.  Ask Bill Douglas to explain why.

Your price agreement will be formalized by signing of the contract.  The contract spells out who does what and when, and who pays for what and when.  This helps to ensure a surprise-free relationship between you and the builder.  The contract should contain the following:

1. Location of the house to be built with approximate dimensions.  This is   accompanied by a legal description of the property plus a sketch (site plan) showing the house on the lot with setbacks, etc.

2. A detailed description of the work to be performed.  Plans and specs should be included as an addendum to the contract and signed by both parties to the contract.

3. A construction schedule detailing when work is to begin and the time frame for the work to be completed.  Expect clauses allowing for weather delays and other problems beyond the control of the builder.

4. A site condition clause.  If site conditions vary from those assumed in the contract (high water table, bedrock, etc.), then a procedure for handling plan changes and associated expenses should be indicated.

5. A fee and payment schedule that spells out the construction inspections and the payment amount for completing each.  The final payment is usually withheld until final approval of all work by the owner and the receipt of a certificate of occupancy from the local building department.

6. A description indicating who is responsible for obtaining and paying for all permits, licenses and fees (taxes, utility bills, etc. ) associated with constructing your home.

7. Procedures for change orders.  Each change order will specify the work to be done the cost associated with the change order and any additional time that would be required.

8. Warranties.  Warranty documents, walk-through procedures and the service policy should be attached to the contract.  It should clearly state who is responsible for what.  The builder should offer a warranty that covers the work for a specific period of time.  A 12-month warranty is customary.  

9. Details of liability and insurance issues- who pays for builder's risk insurance, for example.  The builder should provide for your inspection certificates of insurance for general liability, builder's risk, worker's compensation, and any other insurance forms customary in your locality.