CHOOSING a Maryland Custom Home Builder can be very exciting, very rewarding and VERY nerve racking if the proper "Due Diligence" is not exercised.
BEWARE of the BAITERS!
What is a BAITER?
A "Baiter" is a home builder that will quote a ridiculously low price per square foot dollar amount. The low price per square foot grabs your attention. The tactic / ploy then entices you to contact the Custom Builder. It is when you start "peeling back the onion" that you start to realize that the ridiculously low price per square foot number didn't include everything (site work, all permits, etc...) and is being quoted with low grade / sub-standard materials.
What are the "Make Sure" things to do when selecting a Maryland Custom Home Builder?
Make sure that the price quoted by ANY Maryland Custom Home Builder is ALL inclusive. This includes, but is not limited to, ALL of the permits, ALL of the necessary site work (driveway, excavations, septic, etc...) and ALL of the necessary hookups (water & sewer, well & septic, gas & electric). This is accomplished through a FREE Site Evaluation which entails, among other things, a physical visit to your lot. NO ambiguity. NO surprises later, when it's too late. If you are not a handyman you will want the Custom Home Building process to be completely "Turn-Key".
Make Sure that you compare "Apples to Apples" when comparing materials used by any Maryland New Home Builder. Cased windows & window sills versus drywall returns, formica counter tops versus granite counter tops / cultured marble counter tops versus granite counter tops, single hung windows versus double hung windows, brick, stone or Hardie plank versus vinyl vertical / horizontal or shake siding, grades of cabinets, grades of carpet, grades of appliances, and the list can go on and on...
Make Sure that you visit a couple of Custom Homes that are under construction to check out "Build Quality" and actual materials used. If you see a subcontractor / vendor on site, don't take up an inordinate amount of time (they are working) but ask them, "Do you like working for this particular Custom Builder?" If there are any payment problems or if it is a poorly run job site you may be surprised at the candid answers you will receive. Notice the condition of the job site. Is it sloppy or messy? This may be an indication of an "I don't care" attitude.
Make Sure there is a communication process in place during construction. EVERY week you should be informed of what events are scheduled on your home for that particular week. Pictures, emails, phone calls, etc... are all excellent tools for a Maryland Custom Home Builder to stay in touch with their client.
Make sure that ANY builder you are considering has EXCELLENT customer references. Contact several references and ask them about their overall experience with the Custom Builder. Review any testimonials. If people weren't happy with their experience - they will tell you.
Make Sure you check for any lien or judgment history against the Maryland Custom Builder you are considering. In Maryland, for example, there is the Maryland Judiciary Site. Here you can check for outstanding liens, judgments, lawsuits, etc... against all builders you are considering. Please keep in mind, legitimate disputes DO happen in business just as in life. What you want to look for is a pattern. It could very well give good insight on the health of the company. Check with local licensing requirements for a Home Builder. Custom Home Builders In Maryland have to be registered with the state of Maryland's Home Builder Registration Unit.
A Custom Home can be the largest financial decision in your life.
If the proper "Due Diligence" is performed upfront, it can also be one of the most rewarding decisions in your life!
John Shipley is a Licensed REALTOR / Licensed & Maryland Custom Home Builder (MHBR #6259) in the State of Maryland.
410.864.0177
JShipley@CastleRockBuilders.com
CASTLE ROCK BUILDERS
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John Shipley
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