You have bought the land, checked with building code officials regarding easements, building restrictions and requirements, and finally purchased the house plan for the home that you are going to build. Now it is time to hire a general contractor or professional homebuilder to make your dream come true. Or if you have the time, you could contract the building of your home yourself.

The phone book is packed full of builders and contractors but how do you know which one is the one for you? Pick one, apply these basic rules and you will have a professional that will get the job done.

Reputation
One of the best ways to learn about a builder is to visit or tour a home they have build and talk with the owners. Questions you should ask include: Are you happy with your home? Did the builder do what was promised in a timely manner? Was the builder interested in you and did they listen to your requests? Was the builder responsive to your needs? If you built another home, would you use this builder?

Quality of Work
Inspect the quality of the finishes such as cabinetry, trim work, and paint. Ask the builder to review the list of custom features that are standard in each house as well as the safety features and product lines that are used. Building a home requires incredible attention to detail and you should be confident that your builder values this philosophy.

Service
Evaluate the warranty and find out what type of service you can expect after you move into your home. Some builders provide homeowners with comprehensive closing books. These helpful books provide valuable information including how to care for the new home, as well as warranty and maintenance information on each product or appliance within the home.

Doing your homework and understanding how custom builders work will give you the confidence you need to correctly select a custom builder that's right for you.