The custom home journey requires a different kind of imagination. You’ve got to look at an empty lot — basically a patch of dirt or grass or woods — and envision your dream house from the foundation up.
But remember that you don’t have to do this alone! A custom home builder’s main job is to help you see all the possibilities for bringing your family’s ideal living situation to life. To do that, your builder must be experienced and reliable, and possess the creativity, flexibility and communication skills to understand your needs and translate them into real-world solutions.
The really big question here? How to find a home builder with all those standout qualities who also connects with your aesthetic style and can work within your budget and timeframe.
The pros at Weaver Custom Homes have gone on the custom-build journey with countless homeowners in Northeast and Central Ohio over the past 50 years or so. We’re delighted to share our expertise with you and help you find a house builder you can trust.
Read on for our guidance on navigating your way into your perfect custom home, including how to find a reputable home builder with the references, vision and skill set you need!
How to Find Custom Home Builders
The first step in creating your dream home is deciding between remodeling and building custom from scratch. If you’ve priced renovations and been disappointed, then shopped the market in your chosen area and found nothing to your liking, a custom build could be your answer.
The second step is choosing the right custom builder for you. Here are three strategies for how to find a home builder in your area that fits your family:
Ask Friends and Family
Has anyone you know recently built a custom home? Have you long admired that gorgeous custom build your boss or colleague or college friend or neighbor lives in? Did you recently attend a social event hosted in a stunning house that inspired you to go custom yourself?
Don’t be shy about asking any of these people who they chose as a custom builder. They’ll likely be flattered that their home impressed you and readily share the builder’s contact info. This approach is effective because you can get real insight into their day-to-day experience with the builder.
Search Online
It’s always a good plan to begin any information search on the internet. But don’t believe everything you see there! Of the many things to consider for your custom home, choosing a builder that features an endorsement from the Better Business Bureau and lots of details about their existing properties is important. A company with an easily navigable website and several methods for contacting them can be promising. Keep a list of those that seem reputable so you can reach out to them for more information.
Explore Neighborhoods You Like
Is there a new development in your area you’re curious about? Are there certain houses around town that you go out of your way to drive by because their style or composition intrigues you? Have you always dreamed of living in a particular community that seems to be expanding? Haunt those neighborhoods on weekends and evenings! If you see homeowners working in their yards or washing their cars, stop and strike up a conversation — then get them to share some of the benefits of a custom home. Most people who’ve had their home custom built love talking about the process, the pain points and the finished product. Not only can these conversations help you find a custom builder, but they can also help you determine whether the neighborhood is a good fit for you and your family.
How to Find a Reputable Home Builder
Now that you have a short list of vetted companies, you’ve probably also got a list of questions to ask custom builders you’d like to pursue further. That’s great! A key element in how to find a builder for a new home that fits your aesthetic and lifestyle is asking lots and lots of questions.
It’s also crucial that you:
Ask for References – And Talk to Homeowners
The point here is to get a sense of the custom home experience from the client’s point of view. Most homeowners are quick to share both the good and the bad about their experience — and it’s important that you listen to both! Was their builder slow to respond to messages? Did they respond quickly but with superficial or dismissive answers? Were they respectful of the homeowner’s time, budget and style preferences? Did the builder or designer try to push the homeowner toward the most expensive (or budget-friendly) fixtures and finishes?
If it’s at all possible, reach out to those previous clients to get unfiltered feedback about their custom home builders.
Look for Customization, Not Cookie-Cutter Templates
Does your design aesthetic match with the latest custom home design trends? Or do you have ideas that are totally off the beaten path? Are you even sure how to choose your aesthetic — or how to communicate your likes and dislikes to your builder?
The key to how to go about building a custom home that you and your family will love for years is to get really clear on your taste and style preferences. Don’t settle for cookie-cutter designs or templates that limit you to specific floor plans or finishes. The best custom builders tailor everything to you and your family without forcing you into premade plans.
Investigate the Custom Home Warranty
Most people trying to find a home builder have looked into the cost of a custom home, including purchasing and preparing the land they’ll build on (more on that in a moment). But something often overlooked is the home warranty. If we had to single out the most telling point in how to find a reputable home builder, it’s inquiring about whether the company guarantees their craftsmanship. The most reliable and trustworthy custom home builders give you upfront info on their warranty, cost estimates and timeline. If they skirt this question or hesitate to provide any kind of workmanship guarantee, you’re likely better off continuing your search.
Make Sure They Can Build Where You Want to Live
Are you looking for the wide-open freedom of a multi-acre property? Can you see your family growing in a tidy planned community? Is your heart set on a breathtaking view across a serene body of water from your breakfast table? Whether you already own an empty lot or you’re still searching for the perfect site for your new house, you need to figure out how to find a home builder in your area of preference. It does you no good to talk to Michigan home builders when your new job is in Columbus, Ohio. Many custom home builders include “where we build” on one of their web pages to show off their available lots. Make sure to research these locales thoroughly to narrow down the home builders who can accommodate your geographic needs.
Custom Home Building With Weaver Custom Homes
Why choose Weaver Custom Homes for your custom build in Northeast or Central Ohio? We bring the highest quality, deepest integrity and utmost luxury to every home we build. Our long history of experience has given us a wealth of creative ideas and an attitude of flexibility for tapping into your innermost fantasies about your living space. Contact us today or visit our award-winning Design Center in historic downtown Wooster to start the journey to your dream custom home today!
