Choosing a Custom Builder
Buying or building a custom home is one of the most significant investments you will make. So choosing the right home and the right builder is paramount. The Custom Builders Council understands the importance of this decision and wants to help provide some guidance.
The necessity of good research can not be understated. You are going to need reliable information so that you can reach the decision that is right for you.

Compile a List of Potential Builders
Ask for recommendations from friends and co-workers who have built a home. Home tours are another way to add to your list. At the Home of Enchantment Parade sponsored by the Home Builders Association of Central New Mexico in October well over 50 Home Builders put their work on display. There is a Green Built and a Solar Tour as well as region specific tours like the Placitas Home Tour. Do a web search to find out more. If you have a good relationship with a Realtor, they too can be a good starting point.

Talk to the Builders
Call each Builder on your list and spend a few moments talking to them about your project. Ask them to send you some information on their company. If you liked the conversation and they follow up on your request then keep them on your list.

Look at the Builders’ Work
Make sure you’ve seen at least two examples of the Builders’ work. Touring the homes will tell you volumes about how they build and how it might fit you. If you’ve got specific needs ask if the Builder has an example of how they met a similar need. If you’ve got a lot or the Builder has one that you’re interested in, meet the Builder on the lot. The land can dictate many parameters of building and it is best to know up front what those might be.

Talk to the Builders’ Clients
Ask the Builders to supply you with references. Scale the number of references you want to the number of homes the Builder has built. Ask for at least three from a Builder who hasn’t built a lot of homes. Ask for ten from a Builder who has built 40 homes. Make sure to call the references. Ask them about their experience with the Builder, the process and their satisfaction with the end result.

Talk to the Builders’ Banker
Ask the Builders to supply you with a financial reference. You want to make sure that the Builder has a good business relationship with a financial institution.

Talk to the Builders’ Key Suppliers & Sub-Contractors
Ask the Builder to supply you with references from their key Supplier and Sub-Contractors. Examples are Cabinet makers/suppliers, Window suppliers, Plumbing Company, Electrical Company etc. Call them and make sure the Builder is timely with their payments.

Confirm Insurances
Ask the Builder to supply you with proof of Insurances for Builders Risk, Liability and Workmen’s Comp.

Look at the Contract
Ask the Builder if you can review a sample of their contract. Does it include a warranty? Does it protect you as well as the Builder?

Be a Great Client
After doing all this research, you probably will be down to a short list of Builders. Now it is time for you to choose. Gather a notebook of resource photos of home details that you like. Include exterior elevations, architectural styles and elements. Pull these photos from home and architectural magazines. Bring this wish book with you and talk to the Builders about what you want, what your timeline is and what your budget is.Does the Builder think the project is realistic? Does the Builder think it is interesting? The decision on which Builder should build your home will start to appear. It is essentially a mutual selection process.

The Result
Remember you must have a good, honest and fair relationship with your Builder for the project to be a success. Go into it with your eyes wide open, knowing that you asked the right questions and made the best decision. Building a Custom Home can be one of the most creative and satisfying journeys in life. The Custom Builders Council hopes this information has put your feet soundly on that path.

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