YOUR GUIDE FOR HOME CONSTRUCTION
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SELECTING YOUR BUILDER AND ARCHITECT

We all dream of the day that we can build a home tailored to our unique lifestyles. Certain rooms or spaces have special importance to each of us and we long for a home built to our specifications. No more crowded bathrooms; no more crowded cabinets; no more crowded closets! Perhaps you have already decided to take this momentous step. Although you are probably at the planning stages right now, it's never too soon to think about how you will choose your builder and architect. It's one of the most important decisions you will make about one of the largest expenditures of your life. Choose these individuals with care.

Perhaps you are someone who already knows exactly what you want in your new custom home. Chances are, you will need help with ideas from your architect. During the design phase of the drawings it is a good idea to already know who your builder is going to be. You may want your architect and builder to interact with you during this phase. Budgets should be discussed during the design phase. At this point in the process a good builder can answer questions involving cost better than the architect can. The builder can introduce the effects of cost engineering. He can analyze the type of home during the design and tell you which direction your costs are going. A good builder will be able to advise you on your selection of an architect. As well, an architect will be able to do the same for you on your selection of builder.

Here are a few important steps to take while making your decisions. Call around to the local banks and talk to the construction loan department, ask them for referrals. Real estate companies are a good source also. When interviewing your prospects ask for a list of previous clients you can contact for testimonials. Find out where he is building. Ask what price homes he is building. Are they in your price range? This type of information will give you an idea of what your dollar buys with a particular builder. Talk frankly about your budget and time frame. You will also want to know how long the builder has been in business. Ask the builder the names of his primary subcontractors and how long he has worked with them. Discuss the builder's warranty. After the interview, ask yourself: Can I communicate with this individual? Does he understand my concerns and did he address them in a forthright manner. Talk to the builders past clients. Find out if they are satisfied with the quality of workmanship in their home. Was the builder responsive to their requests? Did he provide a schedule for items needed during the construction of the home?

Determine the level of on-site supervision provided by the builder. On site supervision is critical in today's marketplace. Ask the builder's previous clients how much time the builder, or his staff, actually spends at the site during critical phases of construction. Today's builder is a manager of people. He hires independent subcontractors to provide each of the services needed to build the home. The builder is only as good as the subcontractor he hires. If the builder is not available when a problem arises on the job site, an independent party is left to make decisions concerning how to resolve problems. The subcontractor is not qualified to make these decisions--that is the builder's job. If the builder is not there every day, he cannot properly monitor your investment. On-site supervision by a builder equals better quality, faster building time and fewer headaches for you.

Take the time to view the work of builders you are considering. Look carefully at the homes under construction. What type of material does the builder use in the home? Is the building site clean and organized? Weekends and evenings are good times to do this so that you do not interfere with the work in progress.

Contact the Better Business Bureau and local Contractors Board to make sure there are no outstanding complaints on the builders your considering.

Be prepared to wait for several weeks to obtain your cost analysis. Costing a house is not easy and requires a great deal of time and effort on the part of the builder. When you receive your cost breakdown, study it not only for total cost, but also for the manner of preparation. Are details spelled out? Are there provisions for changes you might want to make? Does it look as though the builder took everything into consideration? Is an allowance included for every item you have requested? Are the allowance numbers realistic for your selections? You can also help control costs by providing alternatives for some items--using a fiberglass shower instead of a glass block version, for instance. Some builders can supply estimates based on varying grades of materials if you give them detailed choices.

One final note: The cheapest builder may not always be the best. Consider all aspects of working with a particular builder. One who works inexpensively but does not do quality work--or a builder with whom you have trouble communicating--is probably not the best choice.

View other construction tips:
Controlling Concrete Expansion
Ice and Water Shield
Window Installation
Drywall Installation
Hardwood Floors

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PEARCE CONSTRUCTION
10415 Double R Blvd.
Reno, NV 89521
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Office Hours: Mon - Fri 8:00-5:00

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