Do Your Research When Finding A Good Builder

The following is an article that recently appeared in the Nashua, NH Telegraph.  It was written by our build construction supervisor, Steve Manning. Steve is the constructions operation officer at Yankee Barn Homes. To say he was invaluable would be making a huge understatement!

If he or she is not interested, ask them for other names. Call your area’s Home Builders & Remodelers Association and visit a web site associated with it in your state (do this by searching Home Builders & Remodelers and add your state).

Check local lumber yards and ask for contractor’s names.

Often, they will have a bulletin board for builders to leave their calling cards. And don’t forget word of mouth – ask your neighbors who they might recommend.

Before meeting a builder:

Be prepared!

Prior to scheduling a meeting with a prospective builder, be sure to have the following in order:

* A plan and project specifications if possible. Many decisions will be made as you go, but make as many as you are capable of beforehand.

* Be prepared to talk about your schedule and be realistic. A good builder may be booked six months in advance.

* Bring the decision makers. Never schedule a meeting without the decision makers present.

* Do you actually like him or her? A good contractor shouldn’t be pushy, arrogant or intimidating. Choose someone who listens to your ideas. Choose someone who is reasonably relaxed, but keeps the meeting moving and on target. Try to maintain an open mind and listen to suggestions. You are the major decision maker, but a good part of what you pay for is his/her knowledge and experience.

* Would you be able to provide me a quote and timeline and stick to it?

Discuss this with the potential contractors. Above all, avoid the temptation to micro-manage a project you have hired someone else to do. The best builders love what they do and it shows from the very first handshake.