It’s undeniably the most important decision you’ll make during the home building process: selecting your builder. It trumps marble vs. tile in the foyer, Wolf vs. Viking in the kitchen, and composite vs. slate on the roof.

Who you contract to build your home can mean the difference between a well-built house you’ll enjoy for many years, and an endless string of battles in a home that is in a constant state of disrepair.

START LOOKING

Word of mouth is the best way for a good Home Builder or General Contractor to get jobs. Do you know someone who has had a home built? What do they have to say about the process, their builder, and the final result? How does that affect your opinion of the builder? If the references are positive then you’ll be more inclined to take a closer look at that builder. 

Don’t be swayed by paid advertisements—they are one-sided references for the builder and will always paint them in a good light. Steer clear of building companies that employ sales people. If the builder won’t talk to you directly, don’t hire them—it’s a bad omen. 

It demonstrates that they’re more interested in the number of jobs they book and making money, than the quality of houses they build and the relationships they create. 

Don’t assume that choosing a commercial real estate home building company over a personally owned and operated company will guarantee better results. Many major builders have been accused of shoddy workmanship and absconding with funds. 

Real Estate agents and your local home builder association are excellent resources to help you find a builder. House-plan.org offers its own Find a Builder Directory. Be thorough and do your research on any builder you’re considering.

DO YOUR HOMEWORK

Start by making a list of builders you’re thinking of using. The list should have at least ten names from which you can eventually pare down to three top prospects for the final bidding process. For every builder you’re thinking of using, research their background very carefully. The time you spend during this phase could eventually save you more time, money, and heartache later. 

Along with the usual references, meetings, and current job site audits, it’s critical to perform the following checks on any builder you’re considering:

 The builder’s credit history—request a credit report to confirm the builder is in good financial standing.

 The Better Business Bureau—confirm that there aren’t any complaints lodged against your prospective builder.

 The city—confirm that there are no judgments, lawsuits, bankruptcies, or liens against your prospective builder. 


Write down a list of questions that are important to you and to the building process. Is the real estate developer home builder licensed and insured? Are they bonded? How long have then been in business? Have each prospective builder answer the same questions. Be wary of any builder who evades answering a question or is vague with his answer. 

NARROWING YOUR LIST

Once you’ve done your research, take the information you’ve gathered on your “long list” of builders and make an informed decision to whittle it down to three. You’re now ready to request detailed bids from the builders on your “short list.” 

Make sure you provide each builder involved in the bidding process the same house plan and an accurate list of materials you’d like to use (for more information developing this list, check out House-plan.org 's Cost-to-Build™ feature).

A materials list will make a big difference in your final bids. If quality of materials isn’t specified, many builders will assume that the industry standard is acceptable, and that might not be what you want to use. 

It really is true when they say, “You get what you pay for.” There are many building horror stories to substantiate that claim. If you select a builder based on the lowest bid you might end up with a poorly constructed house that will cost more in the long run due to repair costs and legal fees, wiping out your cost (and time) savings. 

Take time to thoroughly evaluate the bids, and take all information into account when making your final decision. 

Something that a lot of San Diego homeowners don’t take into consideration is whether or not they actually like the builder. Some think it won’t matter—the builder is a professional hired to do a job, not be friends. But it does matter. 

You’ll be working with this person for a year or more during the home building process. Decisions will be made, compromises met, and arguments had. It’s important that you like, can communicate with, and enjoy working with your builder.

LEGAL EAGLES

Consider having a lawyer draw up a contract between you and the builder you’ve selected. If the builder has a standard contract it would be in your best interest to have it reviewed by a lawyer. Investing a little money for legal advice could save you thousands during the building process. 

Should something go wrong, you could be assured that you’re covered and entitled to legal recourse. 

HAPPY TALES

You will be entrusting the construction of your dream home to your builder of choice. That’s no small thing. It’s a huge financial and emotional decision. Above all—be smart, do your research, and make an informed decision. Your hard work, and that of your builder, will put you in your dream home and keep it a dream for years to come.

Once your San Diego home is completed you will be able to happily refer your builder to others instead of having a horror story to share.

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