Unveiling Northern Virginia Construction Boom
Today, numerous older homes across several Northern Virginia Communities including: Vienna, McLean, Falls Church and Great Falls are giving way to modern new construction homes. These towns boast a charming small-town atmosphere while offering a plethora of urban conveniences. Known for their family-friendly neighborhoods, great schools, proximity to excellent job opportunities, and easy access to public transportation, it’s no surprise that these suburbs within the Washington DC Metropolitan area have emerged as highly sought-after places to call home.
Construction of new homes in these towns is on the move: with over 150 new construction homes currently for sale in a price range of just over $1 million all the way to $50 million and with recorded sales of nearly 100 homes in the last two months.
Searching for the Right Builder
If you decided to purchase a new home, doing a research on local home builders has to be your number one priority.
Regardless of whether you are a buyer who is in the market for a new spec or a custom home, don’t skip on doing a research on home builders. Finding the right home builders is even more important for custom-built and build-on-own-lot homes; it’s essential part of the process to interview several home builders before making a commitment to a contract.
What do you need to know about the home builders and how can you go about gathering the information?
Please don’t dismiss the role of the real estate agent during this process. An agent has “inside scoop” and knows home builders’ reputation and quality of work. And if you are looking for a specific location, your agent will help you to identify right lot and land in a perfect location.
Assessing the Builder’s Reputation: A Crucial Step
Understanding a home builder’s reputation is akin to peering into a crystal ball foreseeing the quality of your future home. The key lies in thorough investigations and conversations. Begin by soliciting a list of references directly from the builder. Engaging in candid discussions with the past clients offers invaluable insights into the builder’s performance and customer satisfaction.
For a more nuanced understanding, seek out homeowners whose properties underwent Builder’s Warranty related repairs or touch-ups. Delve into their experiences with the builder during these instances. How did the builder respond to home owner’s concerns? Did the builder honor the warranty with promptness and professionalism? These personal accounts often reveal the true colors of a builder’s commitment to their clients.
But wait, there’s more to uncover about the builder’s reputation:
- Relationship with Subcontractors and Suppliers: Request a comprehensive list of subcontractors and take the initiative to contact them. Inquire about their experiences working with the builder. Did the builder maintain respectful and professional relationships? Importantly, did they ensure timely payments to these essential contributors? A builder’s treatment of subcontractors often mirrors their overall professionalism.
- Consumer Complaints and Licensing: A visit to the Better Business Bureau can unveil a wealth of information. Check for any filed complaints against the builder by consumers. This offers a gauge of any red flags or recurring issues. Equally significant is verifying the currency of the builder’s license. A current license assures compliance with industry standards and regulations.
Assessing Builder’s Professionalism
Delving into a home builder’s professionalism is like deciphering the blueprint of their dedication and expertise. To uncover this facet, begin by inquiring about the builder’s affiliations with professional organizations. National and local groups like NHAB (National Home Builders Association) and NVBIA (Northern Virginia Building Industry Association) are indicative of a builder’s commitment to industry standards and ongoing education. Confirming their membership status within these esteemed organizations provides a glimpse into their dedication to professionalism and staying abreast of best practices.
Online Insight: Tapping into Consumer Feedback
The digital realm holds a trove of insights. Harness the power of online consumer resources like Angie’s List, Yelp, or Google Reviews. These platforms serve as sounding boards for homeowner experiences. Dive into the comments and ratings left by previous clients. Pay attention to recurring themes or exceptional praise to gauge the builder’s performance and customer satisfaction.
The Labor Force: A Key Component
But wait, let’s shine a spotlight on the labor force! Does the builder employ licensed subcontractors or opt for a ready, but possibly less skilled, labor force? Licensed subcontractors often signify a commitment to quality and adherence to industry standards. Equally crucial is evaluating the competence of the workers. Are they skilled professionals proficient in their craft? The caliber of the workforce significantly influences the quality and finesse of the final product—the home.
Unveiling Business Practices: The Builder’s Operational Expertise
Peering into a home builder’s business practices is akin to scrutinizing the engine that drives their operations. Let’s explore the critical checkpoints:
- How long has the home builder been in business?
- Does the builder have a permanent place of business?
- Does the builder own and develop the land or buy building lots from a developer?
- Does the builder have a reputation for adhering to budgets and schedules?
- What are the builder’s marketing and selling strategies?
- How long has the home builder done business in the local area?
- Is the builder knowledgeable about local conditions, tastes, building codes and permit process?
- Here today, gone tomorrow?
Liability
- Ask home builder about insurance coverage relating to their business?
- Are there any pending legal actions against the builder?
- Will the builder indemnify the home buyer against subcontractor’s claims?
- Ask if and what type of Builder’s Warranty will be provided?
Quality of Work
- Does the builder have a quality control program?
- Are details finished in a timely manner?
Home Builder’s Experience
- Ask how long the builder has been in business.
- How many and what type of homes has the builder constructed in the community?
- Does the builder have the competence to construct the buyer-client’s desired home?
Commitment
- Does it seem like the builder has a long-term commitment to the profession and the community?
- A builder who has a long-term commitment to the industry and the local community will not tarnish a good reputation by carelessness or mistreatment of client, supplier, or subcontractor.
Specialization
- Does the builder specialize in constructing a particular architectural style, concept, price range, or size of home?
- Does the builder work in a particular subdivision or anywhere?
- Does the builder target a particular market?