The quality of a new home will in large measure be determined by the skill of the builder who constructs it. That's why you should shop for a builder as carefully as you shop for the features of a home.

How do you find a skilled builder? A good place to start is the local builders association in your area. Most builders associations can provide a list of their builder members. The real estate section in the local newspaper is a good source of information about builders who are active in your area, the types of homes they are building, and the prices you can expect to pay. Also ask friends and relatives for recommendations. When shopping for a new home from a particular builder, you should try to talk to people who have purchased homes from the builder. Don't be shy about approaching people. Even knock on some doors if you have to. The worst that usually happens is that someone will refuse to talk to you. However, in most cases, a builder's previous customers will be quite open with you. If they are unhappy with their homes, they will let you know. And if they are happy, they will want to give the builder more business. Try to talk to at least three or four home owners per neighborhood and do not rely on the views of only one person.

Try not to rush through the process of choosing a builder. Set a reasonable timetable for your search, and do not make your decision until you feel comfortable about what you are doing.

Another important concern is service.

When you buy a new home, you are not just buying a structure. Along with the structure comes a package of services, and the quality of those services will have an important effect on your enjoyment of the house. Most homes come with a one-year warranty on workmanship and materials. Since virtually every home is going to need at least minor adjustments and repairs during the first year, you should look for a builder who will provide quality service after the sale.

The best way to find out what kind of service a builder offers is to ask previous customers. Find out what the builder has recently built in the area near where you are thinking of buying. Then visit one or two of the previous projects and ask the residents about their experiences with their home and their builder. The best time to visit is usually a Saturday morning when people are out doing yard work or chores.


Start Your Search

Once you have thought about the type of house you want, where should you look for a builder? First, make a list of builders who build the type of home you're looking for in your price range. The real estate section of your newspaper is a good place to start. Looking through the ads and reading the articles can help you find out which builders are active in your area, the types of homes they are building, and the prices you can expect to pay.

In addition, your local home builders association has a list of builders who construct homes in your area. Local real estate agents may also be able to help you in your search. Ask friends and relatives for recommendations. Ask about builders they have dealt with directly, or ask them for names of acquaintances who have recently had a good experience with a builder.

Take a Look Around

Once you have a list of builders, how can you find out about their reputations and the quality of their work? The best way to learn about builders is to visit homes they have built and talk with the owners.

Ask builders on your list for the addresses of their recently built houses, subdivisions, or condos. Builders may even be able to provide names of some new home owners who would be willing to talk with you. 

Drive by on a Saturday morning when home owners may be outside doing chores or errands. Just introduce yourself and say you are considering buying a home from the builder who built their home. Talk to several owners, and try to get a random collection of opinions. The more people you talk with, the more accurate impression of a builder you are likely to get. At the very least, drive by and see if the homes are visually appealing. Look at homes that are like the style you plan to buy—for example, if you are interested in a two-story home, look at two-story homes rather than split levels.

When you talk to builders and home owners, take along a notebook to record the information you find and your personal impressions about specific builders and homes. Doing so will help you to make comparisons later. Some questions you can ask people include: Are you happy with your home? Did the builder do what was promised in a timely manner? Would you buy another home from this builder? 

Usually, people tell you if they are pleased with their homes. And if they are not, they'll probably want to tell you why.

When examining a home, look at the quality of the construction features. Inspect the quality of the cabinetry, carpeting, trimwork, and paint. Ask the builder or the builder's representative a lot of questions. Get as many specifics as possible. If you receive the answers verbally rather than in writing, take notes. Never hesitate to ask a question. What seems like an insignificant question might yield an important answer.

Always keep value in mind when shopping. Just because a home is less expensive than another does not mean it is a better value. Likewise, a more expensive home does not automatically assure higher quality.

A home is primarily a place to live, but it is also an important investment. Consider the appreciation potential of any home and the possible future influences that location, housing supply and demand, and other market factors will have on the value of your new home.

Another important aspect of value is design quality. When you look at a home, determine whether will it suit your lifestyle. Is there enough living space? Are there enough bedrooms and bathrooms? What about storage space? Will you have room to accommodate special interests or hobbies—for example, a large kitchen for casual entertaining, or a room for a home office or exercise room? Think about the amount of upkeep required both indoors and out. Consider also the location of the property. Is it convenient to transportation, shopping, schools or other places of interest to you?


Ask Questions About Service 

Also, find out from each builder what kind of service you can expect after the sale. Typically, a builder makes two service calls during the first year after you move in to repair nonemergency problems covered by your warranty. The first call is usually 30 to 120 days after the move-in, and the second is around the eleventh month—right before any one year warranties on workmanship and materials expire. For emergencies, the builder should be able to send someone to your home right away.

Some other questions you might ask builders are:

	How long has the company been in business?
	Whom do you contact for customer service after the sale? Should requests be in writing?
	What responsibility does the builder assume for the work of subcontractors? Who will be responsible for correcting problems with major appliances?
	Does the builder belong to the local builders association (affiliated with the National Association of Home Builders?)
	Does the builder use state-of-the-art energy features? Equipment, insulation, design, and landscaping can all affect a home's energy efficiency.

Information courtesy The National Association of Home Builders