New Home Builders

New Home Builders: Questions to Ask

Cocooning, the social scientists' catchword to describe people choosing to find recreation at home as opposed to going out, is an important trend in today's highly-wired society grappling with the uncertainties of a slowing economy. More and more Americans spend a big percentage of their time in their homes.

If you're one of those Americans to which this trend applies, it makes sense to ensure that your home is safe, comfortable, and a pleasure to dwell in. Now, unless you're a new home builder yourself, you'll have to find reliable and experienced new home builders to create your dream home.

As you know, new home builders, like in any other profession, come in varying levels of professionalism, integrity, and dependability. Here are a few basic questions you might want to ask new home builders in your short-list:

Is your home builder a member of the Home Builders Association (HBA) or the Washington-based National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)?

Most states, as well as some big cities like Portland and Atlanta, have their own HBA. These organizations help their members with regulatory issues, continuing education, and technology transfer. New home builders who are members are made accountable to higher professional and ethical standards.

Is your home builder familiar with Energy Star homes? What's your new home builders' policy in creating energy efficient homes?

According to Energy Star.gov, the website jointly run by EPA and DOE, Americans saved $16 billion on their utility bills and reduced greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those from 27 million cars, with the help of Energy Star in 2007. An energy efficient home that has earned the Energy Star rating can save you a third of your energy bills while significantly lowering greenhouse gas emissions from your home. Do your new home builders produce energy efficient homes without sacrificing quality, features, and comfort?

What is your new home builders' experience? How long have they been in operation?

Of course, there are plenty of new construction companies out there who are highly competent and trustworthy. Home-building, however, is a highly competitive industry in which the incompetent or inefficient will not survive for long. If you choose to work with new home builders who's been in the business for 10-15 years, you're probably working with someone who shows quality and integrity in their dealings to be able to last that long.

Do they have references?

Previous clients are an excellent source of feedback and information in regards to your new home builders' past performance. New home builders who consistently observe the highest standards of quality and professionalism in their projects, will always be forthcoming and proud to show off their old clients to you. See if you can get in touch with any of these people. A lot of problems arise only after construction and how your new home builders have dealt with such issues in the past is indicative of how they'll treat you under the same conditions.

What are your new home builders insurance coverage?

This is a crucial question and one that a prospective home owner like you must ask. The best arrangement would be for your new home builders to carry all three important coverage: personal liability, property damage, and workers' compensation. Working with new home builders without these insurance policies could be painfully costly to you. You could potentially be held liable for damages or medical costs if an accident occurs, or at best, face delayed construction if the builder who operated without any insurance safety net is financially pressed to shoulder such damages.

Building a home need not be a stressful or difficult ordeal. You just need to find reliable, highly-professional, and competent new home builders. Ask questions and be prepared to walk away from anyone who's not forthcoming with the answers. After all, it's your home, demand accountability.