HOW TO SELECT A HOME BUILDER Deciding to have a new home built marks the beginning of an exciting journey. Whether that journey consists of smooth sailing or choppy waters depends greatly on your choice of a builder. This is not a decision to be taken lightly. You will be giving a very large sum of money to a stranger; trusting that they will provide you not only with a valuable long-term investment, but with a comfortable and safe place for you and your family to call home. There are thousands and thousands of home builders across America – no two exactly alike. So… where to begin? This guide is designed to help you answer that question, and hopefully quite a few others. CONTENTS Fundamental First Steps #1: What do you want?.....................................2 Fundamental First Steps #2: Let the hunt begin!....................................3 Fundamental First Steps #3: Qualities to look for................................4-5 Fundamental First Steps #4: Ask the right questions..............................6 Come Home to Cordera............................................................................7 CORDERA.COM HOW TO SELECT A HOME BUILDER FUNDAMENTAL FIRST STEPS: #1 – WHAT DO YOU WANT? The first question you need to ask yourself is a simple one: What do I want? Seems simple enough, but there are important factors that need to be considered before answering. As we mentioned before, there are scores of builders out there, and no two are created the same. The trick is finding the right one for you. 1. Where do you want to live? In many cases, your selection of potential home builders will be somewhat dictated by your desired location. Depending on where you want to build, you may have the choice between local or national builders. If you have narrowed down the location to certain areas of a town or city, keep in mind that many subdivisions and planned communities will only allow certain builders to construct within them. 2. What type of home do you want? Different builders have different specialties and styles. Visualize your ideal home. Is it highly customized? What does the floor plan look like? How large is the lot it is built on? Are there certain building materials, specs, or appliances you desire? Make note of these specifics, as you will need to ask potential builders if they are able to provide what you are looking for - which leads us to the next question… 3. How much can you afford? Many home builders have a basic starting price and graduate upward from that amount based on a variety of factors. If you are not reasonably sure of your budget, consider working with a mortgage broker or lender to gain pre-approval. Not only will pre-approval from a lender give you a more accurate idea of what size loan you will be able to qualify for, it will give you greater buying power and strengthen your credibility with realtors and builders alike. 4. How soon do you want to move in? Not all builders move at the same pace, and some may have a waiting list. Keeping in mind that really good things are often worth waiting for, make sure you ask about realistic timeframes when you talk with potential builders. CORDERA.COM HOW TO SELECT A HOME BUILDER FUNDAMENTAL FIRST STEPS: #2 – LET THE HUNT BEGIN! Now that you have a very clear picture of what you want, you can start looking for the builder that can make it happen. 1. Check with the local HBA (Home Builder’s Association). The HBA can be a valuable resource in your search for the right home builder. To find a list of regional HBA websites and contact information online, visit the National Association of Home Builder’s website at http://www.nahb.org. Members of local HBA chapters are required to abide by the HBA code of ethics, and participate in continued industry education. Membership with the HBA is not required of all builders, but it is generally a valid indication of a solid reputation within the local construction industry. 2. Ask your realtor, mortgage broker and/or lender. The individuals assisting you with purchasing and financing should be able to offer insights into local home builders’ areas of expertise, reputations, and starting price points. 3. Talk with the community marketing and sales representative. If you have already decided on a particular master planned community, ask the community marketing and sales representative for their input. They will have detailed knowledge of approved builders within their community, and will be able to tell you which available builders will likely be the best fit for you and your family. 4. Survey community members. Explore the Master Planned Community’s common areas, such as parks and community centers; or simply take a walk through the neighborhood. When the opportunity presents itself, introduce yourself to passersby and ask them for their opinions on the community. Most people will be more than happy to chat and answer a few questions. After all, they’ve probably been in your shoes before! Alternatively, you can ask prospective builders for a list of references – just bear in mind that no one is as likely to offer unbiased opinions as those unknown neighbors-to-be just across the street. CORDERA.COM HOW TO SELECT A HOME BUILDER FUNDAMENTAL FIRST STEPS: #3 – KNOW WHAT UNIVERSAL QUALITIES TO LOOK FOR. There are some characteristics you should look for in all prospective candidates. 1. Reputation You will feel a lot better about your eventual decision knowing that your builder is well respected within the community. As stated before, most builders should be able to produce a list of references, but it is still wise to seek feedback from other sources. Don’t hesitate to ask around! 3. Experience In the construction industry experience always counts. Find out how long your builder has been in business and how many homes they have built. Also ask how many of their recently built homes are currently occupied, and how many of their new homes are still for sale. 4. Warranty Dependable home builders back their product without hesitation. The best home builders are upfront about their warranties, as they are confident in their construction. Ask plenty of questions to eliminate any confusion regarding what precisely is covered and for how long. Partly due to this reason, we favor selecting local rather than national builders. There is no doubt that there are a large number of national builders that excel at their trade. But by opting to choose locally you may expect an added level of accountability. The success of a local builder is heavily reliant on word of mouth within their surrounding communities. Plus, you can feel good about contributing to the local economy! 2. Quality This may seem obvious, but seeking a high level of quality is a must. As you research builders, look for quality in all aspects of the organization. Does the builder’s website display a high level of quality and expertise? Is the receptionist courteous and professional over the phone? Dedication to quality is apparent in organizations that care, and it will present itself at every opportunity. Of course, a polite demeanor won’t ensure the roof isn’t going to leak. Look carefully for quality of construction. Take tours of model homes. If you have decided on a specific subdivision or master planned community, pay special attention to the model homes in those locations in particular. As architectural rules vary from community to community, focusing on those within the neighborhoods you are most interested will give you the best idea of what you can expect in terms of style and size. 5. Communication Just as with quality, an organization’s dedication to clear and open communication will be apparent throughout all tiers of the company. When settling on a builder, do all you can to ensure that your visions, goals and expectations are commonly shared. 6. Customer Service All of these qualities combined share a common characteristic – outstanding customer service. So, how can you find out how your builder ranks? Just ask! Inquire whether the builder has received any awards or recognition for their service, and when you reach out to former clients, be sure to ask them how they’d rate the overall service of the builder. In the end, do everything you can to make sure you feel comfortable the builder you choose will provide exceptional service at all stages of building and even after you move in. CORDERA.COM HOW TO SELECT A HOME BUILDER FUNDAMENTAL FIRST STEPS: #4 – ASK THE RIGHT QUESTIONS. Performing due diligence will mean asking a lot of questions. Be straightforward when you ask them and don’t pull any punches. It is human nature to be uncomfortable putting others on the spot – but bear in mind that the awkwardness of asking a pointed question will soon fade; issues due to shoddy construction or poor client/builder communication can cause problems that will be much harder to forget. General Questions for the Builder: How many years have you been a home builder? How many homes have you built? How many homes do you currently have under construction? How many homes do you currently have for sale? Are you a member of the local HBA? Has your company received any awards or citations? Will I have access to the site while under construction? General Questions for References and Past Clients: Did you run into any issues with the builder? If so, how were they resolved? Did the builder communicate openly and return messages in a timely manner? Have you had to rely on the warranty? If so, how was your experience? Are there any aspects of the construction you feel are especially strong? Are there any aspects of the construction you feel are lacking? Did the builder meet expected timelines? What are my options for customizations and floor plans? Did the builder stay within the desired budget? How do you ensure timelines are kept? Is there anything you would have changes about the experience? How do you communicate with/update clients? How are expenses communicated to clients? Would you recommend the builder to a friend or relative? Who will oversee the construction of my home? Overall, did you enjoy working with the builder? How is quality control ensured? What materials and appliances will be used? Are your homes energy efficient? What are the specifics of your warranty? How do I report warranty issues? What sets you apart from other builders? CORDERA.COM HOW TO SELECT A HOME BUILDER COME HOME TO CORDERA When it came to the selection of home builders for our master planned community, we used the same guidelines you just read about in this guide. As a result, we are extremely proud to offer available home sites for five of Colorado Springs best local builders. New homes are priced from the low $300’s to the $800’s from: Campbell Homes, Keller Homes, Saddletree Homes, Symphony Homes, and Vantage Homes. The unique architectural styles, elevation options and color schemes in Cordera allow you to create the home of your dreams while avoiding a cookie-cutter looking community. Cordera is proud to have ENERGY STAR® certified homes, which means greater comfort for the homeowner and lower utility bills. Cordera is thoughtfully designed to offer excellent amenities such as an extensive trail system, cul-desac streets, storybook-themed parks, the Grand Lawn Park, a top-notch landscaping program, high architectural standards, and the state-of-theart Community Center. The Cordera Community Center includes a heated outdoor pool complete with kid’s splash zone and zero depth entry, state-ofthe-art fitness equipment and fitness classes, multipurpose rooms and a 5+ acre Grand Lawn. Plus, engaging family-friendly events, programs and parties are offered by outstanding organizations like the YMCA, Colorado Springs Conservatory, and Fine Arts Center. Cordera is located in renowned Academy School District 20 and even has an elementary school within the community. The walking trails and a pedestrian underpass encourage residents to walk through the community to school, the parks, Community Center or friends’ homes CORDERA.COM HOW TO SELECT A HOME BUILDER CORDERA.COM For more information, please stop by the Community Center 11894 Grand Lawn Circle, Colorado Springs CO 80924, located just off Briargate Parkway and Powers., or call us at 719-266-8581.