8 Tips to Find The Right Home Builder in BC
Choosing a home builder that you get along with and can also build a great quality home will be hard to find, so here are some tips that can help:
Research: Start by researching local homebuilders in your area. Look for builders who have experience building homes similar to the one you want, and check their website, portfolio, and reviews from previous clients on Google and Facebook.
Referrals: Ask for referrals from friends, family, or co-workers who have had a positive experience with a homebuilder. Getting a referral from someone you trust can give you confidence in your decision. You could even try searching on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, even TikTok, to see if there are any home builders within your social network.
Expertise: Check the builder's experience, including their licenses, certifications, and insurance. Utilize the “Public Registry of Residential Builders” online to confirm that the builder is licensed and in good standing. This will help ensure that the builder is qualified and has the proper insurance to protect you from any liability.
Interview: Once you have a shortlist of potential homebuilders, schedule an interview with each one. Ask questions about their experience, their building process, their team, and their pricing. You want to make sure you feel comfortable working with the builder and that their communication style matches your needs.
References: Ask the builder for references of previous clients and contact those clients to ask about their experience working with the builder.
Visit model homes: Visit model homes or the latest projects built by the builder to get an idea of their craftsmanship and quality of work.
Check with the New Home Warranty program in your area for their guidelines. In BC New homes built are protected by a “2-5-10” home warranty insurance which has 2 years' coverage on labour and materials as follows:
12 months’ coverage for defects in material and labour for your unit
24 months' coverage for defects in material and labour for major systems
(heating, electrical, plumbing, etc.)5 years’ coverage on the building envelope, including coverage on unintended water penetration
10 years’ coverage on major structural items
Contract: Before signing a contract, make sure you understand all the terms and conditions, including the payment schedule, warranty, and change order process. Make sure to specify exactly what’s included in the price of your home and what is extra – for example, window coverings, appliances, etc.
You can improve your chances of finding a skilled, reliable builder who can build your dream home by taking the time to do your homework, interviewing home builders, and thoroughly checking references.
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