SAHBA Home Hints
January 11, 2009
Finding Your Perfect Builder Among 3 Different Categories
Prior to looking for a new home, it's important for potential buyers to have a basic understanding of the three main types of builders and what to look for when choosing one.
Production builders organize their companies for high-volume construction. They offer a collection of floor plans, each with a choice of two or more exterior designs or elevations.
Custom builders specialize in starting with a blank sheet and creating a unique home. They tend to be small companies and design their operations around their customer's active involvement throughout the building process. Custom-built homes typically take the longest to complete so buyers should be patient and expect a significant investment in time and dollars for design development.
Semi-custom builders combine the characteristics of production and custom builders. They work with pre-existing plans, but are flexible with changes, including those that require engineering and building department approval. Revising existing plans is usually much faster and cheaper than creating a new set of blueprints.
Whether a home is categorized as production, custom, or semi-custom, neither indicates nor guarantees its quality.
“Avoid getting tangled in misplaced perceptions about the prestige attached to labels,” said Steve Canatsey of Canatsey Building & Development. “Potential homebuyers should look for a builder who can meet their needs at the level of quality they desire.”
Once homebuyers understand the different types of builders, they should explore what is available in the area they want to live.
“Each company's business style is shaped by the philosophies, personalities, and goals of the people associated with it,” Canatsey, a SAHBA member, said.
Based on size, design, and price, homebuyers can eliminate houses and look more critically at their remaining options.
It is important to look at finished houses to examine the quality of the builder's work. Potential buyers also should check with current homeowners in the community to get a feel for how the company treats new homeowners after closing.
Also, homebuyers should read through all the contract documents and understand the warranty. Many builders will provide an owners manual that guides buyers through the process.
“Potential homebuyers want to feel comfortable at the builder's office because there will be a lot of interaction with staff throughout the process,” Canatsey said.
Details: Canatsey at 881-3318.
SAHBA represents about 720 member businesses serving the residential construction industry in Pima and Cochise counties.
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