Selecting a Builder for your Seattle Area Home: Buyer Beware!
The tough times for the housing industry are a bit of a mixed bag for people who plan to build custom homes. On the positive side for buyers is the fact that many homes are more affordable than they have been in years. Another benefit for those looking to build a home is that labor is readily available. Quite honestly, builders are looking for work. That means not having to wait as long for someone to start on your project.
There is, however, a bit of a dark side to the abundance of ready labor. Builders of custom homes aren’t the only area of the homebuilding industry struggling. And what sometimes happens is that builders who really aren’t familiar with custom homes jump into the mix. In an economy when buyers expect to find deals, they can end up with a builder offering a great price who really isn’t qualified to build the kind of home they’re looking for.
Here are a few things to watch out for so that you don’t end up hiring someone who is either deliberately misrepresenting his abilities—or is simply in over his head.
A bid too good to be true: If a builder gives you a price that sounds too good to be true, it probably is. If he agrees to all of your additional requests without adjusting the price, he is either clueless—or dishonest.
A lack of quality references: If a builder is only willing to give you a couple of references you should wonder why. Make sure the references you get are recent, credible, and that they’re for homes of the same caliber you’re expecting. Call them!
A push to sign a contract: If a builder tries to rush you into signing a contract before you’re ready, that should be a red flag. A building project is a big decision and no reputable contractor will rush you.
Specifications are too vague: If the specifications for the project are vague (type of material, quality, finishes, timelines) you need to ask for clarification. Vague or incomplete specifications are a way that some contractors take advantage of homeowners and run up the price.
Insufficient allowances. A favorite trick of unscrupulous contractors is to include allowances that are insufficient to complete your project. Your initial bid may look great, but then the contractor will come back and hit you up for what he really needs to complete the project.
It’s a matter of trust. If you have any suspicion that someone is trying to take advantage of you—or that they really don’t have the ability to deliver what you want—walk away.
