Structure and Processes

Beware the disorganized builder

Investing in the design and construction of a new home is a daunting task—and something most people do just once or maybe twice in a lifetime. The last thing you need is a builder who doesn't have it together.

Why does that matter? Simply put, homebuilding is an increasingly complex effort. It involves dozens of trade partners and materials suppliers, requires compliance with building codes and other regulations, demands financial savvy and tight management, and calls for keen attention to every detail. This demands a highly organized approach to the home construction process.

A hitch along the way can have a big impact on quality, performance, durability, and satisfaction... or a problem can be mitigated or avoided altogether to protect your investment and give you peace of mind through the construction process and beyond. The difference between these scenarios depends on how organized your builder is.

But what does an organized builder look like, and how do you evaluate a builder's ability to guide you through this time-consuming and sometimes confusing process?

There are several signs that mark a professional builder's business acumen, organizational skills, and other capabilities that help ensure ultimate satisfaction with your new home.

Cleanliness. A clean and organized job site often reflects a builder's overall organizational competency. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, a clean job site is safer for workers and visiting homeowners, reducing accidents and liability. In addition, materials that are properly stacked, staged, and covered reflect a concern for quality construction and respect for the budget and schedule.

Responsiveness. The number one complaint among dissatisfied homebuyers is that their builder was slow to respond, or never did. By contrast, an organized builder understands the importance of being responsive from the first contact through completion and beyond.

Professional builders often have a process for responding to calls or emails from potential and current clients within 24 hours. They articulate that policy upfront and follow it through to set and maintain reliable expectations.

Protection. Professional builders don't allow themselves or their clients to be at risk. To mitigate and prepare for hazards, they are fully insured and—if required by law—licensed and bonded. If you ask about those protections, they'll provide documentation and lead you to the proper agencies and organizations for more information.

In addition, an organized builder pays their subcontractors and materials suppliers from your job (and only your job) on time and per their contracts with those partners. The builder then collects lien releases once the contracts are satisfied (based on mutual satisfaction with the work performed) to protect you from having any liens placed against your property for unpaid services or products.

Passing the baton. As described above, organized builders work to make sure their clients know what to expect throughout the building process. This includes what happens after move-in and beyond the expiration of the builder's service warranty.

When the home is complete, professional builders know how and when to pass the baton for its care and maintenance to the homeowners through an incremental process that logically shifts responsibility over time to ensure maximum satisfaction.