Investing in Quality
The least expensive option may not be the best value
Choosing a home builder based on the lowest cost per square foot or the lowest sales price may not provide the best value. For an investment so important to your family’s future, the least expensive option can be a risky bet.
Common sense suggests there is a premium to be paid for a superior home. By that we mean a home that is built to exacting standards, performs well over time, maintains its value as an investment, and has a builder who stands by their work. Let’s take a closer look at why it’s worth paying a reasonable premium for such a home.
Better materials. Professionals who build to a high level of quality require high standards for the materials that go into their homes. They cull lumber piles for the straightest studs and send the warped and knotted ones back to the lumberyard. They inspect and confirm deliveries, protect supplies from weather, seek out the best warranties, and track performance problems to weed out inferior materials.
When a company insists on that level of quality and provides that level of attention and care, you would expect to pay a bit more. Like cut-rate houses, substandard materials can deliver substandard results that often cost more to repair or replace than the premium you might pay upfront for a more lasting option.
Better construction. Builders who specify better-quality products do so to achieve a higher level of overall construction quality and long-term durability. They make sure products and materials are installed properly by the most competent subcontractors and adhere to performance standards that exceed what the local building code requires.
Why? Because professional builders know that their reputation is on the line with every home they deliver. When homeowners begin to see evidence of poor work quality, it doesn't take long for them to spread the word about how poorly the builder (and the house) performed. This is too high a price to pay for any company in business for the long term—one that understands the value of a satisfied client.
As with better materials and products, a better-built home may (and should) cost more upfront, but cost less in time. As we've seen repeatedly over the years, such a house requires less repair, replacement, and maintenance in the long run.
A better experience. Is it possible to put a price tag on peace of mind? Consider the value of a hassle-free construction project. Less stress, no hurt feelings, no horror stories, no busted budgets, no lawsuits. What is it worth to have your new home built on schedule, for the agreed cost, with a builder who is there to answer your questions from groundbreaking through moving in and beyond?
And what do you get? A house that meets your expectations and is solidly built, with superior fit and finish. It’s livable, comfortable, and suits your lifestyle needs. In other words, a home. Your home.