136,691 Home Builders

What do new home builders do?

For residential home builders who also act as developers, the job starts well before the first nail is driven. They perform local market research to determine whether the prospective homesites make sense in the market, as well as survey the land on which the house will be built to make sure it is suitable for construction. Custom builders also obtain the necessary permits.

A good custom home builder has skills that go far beyond construction — he or she must supervise subcontractors and artisans; keep tabs on local zoning regulations, building codes and other legalities; inspect work for problems along the way; and perform dozens of other roles that are essential in building a quality house. Here are some related professionals and vendors to complement the work of home builders: Interior Designers & Decorators, Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers, Architects & Building Designers, Kitchen & Bath Designers, Specialty Contractors.

House builders are responsible for ensuring that the home-building project sticks as closely as possible to the specified timetable, particularly in the event of change orders. Custom and luxury home builders also need interpersonal skills to deal with clients of all types, soothe frazzled nerves, negotiate conflicts and resolve problems.

Questions to ask a prospective custom home builder:

• How long have you been in the home building business?
  
• How many projects like mine have you completed?
  
• Who will be working on the project?
  
• Are the workers employees or subcontractors?
  
• Can you provide me with references?
  
• May I see a current jobsite?
  
• Can you give me the addresses of some houses you have built?
  
• Are you and your employees licensed and insured?
  
• What license(s) do you have?
  
• What other training and affiliations do you have?
  
• How do you charge, and what does that include?
  
• Can you give me a written estimate?
  
• What do your services include?
  
• How will I be charged for parts and materials?
  
• When can your job get done?
  
• What is your policy for change orders?
  
• What happens when the cost exceeds the budget? What about changes to materials or labor pricing?
  
• What will I need to provide?
  
• Are there any important considerations or concerns you foresee with this project?
  

Find custom home builders on Houzz. Narrow your search in the Professionals section of the website to home builders. You can also look through photos to find a house you like, then contact the builder who worked on it.