Property Management

How to Choose the Right House Builders

When buying a house, it can be difficult to know what questions to ask. Do you want an open-plan design? What about the quality of materials used and energy efficiency rating? There are so many things that need to be considered before signing on the dotted line. We’ve put together this guide with answers to all your questions!

What are the benefits of using a custom home builder?

One of the main benefits of having a home build custom to your design is that you can create the ideal space to suit your needs and your family.  When you buy a plot of land, there is virtually unlimited potential as to what you can create, and that is so exciting!  Buying a property from a well-known developer such as Linden Homes also has its benefits, such as knowing that the property will be built to a very high standard, in line with building regulations and you will receive excellent aftercare.  Getting a house designed and built especially for you can be a good thing if you have the budget to spend on it.  Bear in mind that custom designs will likely cost a lot more than if you go for a ready-designed property that is being built by a larger developer.

What should you look for in a construction company?

Choosing a builder or construction company to work on your property is important. You want the builder to be knowledgeable, understanding of what you need, and in line with your budget.  A good way to start off your search is to check the directory listings on websites like Check a Trade or Rate My Builder, as these will have reviews and testimonials from previous customers, as well as examples of their work to view.  It is worth looking for contractors within your local area as well as further afield, as you will want them to be able to get to your property easily.  It can help if they know the local area too, as they will be able to help make your new home suit the area in looks as well as design.  It is highly recommended that you get several quotes for the work from different contractors, and do not go for just the first one that you see! 

Things to avoid when choosing your contractor.

It is important not to view your contractor only by the price.  People who choose their builder based solely on the quote are more likely to stumble into problems later down the line.  You should definitely choose one who will add the most value to your project, through experience and knowledge as well as skills.

You should not assume that all builders possess the same skillset and experience.  Building an entire house is very different from just installing a kitchen or adding an extension to an existing property!  If you end up choosing a builder who is new to building whole houses, you may end up incurring more expensive repair costs later to fix issues that should not have come up in the first place. When you are looking through the examples of their work, check for similar property styles and size projects.  You can also expect to read reviews or testimonials from past clients to get an idea of how they worked.