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Why work with a Professional?
noreply • Mar 07, 2015
How homeowners benefit from the established builder’s systems and relationships.
The rebound of homebuilding from the great recession has attracted lots of new contractors to the business. This has given homeowners more choices, tempting some to choose a contractor based strictly on price.
Bad idea. It’s nearly impossible to compare apples to apples when collecting competitive bids, especially
for a complex custom home. That’s why homeowners who have built before prefer to compare builders rather than prices.
By some estimates, the U.S. economy boasts more residential contracting companies (general contractors as well as subcontractors like plumbers and electricians) than any other type of business. This reflects a low barrier to entry: all that’s needed to get started are a contractor’s license and the right insurance. Of course, licensing and insurance are crucial—no smart homeowner hires a contractor without them—but they are simply the ante to get in the game. They say nothing about the company’s work quality, budgeting skill, financial stability, or customer service. These factors and a multitude of others are the difference between a great building experience and an expensive disappointment.
The big advantage to hiring an established professional builder is that the pro has the systems needed to manage a custom home project. It’s a real company with proven management systems. These include systems for customer service, design, estimating, construction, and warranty work, among others. Advantages for customers include:
Timeliness and accuracy.
Professional builders have a team of specialists that handle design, estimating, purchasing, and construction. More gets done, in less time, and with fewer mistakes. One important specialist is a dedicated manager for each jobsite—this person takes ownership of the project to make sure work gets done on time and as planned.
No surprises.
Detailed specs that clearly define the scope of work, eliminate hidden costs and help prevent disappointing outcomes. Specifications take time and knowledge to create. The professional builder has the systems and staffing to develop and adhere to this ‘master game plan’. One of the pitfalls of ambiguous specifications is a low-bid proposal that is ultimately unrealistic and the source of surprise and disappointment.
Buying clout.
Successful custom builders are highly skilled purchasers. They know the best places to get each of the hundreds of products that go into a home. Their relationships with suppliers help ensure the best available prices and timely delivery.
Value engineering.
Years of experience have taught the professional builder the most efficient approaches to new home construction. The builder’s staff will work with the designer and engineer to make sure the plan minimizes waste and is cost-effective to build. High-quality subs.
Professional builders only work with professionally managed subcontractors. Because the builder is their steady customer, these subs work hard to protect that relationship—for example, by charging fair prices and showing up on the job when needed.
Warranty confidence.
Most new contractors fail after just a few years, often because they lack the financial resources to stay in business. Homeowners can’t be confident that the contractor will be around to fulfill warranty requests. By contrast, the established professional builder has the resources to back up a written warranty of its work. Its longstanding relationships with subs and suppliers help ensure a quick response to warranty claims.
Finally, a great way to find out if you will be working with a professional is to ask for testimonials, references, and check with previous clients. These are people who have worked with the builder on a long-term project and will be able to fully describe how the project might go for you.
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I was having a discussion with Sam Pittman, Mortgage Lender with Regions Bank, the other day and I asked him what he thought about the current interest rates and how they are affecting our industry. Here are his comments below:"The interest rate environment over the last 10 years has mostly made home-ownership more affordable for those in the market to buy or build a new home. The historical trend line from the graph above demonstrates that rates have been on a downward projection which could indicate favorable conditions into the near future. Let us know if we can provide specific details on how to best finance you next home or building project. As always, market condition are always subject to change at any time without notice." - Sam Pittman
Owned by Al Kelekci, a second generation builder in Atlanta, GA, Hask Construction specializing in new custom homes, total home remodels, large additions, basement finishing.