1. They’re busy. A good builder should have a packed calendar, especially if he has a good reputation. If a builder doesn’t have work, ask yourself why.
2. A long list of satisfied customers – and you’re welcome to talk to all of them. A good builder should be more than willing to have you check up on him, so to speak.
3. Good time management skills. If a builder shows up late to your meetings, that’s not a good sign. A true professional should have control of his schedule – otherwise how is he managing yours?
4. Good communication skills. Your calls get returned in a timely and courteous fashion. If there are problems, no one is dodging your calls. If decisions need to be made, no one is pushing you off. Which leads to…
5. Straight answers. Good builders don’t hedge. Whether it’s about the budget or the schedule or materials, a good builder gives it to you straight. Detailed estimates, building plans & spec sheets, actual timelines, and no BS.
6. They stand behind their work. A good builder doesn’t hesitate to cover his work – even if that means repairs or replacements.
7. Quality materials and products. Quality craftsmanship. Quality employees. Look at the cabinetry, trim work and carpeting. A good builder will choose quality over convenience every time.
8. A good builder will adapt when things come up. He’ll have a solution if the cabinets are wonky, a contingency for dealing with the tiles that never arrived. A good builder doesn’t get unpleasant or flustered.
9. What kind of relationships does he have with his team members? Does he talk to them/treat them with respect? A good builder will have long-standing, trusting relationships with his subs and vendors, and clients who respect him in return.
10. Good vibes. This may seem insignificant, but think about it. Do you like talking to him? Is he a nice guy? Do you mind having him in your house? You’ll be spending a lot of time together. If you don’t get a good vibe in the first 5 minutes, how are you going to feel after 5 months?

Sandcastle Homes has been building luxury homes at affordable prices in Houston’s Inner Loop neighborhoods since 1995. Visit sandcastlehouston.com today.

Categorised in: Sandcastle News

This post was written by Sandcastle Homes