Are you considering moving to the Longboat Key, Florida area for retirement or a significant life change? Have you ever thought about what a custom builder can do for you?
The Longboat Key area offers so much for those looking for a better life. With an urban feel and a southern climate, you’ll enjoy great seafood, beach resorts, and plenty of golf courses on a regular basis. And with the real estate market in Florida currently soaring, you’ll benefit from finding a custom home builder you can trust.
Yet finding the right luxury home builder can be tricky, especially if you’re new to the area. What should you be looking for in a construction professional, and how can you be sure when you’ve found one?
Let’s take a look.
Experience
You’ll want to choose a local home builder, as these professionals will have first-hand knowledge of the common home types and climate issues in your area. They’ll take the time to understand your wishes as a homeowner and make sure they create a house custom-designed to suit your needs.
Before choosing a home builder, take a look at their website and see how long they’ve been in business. What kinds of homes have they build, and do they perform any other services such as remodeling? A look into the record of your home builder should give you the assurance that you’re making the right decision.
Recommendations and Reviews
Before choosing a home builder, you can ask friends and family who have had a house built in the area who they would recommend. Don’t be afraid to ask questions.
Was the job completed on time? Did the contractor do their best to incorporate all of their specifications? Were there any structural problems with the home?
If you can’t get any personal recommendations, go online and check out reviews by former clients. You can find these on your home builder’s website or on review sites for local businesses.
Anyone can get a poor review once in a while, but it’s important to look out for patterns that will give you an idea of what your experience will be like. Do you notice a lot of former clients saying that the job took longer than expected? Or are many of them saying how friendly and professional the employees were?
If a good number of clients are saying something similar, you probably know what to expect if you hire the company.
Detailed Estimate
The right custom home builder will be able to provide you with a detailed estimate and make every effort to stay within your budget.
You can do a little research to find out how much custom homes generally cost in the Longboat Key area. Size and square footage, the design of your home, and special finishes and features will all impact your final cost. For example, brick exterior, granite countertops, and wood floors will all end up costing you more money.
If you’re on a budget, you’ll want to know that your home builder will respect the price range you’re giving them. If you’re looking to splurge on certain features, the price your contractor is giving you should be on par with what you’re seeing elsewhere.
The right builder will be able to provide you with a detailed estimate of what it will cost to build your home. And there should be minimal surprises as the process goes forward.
Licensed and Insured
Homebuilders in Florida need a contractor’s license in order to work legally. These licenses need to be approved by the Florida Construction Licensing Board, as well as the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation.
In addition, home builders will need at least some basic insurance, including worker’s compensation, general liability, and builder’s risk. You won’t want to be held liable if someone is injured while your home is getting built.
Before you hire a particular company to build your dream home, make sure you ask to see their business license and insurance card. If you want to be extra-cautious, you can even check out the number with the insurance company before making a final decision.
Working With Quality Tradespeople
An experienced home builder will know exactly who to enlist on his team. For example, they know which electrician, roofer, or HVAC specialist to call to make sure your home is in quality shape.
A quality builder will have a good working relationship with other upstanding professionals in your area. And they’ll be able to make sure that you get the home of your dreams built in a reasonable amount of time.
Take a Road Trip
Ask your prospective home buyer if they can provide information for a site that they’re currently working on. You can visit it yourself. Does it seem to be clean, and does the work seem to be progressing?
In addition, you can ask for the addresses of houses in the Longboat Key area that your home builder has worked on. You can drive by and see if these homes are visually appealing.
If possible, see if you can view a completed house both inside and out. Are you pleased with the aesthetic and the quality of the materials? Would you like your house to have a similar vibe?
The right custom builder will be able to supply you with a list of homes they are happy to show off to you.
Finding a Custom Home Builder
Moving to a new area can be exciting and stressful. Finding a quality custom home builder, however, shouldn’t be something you dread. With a little homework and the right vision, you could be walking into the house of your dreams in no time.
Don’t stop getting smart about Florida home construction now. For quality professionals in the Longboat Key area, contact us today.