Tips for Selecting Your Home Builder in Madison, WI
When you want to build a custom home for your family, you need to select the builder that is right for you. While there are many custom home builders in Madison, WI, not all will be a right fit for the custom home you have in mind.
The key to getting the job done right is to get the right company for the job. By doing a little bit of legwork on your own you will be able to make an educated decision and reduce the risk of being left with anything but a job well done. Here are some tips to help you narrow down your search:
Short List Your Options
When you are ready and have ideas in mind, the first step is to make a short list of builders serving the Madison, WI area. You can use the phone book, the Internet, and personal referral to develop your list of contacts. A great way to find a qualified builder is to take a ride around the Madison area and find homes you love. It can’t hurt to knock on the door and inquire with the owner which builder completed the job.
Research Your List
After a list of 5-7 builders has been established, it’s time to do some investigative work. You may have already received some feedback from personal referrals but it is important to do your own research and not only rely on the word of others. Schedule an appointment with those on your list and when you get to the office, don’t be afraid to ask the tough questions. Request a list of references before you go home and then make sure you contact the reference provided. Check with the local agency that oversees the licensing of home builders in Wisconsin to be sure each builder is licensed appropriately.
Check Out Examples
After your initial interview with the builders, you may have gut feelings about the people you spent time with. If there are some builders who just didn’t mesh well with you personally, take that into consideration. You will be dealing with the staff for several months if not more so you must feel comfortable. Once you have further narrowed down the list, make another appointment to look over design ideas and discuss details with each remaining builder. If a builder doesn’t offer what you want or can’t meet your budgetary needs, you can move on to the next company.
Go With a Builder in the Know
Because building a new home is a complex process, you definitely want to find someone who is familiar with the Madison area. Due to regulations, code enforcement, and a host of other rules, your builder should be experienced so they can guide you through the process. Reputable builders will be happy to assist you during the entire building process and should be more than willing to provide back up evidence that their company is reliable and ready to do what it takes to get the job done. Never worry about asking the wrong question because after all it is your new home, one of the biggest investments you may make in your lifetime and you need the right builder working with you to make your dream a reality.
How to Find the Home Design of Your Dreams
When you are ready to build your new custom home in Madison, WI, you need to start with the right builder who can bring your dream home to fruition. A large part of your dream is the vision of what your home will look like and the functionality of the design you ultimately choose.
With literally thousands of designs on the market today for a new custom built home, it can seem like an impossible task to select the right one for your family. Remember that you will likely be living in your new home for many years to come and you need to ensure satisfaction from the start. Once the builder begins, it will very costly to make adjustments. Changing your mind will not work. You need to be sure you know what you want before starting the process.
How to Select a House Plan
Your new Madison custom home should be all you’ve dreamed of so consider these points when choosing the design:
Living Style
There will be a big difference in custom homes built for retired or single people. Plans will need to be efficient and live up to the personal tastes of just one or two people. When you are building a custom home for a family, different features will be a factor in your decision. Consider things like how many rooms you will need to meet the needs of the residents. Do you plan to add to your brood in a few years? Think of your long term plans and include them in the design ideas. It will get very expensive down the road if you have to build an addition. Also consider how you entertain. Do you need formal rooms for dining or do you prefer a more relaxed space like a basement rec room to hang out with friends and family? Will you need additional bedrooms to accommodate overnight guests? Ultimately, you need to think about which rooms see the most visits and focus on making them exactly what you want. Find plans that emphasize a great family room, spacious bedrooms, or fantastic kitchens depending on where your interests lie.
Privacy Concerns
The design of your home starts on the outside. Depending on where you live in Madison, you may want to select a home that is ultra-private if the neighbors are close by. If you are living in a more open setting, spacious home plans that account for the open space should be considered. Think about issues of privacy like window locations, patio location, and yard spacing. It may not be something you think about beforehand but once you move in and find the neighbors are a little too close for comfort or you have to keep your blinds closed all the time, 20/20 hindsight will be of no comfort.
Location, Location, Location
Consider where you want your interior spaces to be. Do you want your kitchen to open into a family room or do prefer a separate space. Where would you like to put the kids’ bedrooms in relation to the master suite? The layout of your home is an important part of the selection process so review many different kinds of plans to find those that meet your daily living needs and room location preferences.
Pricing
Obviously a large factor in the decision-making process is pricing. Consult with your Madison custom home builder to discuss prices, your budgetary concerns and how you can maximize floor plans to meet your needs. An experienced custom home builder is familiar with many concerns about house designs and can even help you narrow down the selection based on what you and your family see in their vision.
Madison, WI custom home builders are experienced in the locations and design concerns of the local area so make sure you find a builder whose expert opinion you can rely on to select the perfect house plan for your new custom built family home.
