Obtain several references from the builder. These references may be from other homeowners for whom they have built, educational facilities from which they have graduated, and/or professional organizations of which they might be a member. You may wish to contact laborers they’ve hired or subcontractors who have done work with them.

When arranging interview appointments, request that the builder–not a supervisor–tour you through at least two homes they have recently built: a completed home and one which is presently under construction. Homes which are complete should be occupied. This will give you an idea of what a typical finished home should look like. Try to ignore poor interior decorating when it occurs, which is not the builder’s fault.

If the builder states that they build homes far smaller or larger than your needs, they may find it difficult working with extremely different proportions. A word here about the size of home you dream of...and it may be just a dream. Visions of owning and living in a 40,000 square foot castle will probably not become a reality.

Phone each of the builders on your list. It will be rare that the builder answers, as most builders keep odd office hours due to the demands of their job. Log the date and time you phoned them. Note how long it takes them to return your call. This detail should alert you to the builder’s efficiency and availability.