1. Ask for customer references.
2. Ask for financial references.
3. Ask for an Alabama Home Builders License.
4. Contact the local Building Inspector.
5. Is the builder interested in what you have to say, and understand what you are looking for?
6. Do the subcontractors carry workers compensation and general liability insurance?
7. Ask to see a sample contract.
8. Has the builder supplied you with a DETAILED
specification sheet.....the ingredients of your home?
9. What is included in your pricing?
10. When comparing quotes, is it an apples to apples
comparison?
(an Alabama builder is required by law to have one)
Caution!! Deception Ahead!!
Picture Yourself Here!
Alabama's Gulf Coast
Building Beautiful Homes along the
Alabama Gulf Coast since 1988
10 Tips for Building Your Home
Don't be mislead by builders quoting a square footage price. This is a poor way of pricing your home and can be very deceiving. If a builder prices your home by the square foot, they have to make the decisions for you. It's your home, the choices should be yours, not the builders.
Ask what square footage they are using, is it the total under roof footage, or the heated and cooled area. The exact same price home can appear to be less per square foot simply by using the greater square footage. Too often the square footage price does not include all that is required to build a home. Is everything included, such as permits, tap fees, land preparation, insurances, landscaping, appliances, driveway....the list goes on and on.
Example: Let's say a builder has priced your home at $100 per square foot. If a home has 2,000 square feet of living area your home would cost $200,000 to build, right? Not so fast! If your home has 800 square feet of garage and covered porches, the square footage is 2,800. That may make the price $280,000. So which is it? You have to ask for specifics. As if that isn't confusing enough, builders can use different square footage from the same set of plans. Some will include the brick in their measurements. Others will use the framing line and others may use the inside wall dimensions. They are all correct, but it can make a huge difference in what you are perceiving your home to cost. Confusing? A little, you just have to be sure everyone you talk with is using the same methods. If you simply go off of square footage pricing, you may not find out what the true cost will be until it's too late.
We want you to have the home you want. Don't rush into a perceived good deal based only on a square footage price. We will take the time to set down with you and discuss what is important to you in your home. We will then price your home properly with everything that is necessary to complete your home. You will not have any unforeseen charges at the end of construction. You will receive a detailed specification sheet so there are no misunderstandings.
Don't be rushed, take the time to make an informed decision. If you do your homework in selecting a builder, you will have a pleasant home building experience. Allow us the opportunity to show you why we should be your builder.
James Walker Homes
3662 Prestwick Circle
Gulf Shores, Alabama
251-752-2088
* New Home Construction
* Home Addtions
* Remodels
* Renovation
* Maintenance
* Repairs
JamesWalkerHomes@gmail.com
JamesWalkerHomes@gmail.com
