The biggest investment you can make in your custom home is getting the right help during construction. It’s time to play detective and get the facts.

 

The Witness – Let’s start with you! A good builder should have a customer service program established to allow for effective communication between you and the company during and after the build. You should feel comfortable and made witness to all necessary processes and systems of the custom home building process every step of the way.

 

Research – How many years has the company been around? Who are their clients? What is their reputation? These are some important questions to consider before choosing a builder in Oakville and the GTA. Contact existing homeowners and research testimonials/referrals before meeting potential builders. A good builder should legitimize their claims by providing references who can attest to their work.

 

Hard Facts – Any builder worth their salt will have professional programs to ensure quality work. Quality builders should ensure the highest of standards, not only for their clients, but also for themselves. Avoid builders who opt to leave that responsibility to city inspectors. Make sure to ask the builders what program they have in place to prove they are in fact "quality builders.” For further proof ask the builders to give you a tour of a construction site they are currently working on. This allows you to see for yourself the measurements they are taking in safety, quality, and professionalism.

 

Evidence – After you’ve done your research and gotten the facts it’s time to gather evidence. Start asking the builders how many homes have they built? What are common problems and issues? Pick a builder with experience over a company that has only completed a handful of projects. With more established companies you want to make sure that you ask them what they do to stay up-to-date with new techniques, trends, and regulations so you are not stuck with outdated workmanship.

 

Security – A good builder should be stable and secure. They should have their own base – usually an office as well as their own employees who are skilled professionals. They should also have a well-developed website that features their work and is full of legitimate resources and information. If you are using a small building company, ask them if this is their full-time job or if they are contracting work? Established  builders in Oakville have the expertise, time, and resources to put forth full effort into building quality custom homes. They also have their reputation at stake with each new project, and often work harder and more efficiently to keep it.

 

Associations – Often the difference between professionals and their counterparts can be found through what industry-related associations and organizations they are members of. Make sure the Oakville builders you are considering hiring are licensed by Toronto Municipal Licensing & Standards, and are BILD, RENOMARK, and eRENOVATE members. Also look for builders who care about the environment and are verified by the Green Renovator Project. Being members of these organizations legitimizes professional claims that a custom home builder may make.

 

Custom home building in Oakville might be harder than you think. That’s why it is important for you to gather all evidence and get the facts.  Ask the right questions and you’ll get the right answers – it’s elementary my dear Watson!