Custom Home – 3 Tips to Find a Professional Custom Home Builder
Things to consider when hiring a custom home builder
As we begin the new year, the cold weather often sparks thoughts of a new custom home build or major renovation to your current space. Perhaps the recent holidays with family and friends made you realize that your current home just isn’t working for your lifestyle anymore. You start with a quick Google search, “Custom Home Builders near Me”, and suddenly you’re faced with a long list of company names. How do you even begin to sort through them? How do you know who to trust, and how can you be sure the builder you hire is a professional? Here are three key tips to help you find the right builder for your home project:
Tip #1: Check out their website
In today’s world, nearly every company has a website. However, it’s surprising how many custom home builders still don’t have an online presence, or their website looks outdated or unprofessional. Look for a builder who has a clean, well-organized website that showcases past projects, client testimonials, and a clear description of services offered. If a company only has a Facebook page with blurry pictures or very little information, they might not be the right choice for handling your home project.
Tip #2: Are They a Member of Any Trade Organizations?
A reputable builder should be part of professional organizations. For custom home builders in West Michigan, two important trade organizations to consider are the Home Builders Association (HBA) (https://www.lakeshorehba.com) and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) (https://www.bbb.org/local-bbb/bbb-serving-western-michigan). Membership in these organizations shows a custom home builder that is committed to staying up-to-date with industry standards, networking with peers, and continuously improving their craft. Furthermore, it shows they care about the quality of service they provide to their clients. Being a member of the HBA or BBB also demonstrates a builder’s professionalism and dedication to ethical business practices.
Tip #3: Do They Have the Proper License from the State of Michigan?
In Michigan, a licensed professional is required for residential work, and it’s important to verify that your builder has the appropriate licensing. The State of Michigan has a tool to help you look up whether an individual or company is properly licensed for residential building (you can access it here: [State of Michigan Licensing Lookup]). In Michigan, there are two types of builder licenses: Individual and Company. Either type is sufficient to legally perform work on your home, so be sure to verify the builder’s credentials before moving forward.
By following these three tips, you’ll be better equipped to make an informed decision when choosing a builder for your custom home project. After all, this is one of the biggest investments of your life, and you want to work with someone who is truly a professional. If you want to skip the endless Google search, you can always reach out to your local Home Builders Association. In West Michigan, there are two great resources: Lakeshore HBA and the HBA of Greater Grand Rapids.
Don’t forget to check out natekapteinbuilder.com or find them on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/natekapteinbuilder/) for inspiration and more details!
Good luck with your home-building journey!