How can you tell who the good builders are? (credit, home builders)

[ubiquecartas]

Talk to me about new construction. Which home builders have a good reputation? Which ones just churn out houses to make a quick buck? Any personal experience buying a new home?

[Sotsgreen]

It's not exactly clear what you are talking about. If you are talking about builders who buy a small house to tear it down then replace it with a large McMansion style house, they they all want to make a "quick buck." Some places have create restrictions on the size of the house you can put on a small lot because so many residents dislike it when there's a huge house on small lot between other houses.

Otherwise, you can ask around for recommendations.

[CaseyB]

Specific towns? Or do you mean national builders

[ubiquecartas]

I'm looking around Metrowest, but I'd be interested in hearing experiences with any town. I don't know any national builders; would be happy hearing experiences with them, too.

[MikePRU]

The answer to your question is really a long one. But the short version of the answer is . . . it's not easy to tell. A lot of experience looking at new construction and knowing people who actually live in the finished product are great guides but that's not something the average consumer has. Definitely find yourself an agent who knows what they're talking about to help you.

Also, "good" can mean a lot of different things. All new homes have to conform to the state and the town's building code. So, the likelihood of a house falling down around your ears is low even from the worst builder. However, town inspectors are not perfect and they do miss things. Better builders are on top of what's going on at their sites and so they don't have problems with workmanship.

Good can also mean a builder who takes pride in their work. These people often put more detail work and higher quality materials in their homes.

I could probably write a novel on the subject.

[bugelrex]

I guess the only way is the length of time the company has been in existence. Perhaps lawsuits against the company may be public record.

Some builders may prominatly display their logo during construction. A housing inspector during the contract phrase will likely give an opinion about the quality of construction

[Beachcomber4]

I'm sure there are ways to find out who has the best reputation but even good builders will sometimes build houses with lower quality material and less experienced subs to fit a price point.

[sawyer2]

Referrals from friends or family that have actually used them or from a realtor that you trust is the only way to go.

The best ones are always busy ...... and the bad ones are probably busy in this market.

You also have some of the big developers in some subdivisions .... like the Toll brothers Mcmansions ..... usually with mixed bag reviews.

[Boston_Burbs]

This will probably not be a popular answer, but I typically don't go with companies that make you pay them a certain percentage upfront.

Your ability to not pay is the best leverage you have.

Plus, if they need money up front to buy materials or pay their workers it is probably a good indication they dont have credit and their business in not in the best shape.

[Shrewsburried]

The better builders hire subs who hit studs instead of just sheathing and exceed bare minimum (code) where appropriate. Everything else is price point driven. I know excellent subs who might work one week installing high end Marvin windows into 6"/9" walls, and the next week they might be popping in contractor grade windows into 4" walls. They scale their fit & finish accordingly.

Most of the builders I see locally are working to a pretty high standard, but these are homes which represent the high end of the market. Very nice builds - cement board siding, Azek trim, Marvin Integrity windows, Mistu heat pumps + solar. These homes should go 30+ years with no notable maintenance beyond petty annual stuff like boiler checks and gutter clean outs.