Good honest builder in Prescott? (Phoenix: real estate, custom home, neighborhood)

[eraserhead]

My wife and I own an unimproved 1/2 acre lot in the Hidden Valley Ranch neighborhood south of town. We are looking to retire there in about 18 month or so and would like to get a house started fairly soon on this lot. The problem is that we don't really have contacts in the area that could give us information about the vareous builders. Of course the builders will all tell you that they are wonderful. We currently live in Charleston SC. Does anyone have any information that will help us through this mine field? Thanks

[Gretchen B]

We have a number of reputable builders in the Prescott area. There's a couple of really good ones who do some high-end custom homes. There's several that build spec and custom homes in the mid-price range. And a couple that are very reasonable and do a nice std build without a lot of bells and whistles. You can go online to the AZ Registrar of Contractors to research if a particular builder has any complaints filed against him. So that will give you information about who NOT to hire.

If you'd like the names of a few, feel free to send me a PM or email me. I don't think I can mention specific builders on the open forum, but I'd be glad to pass along the names of some that I've heard do a good job.

[Beuthen291]

Any builder you hire, make sure you get an independent inspection and do not close on a house until you are completely satisified. Regardless of what any Real estate agent may tell you!

[eraserhead]

Thanks for the feedback. Good point because we live in SC and won't be able to oversee much. Are there inspection services that will inspect every critical step of the construction and act as the buyers representive for quality, as opposed to the typical one time buyers inspection most buyers obtain when they buy an existing house? Additionally, you need to be sure the inspector is not the contractor's brother in law! Eraserhead

[ArizonaGirl]

My parents built a cabin on Thumb Butte in the early 80s and carefully researched all the builders here at the time. There was a recession back then and contractors were suffering so my parents had a lot to choose from.

At the time Trantor Builders came highly recommended, and Ed Trantor said while he had never constructed a log cabin, he was willing to give it a try. My parents were thrilled with the results, as he was very persnickity about how everything fit together, etc. After our project he said he'd never do another log home again.... LOL

The place is still standing and in great condition, and although Ed passed away several years ago, I understand his son or son-in-law took over the business. They are located on Sheldon Street.

On another note, we recently moved into a home that had new construction going on right next door--an architect's office. The project had many problems (do-overs because it couldn't pass inspections) and the subs complained constantly about how poorly the plans were drawn up. Due to rules in this forum, I can't name them, but all I can say is, be careful with who you select. Quality and a work ethic is difficult to find in this town.

One other thing--there are a lot of huge boulders all over this place and soil issues, so try to find someone who didn't just cruise in from another state and set up shop. AZ is known for expanding soil conditions and that can mean cracked and splitting foundations in no time!

[eraserhead]

Thanks ArizonaGirl, good points made.

[Alex Pandi]

I am from Phoenix I need an hanest builder for my Kingswood home please can you pass along some names Thank you!

Alex Pandi
apandi@cox.net

Originally Posted by Gretchen B

We have a number of reputable builders in the Prescott area. There's a couple of really good ones who do some high-end custom homes. There's several that build spec and custom homes in the mid-price range. And a couple that are very reasonable and do a nice std build without a lot of bells and whistles. You can go online to the AZ Registrar of Contractors to research if a particular builder has any complaints filed against him. So that will give you information about who NOT to hire.

If you'd like the names of a few, feel free to send me a PM or email me. I don't think I can mention specific builders on the open forum, but I'd be glad to pass along the names of some that I've heard do a good job.

[Trump]

You may want to look into hiring an AIA member architect. A good starting point is http://www.aia.org/. They will be able to provide all of the expertise needed to have a quality home built.

[Dave55]

Originally Posted by eraserhead

My wife and I own an unimproved 1/2 acre lot in the Hidden Valley Ranch neighborhood south of town. We are looking to retire there in about 18 month or so and would like to get a house started fairly soon on this lot. The problem is that we don't really have contacts in the area that could give us information about the vareous builders. Of course the builders will all tell you that they are wonderful. We currently live in Charleston SC. Does anyone have any information that will help us through this mine field? Thanks

Hello,

My wife and I will be moving to Prescott Az in 24 months just as soon as I can say good bye to my job of 32 yrears. I bought land 3 years ago and have spent many vacations visiting talking to locals etc... SUNCREST BUILDERS -Miles Baxter 928-776-0007 OR HIS CELL 928-925-3141 He has my trust!
I bought lot in TIMBERRIDGE and COPPERCANYON ESTATES will sell one of them cant live on both!!! . Cant wait to Build/Retire!!
Good Luck!!!

Dave Boucher

[ktoschka]

I am not sure if you are still looking for a developer in Prescott but I recently worked with a great company called Ken Smirke Development. They charge only $150 per square feet. I think their website is Welcome to Ken Smirke Development
They have some sample floor plans on their website. You should check it out.