Help - Pick a builder (Tulsa, Broken Arrow: real estate, houses, neighborhood)

[mxchick2007]

Hi everyone - Though we have lived in Broken Arrow most of our lives we are getting ready to build our dream house. I need to know the best of everything when it comes to this project. We bought a lot in the Lakes at Indian Spings in Broken Arrow. I'd love all your input on builders you know or have used, best contractor for a pool, best place to get your granite, etc. Please share everything you know and if you like, I'll chronocial our progress. Thanks,

[anthonyclark]

I just recently came across Cagle Construction (Larry Cagle) and their work looks superior!

[DanLynn]

steve brown!! he built our house and he and his wife are wonderful to work with!! his houses are very livable and the rooms are generous, it seems most builders have postage stamp sized rooms now but the houses are very affordable and the customer service is fantastic.

ashton homes are also nice and affordable.

the house i lived in when i grew up was by george radcliff? i think that was his name. we loved the house and it's a great family home.

if you're in the market hope that helps!

[MyTulsaHouse]

That is quite a loaded question. There are hundreds of builders in the Tulsa/BA area. Some build 2 or 3 houses a year while some build 200 a year.

Part of your question sounds as if you may want to self contract. Do you have an architect? Your own plans? Do you have or have you seen a floorplan that you like and want to make minor custom changes?

Ask someone who has recently built a home or a real estate professional that can give you some good advice. Building a home can be a tremendously stressful experience in the best of circumstances. Do your homework up front and save yourself time and money.

Depending on the price range, size, amenities, and what the averages are in the neighborhood you may want to contract with a local builder that has a floor plan that you are excited about. If they build this floor plan a number of times, they know the most cost-effective way to order materials and have it built.

[docscholl]

Whomever you get, make sure that YOU know what kind of contract YOU are signing.

I've got two stories to tell (and I'll try to keep 'em short).

1.
I sat on a jury for a civil case involving a contractor and a home-owner.
In short, the agreement was reached for a kitchen remodel, to take four months at a cost of $68K.
The homeowners spouse decided to make certain changes during the remodel.
The contracter failed to inform both homeowner and spouse of some of the building delays and additional costs due to the changes.
In short, eight months later and the current bill at $125K, the project was still uncompleted.
Testimony from some of the sub-contracted labor was not flattering to the contractor.
The spouse and homeowners were idiots for not paying attention to detail.
We, the jury, found a half-and-half settlement, in part favor to both homeowner and contractor, because of all the blunders on both sides.

2.
That lesson taught me to look very carefully when my wife and I added 1000sq.ft. to our home.
With few exceptions (due to one particular sub-contractor), the work was excellent, and in some cases, the contractor we hired saved our financial butt by being up-front and honest with us.
He was NOT the cheapest, nor the most expensive, but work was done on time and within budget.
I HIGHLY reccomend this guy: Scott Butters, of Master's Craft.