smiling couple discussing floor plan with home builder Building a home is the biggest investment that most people will ever make, and choosing the right custom home builder is critical for ensuring that your new home turns out exactly as you hoped it would.

However, the process of picking a custom home builder can feel overwhelming. What distinguishes a good custom home builder from a mediocre one? More importantly, how can you know which qualified custom home builder is the right match for you?

Here are the 6 key things to look for when evaluating builders for your new home.

1. A portfolio of custom homes similar to your dream home

Some custom home builders specialize in one type of architectural style, while others have experience with a variety of different designs and architectural philosophies. Whatever your own taste in home design, finding a custom home builder with a portfolio that demonstrates their track record with similar styles is important.

If you’re interested in a traditional American Craftsman-style home, for example, a builder who focuses primarily on contemporary homes might be a poor fit.

Similarly, a mismatch between your budget and the custom home builder’s typical price range can be a bad sign as well.

Even if you aren’t entirely certain about what you’re looking for in a home, finding a custom home builder whose portfolio reflects multiple examples of homes that appeal to you at the right price point is a good start.

2. A flexible and accomplished design team

Would-be homeowners who decide to go with a custom home builder typically do so in order to maximize their design input and style choices. To that end, choosing a custom home builder that has a strong and accomplished in-house design team is crucial.

The right builder will have experience working closely with home buyers to ensure that the buyer’s design preferences are fully incorporated into the finished home plan.

Another key thing to look for is the builder’s design flexibility. Some builders confine themselves to modifying existing plans, but often this results in a home that is merely close to your dream home.

Opting for a custom home builder that offers completely custom homes as a core part of their business can help ensure you get exactly what you want without any headaches.

3. Extensive knowledge about high-quality products

One of the key advantages of working with a custom home builder is the level of choice you have when it comes to all of the details of your new home, from doorknobs to flooring to appliances.

However, if you aren’t an amateur contractor yourself, knowing what your options are and understanding which products are the best fit in terms of durability, functionality and style can be difficult.

The right custom home builder will have knowledge about all of the various features that can go into your custom home, and will be able to help guide you in choosing the elements that best meet your taste and budget.

4. An attentive staff and commitment to customer service

Whatever builder you choose, you’ll be working with them for quite a while – likely from the design stages through construction of your new home. In order for this process to go smoothly, you must find a custom home builder that is dedicated to providing superior customer service at all steps of the way.

Pay attention to how prompt, courteous and professional each potential home builder is during your search process; how they address your questions during these preliminary stages is a good indication of how well they will communicate during the actual home building process.

5. Strong references from past home buyers

You can never completely know what a custom home builder is like before working with them. But checking their references from former customers can help provide important information that can guide your decision.

Any quality home builder will be happy to provide such references. When you reach out to these past home buyers, be certain to ask them about their experience at all stages of the process.

One question that is often very revealing: would you recommend this custom home builder to your friends and family?

6. Comprehensive home warranty coverage

A major reason why home buyers opt for new construction is the warranty that most custom home builders provide for the home and its systems.

Knowing that any major repair that arises after you move in is covered is important for guaranteeing peace of mind. When interviewing custom home builders, ask for details about the warranty provided as well as their typical service timeframes.

Find The Right Home Builder For You

Picking a custom home builder can be the most stressful part of the home building process. However, if you know what to look for during your search, you will be on your way to finding the right custom home builder to meet your family’s needs and build your dream home for you.

Highland Builders is central Virginia’s trusted custom home builder, with over 16 years of experience building well-crafted homes in Richmond, Chesterfield, Henrico, Hanover, and Goochland.

6 Qualities To Look For in A Home Builder