This post is tailored to point out common problems many, many homeowners face when trying to choose a custom home builder, even if you are going to build part or most of your home 

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yourself, there is always a  time that you will need to hire someone. From digging basements, to pouring cement floors, to installing cabinets, to running your electric, contractors are an integral part of nearly every home building project. 

There is no lack of builders in the phone book, or on line, or with model homes in commercial sections of town. But how do you weed out those that will really partner with you for the duration of your custom home journey, but will not cost an exorbitant amount? 

First let me outline some ground rules that EVERYONE should incorporate into your home building plans:  

1. Always talk to a few different builders. Two to three contractors are usually sufficient. Get a feeling if they are someone you would like to work with. If you can never get them to call you back, just imagine what the construction phase will be like. But on the other hand, remember to give them a reasonable time to get back with you. A week or more is not uncommon as they are out working and not in an office all the time. 

2. Try to get at least three bids on a project. Beware of contractors who quote you very low prices. Many times they will either walk off the job when they run out of money, or they will be asking for more funds during the project. A good contractor is very capable of bidding a job accurately. Even as builders ourselves, we sub out some things. We always look for a few bids very close together in price. I can’t tell you how many times we have come behind other contractors who have treated really wonderful home owners terribly. In the end it is much harder to win their trust. So be smart and don’t just go with someone because they are the cheapest. 

3. Talk to other people who have used the contractor. There is nothing like personal referral. Also try to see other projects the contractor has built. This will show if he has the skills to handle your construction. (Thank you to Diego of Nubilt from Colorado, USA for improving this point for me) 

4. When talking to different builders, ask for an estimated price per square foot range that they usually work within. Of course, thing such as bathrooms and kitchens can really change the price, but still there should be an underlying rule of thumb that they use. In just a 60 mile radius I have personally found general contractors who differ in price by as much as $100 per square foot. So do your homework and don’t be turned off if you stumble on the most expensive builders first. 

5. Try to visit homes they have worked on. Even a drive-by can be insightful into their ability. 

The journey of your custom home should be exciting and enjoyable for you. Many individuals will only get to build one or two custom homes in their lifetimes. So, choose a general contractor you feel you can trust and who has evidence of their craftsmanship. 

Building Dreams, Sue Lemmon 

Mike Lemmon of Cowboy Log Buildesr LLC ~My personal favorite contractor