First impressions of a builder may have already eliminated some of the builders on your list. After all, being able to talk to your builder and establish good communication with them throughout the project is key to ensuring your new home is everything you want it to be.
Next, you’ll want to make sure all the builders on your short-list are qualified to build your new home.
When you’re buying in a new home community, the developer will have chosen new home builders that they trust and can do the job, so this step will likely be a quick check to ensure everything is in order.
Question #2: Is the builder qualified?
This step has become even easier for home buyers in Alberta. Since December 1, 2017, all residential builders are now registered in an online database. The government introduced the new licensing and public registry as an amendment to the New Home Buyer Protection Act (NHBPA) to better protect consumers from ‘fly-by-night’ builders and individuals with compliance issues, keeping your investment safe. Builders who have not been approved for a license won’t be in the registry, and won’t be able to acquire building permits for your new home.
You can view the online registry here.
Another aspect of this question is whether the builder you’re considering is reputable. Top-tier builders will have long-standing relationships with previous clients and professional industry associations. For instance, Broadview is a member of BILD Calgary Region and the Alberta New Home Warranty Program, and Customer Insight. Through active participation with these organizations, Broadview ensures accountability to our customers, and stays up to date on everything from design trends, best practices, and regulations that impact our home buyers.
In addition, the best builders will also be recognized by their peers; it’s worthwhile to do some research to see if they’ve won any awards and if they are an authority in the industry. This may give you confidence that you are selecting a builder with credibility.
Next, let’s learn more about how the builder you are considering works, how do they design their homes and how do you find the one that works for you?
What else should you ask a builder? Read the full series:
Question #1: Do I like this builder?
Question #2: Is the builder qualified and reputable?
Questions #3: What plans does this builder offer?
Question #4: What comes standard?
Question #5: What options and upgrades can I choose? How much can I customize?
Question #6: How and when can I make changes?
Question #7: How energy efficient are the homes you build?
Question #8: Who do I contact with any questions and who will oversee the construction?
Question #9: How often and when will I have access to the home during the home building process?
