Building a new home is probably one of the most important decisions you will have to make. The NWHBA receives many calls from potential homebuyers asking for recommendations and advice on how to select a builder. Do your homework before hiring a contractor. If you take the following steps, you will likely maintain a good working relationship with your contractor throughout the building or home-improvement process.

Making the right choice

Investigate the list of builders you are considering. For new homes, check the land development section in this guide, real estate magazines and newspaper ads for the types and price ranges of homes being built in your area. Make sure the company is a member of the NWHBA. Located in the pages of this Building and Home Improvement Guide, you will find local professionals to help you build your dream home or do home improvements. The NWHBA is committed to promoting "Do Business with a Member." Members of the NWHBA abide by a code of ethics and are continually updated on the latest industry standards and technology available. Members of the NWHBA are licensed in the state of Utah through the Division of Professional Licensing.

Before you start, ask these questions

Let the builder know you are not only interested in the lowest bid, but quality. An important thing to remember is that dissatisfaction with poor quality far outlasts any pleasure you may get from a low price. There are those who earn their living repairing low bids.
If you compare all builders' bids, be sure each one is based on the same set of plans and specifications, quality of materials, etc. If a builder suggests deviations, ask him to present those ideas as options.

Call the Better Business Bureau at (800) 456-3907 for further references on the builder you have selected. We encourage you to use members of a homebuilders association because they subscribe to a high code of ethics. Know what each bid includes and make sure to have it in writing.

Ask past clients of builders you are considering the following questions:

• Did the builder communicate well with you and were there any misunderstandings?
• Were the subcontractors comfortable to work with?
• Would you as the owner buy another home from this builder?
• How pleased were you with the quality of work as it was completed?
• Did the builder fulfill the contract on time?
• Were there cost overruns and how were they handled?
• Did the builder follow through in a timely manner after the close of the loan to finalize any remaining details?
• Was the builder ethical and were you satisfied with the builder's business practices?
• Discuss these items with builders you are considering:
• Ask the prospective contractor for a tentative job schedule.
• Talk about change orders. Find out the procedure they use for placing change orders. Always get change orders approved and signed for.
• Ask for a written estimate of the work to be done based on plans and specifications. If you compare your estimate with another, be sure one is based on the same plans and specifications. If a builder suggests deviations, ask him to present those ideas as options. Let the builder know you are not only interested in the lowest bid, but quality. An important thing to remember is that dissatisfaction with poor quality far outlasts any pleasure you may get from a low price. There are those who earn their living repairing low bids.

Warranties and services after the sale

An important factor to consider when choosing a builder is the warranty provided on the home. Most reputable builders provide a warranty on their materials and workmanship for one year. Make sure you understand this before you sign the contract. Having the warranty expectations and your builder's promises in writing will prevent any misunderstanding.

Be prepared for the final walk-through

Once your home is completed, have a final walk-through with the builder or his representative. Make sure you and the builder write down the items that need to be corrected. Don't be alarmed if you find a few things not up to your standard. A completed home is the sum of many individual mechanical operations and materials. It is not unusual for small things to be amiss. The builder should then give you a projected date of completion for corrections.

Important phone numbers:

• Home Builders Association of Utah - (800) 268-8750; www.utahhba.com
• State of Utah Division of Professional Licensing - 160 E. 300 South, Salt Lake City, 84114; (801) 530-6628; www.commerce.state.ut.us/web/commerce/dopl
• Better Business Bureau of Utah - 5673 S. Redwood Road, Salt Lake City, 84121; (800) 456-3907
• National Association of Home Builders - 1201 15th St., NW, Washington, D.C. 20005; (800) 368-5242; www.nahb.com
• Utah Association of Realtors - 5710 S. Green St., Murray, 84123; (801) 268-4747; www.utahrealtors.com
• Blue Stakes - 2880 S. Main, Salt Lake City; (800) 662-4111