Sometimes as a society, we use terms that we think are identical for everyone. When it comes to the phrase “custom homes,” however, it can mean many things to many different people. In general, “custom” refers to having something built the way that you want it, and there is usually an element of upgrade or expense, which is why finding a true “custom home contractor” in Charleston is so important to getting your home the way you want it. These are five things to look for that matter in a custom home builder.
Reputation
In the world of building, it is critical to know about the reputation of your custom home builder before you sign on the dotted line. Let’s face it: building a home isn’t easy, and it can come with a lot of decisions to make, timelines to meet, and emotions that need to be handled. During a time of great stress, you want to make sure that your builder knows how to handle the job and the customers that they work with. Reading online reviews and ratings is the best way to ensure that you are getting all that you need in one contractor’s package!
Talent
Not everyone can build a home from the ground up. It not only takes skills and training; it also takes a certain level of talent, not just in the carpentry and fine finishes, but also in the ability to stay on-task and get the job done. Time management and attention to detail are talents that don’t come naturally and not everyone has them, but they are critical to building a custom home. So how talented is the contractor you hire? Make sure you go the extra mile to see previous builds to gauge.
Budget
Again, not everyone manages money very well. When you build a home, you have to know what you can skimp on that won’t sacrifice quality and things that you shouldn’t skimp on. It is critical to find a custom home contractor in Charleston who is budget-conscious – but not at the risk of one of your greatest investments. If they can’t handle money well, then you probably shouldn’t give them an open checkbook!
Connections
For well-established builders, it isn’t all about who you know, but that does help. Builders usually have to call in subcontractors to do the things that they aren’t skilled or equipped to do. That means that you are trusting them to hire someone on your behalf. A builder with experience and connections won’t hire just any subcontractor to get the job done; they will bring on the ones that have a proven track record and who they know they can rely on and trust!
A Keen Eye
A contractor isn’t someone who puts the shell together; they have to wear many hats from architecture to design in some cases. All of those things take a certain level of expertise that comes with a keen eye for detail. A quality custom builder will know what they have the skills and talent to tackle and where they would be better off calling in an expert. Find someone who has that eye, and you will get everything you want from ceilings to floors.
Although most people assume that they know what “custom home building” really means, it can mean very different things to different people. The one thing that we can all agree on is that the quality of the custom home builder that you hire is relative to what you end up with in a finished product. Make sure to do the legwork upfront to ensure that you get all that you need without sacrifice. At O’Connor Homes, we put the “custom” in custom home building. You can rest assured that we will go above and beyond to exceed your expectations! Contact us today to get started.