Before you start looking for a contractor, there are several things you need to already know and have in place.
1. Know where you are going to build...have your land or lot already picked out or paid for.
2. Have your house plans in your hands!
Here are a few questions the contractor may ask.
1. Exterior: brick, siding etc.
2. Roof: type of roofing
3. Type of counter tops in each room: bath/kitchen
4. Type of appliances: inexpensive /midrange/high end
5. Faucet/Fixtures: inexpensive/midrange/high end
6. Flooring: hard wood/tile/carpet
7. Master bath tub: regular: high end
8. Hot water heater: regular/tankless
9. Heating & Cooling: regular/geo-thermal
10. Front Door: inexpensive/midrange/high end
11. Landscaping: how much if any do you want Contractor to be responsible for.
12. Driveway: Patios: how much if any do you want Contractor to be responsible for.
13. Any specialties you want in your home: alarm systems: surround sound: mounted television: built in cabinets: outdoor kitchen
14. Do you want your cabinets painted or stained?
15. Windows: energy efficient?
16. Spray foam insulation?
17. Ceilings textured or not?
18. Fireplace...gas or wood burning?
19. House all Electric or Natural Gas...or both?
20. Any extra buildings wanted: dog house/barn etc?
After you have your land, plans in your hand and can answer all of these questions (and I am sure there are some I have forgotten) then you start looking for your contractor.
Where to look?
Never hire a contractor that is not licensed in your state. Every state has a board and a website. Go to this site and get the names of all of the contractors licensed in your area.
Start asking friends and family who they know...and who they may recommend to build your house.
Find houses in your area that have been built recently that you like...and find out who built those homes.
Then check your list of licensed contractors and contact at least 3 of those builders. You will need to have your plans in hand. If he/she is a good contractor...they will take notes...ask you all of the above questions...go home and calculate what your home will cost and then give you a price. I would not trust anyone who gave me a price off of the top of their head. How in the world could they possibly know for sure without putting a pencil to paper.
Ask each contractor for references. Go and see the homes they built and talk to the customers. This will be the best way to find out all about the contractor and their work.
I suggest getting a lock n key price...not a cost plus price from your Contractor.
Lock n key means the price they give you...if you stick to your choices with no changes...they build it for that price and give you the key.
Cost plus...means they charge you the cost of the materials...plus a percent. This is very hard to keep tabs on...and always ends up costing more than expected.
After you see the contractors work, talk to references and get your price...make your decision with who you feel most comfortable building your house.
Get a contract with all of your decisions added...so there is no question about what you discussed...also get a date of completion. Sometimes it helps to give a small bonus if completed on time and you get a kickback if it goes over schedule. Also, negotiate a warranty on your home. I would get at least a year warranty on construction etc.
If any changes are made...and I know it will happen. Always get a change order. A change order is a type of receipt that has what changes you decided to make and the added cost you will be charged for it. If you don't get a change order...in the end you will be surprised how much more your house will cost for those few changes you made.
Building your home can be a stressful...chosing the right contractor can make all the difference in the world. Good Luck!
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