Building a home is capital and time-intensive investment. It can be stressful, expensive, and blow out your budget if a qualified and credible builder does not undertake the project. The builder will also determine the quality of your home. 

Seeing as there are so many builders to select from, narrowing it down to the right one can be a daunting task. This article will discuss the top 5 mistakes to avoid when choosing a home builder and the red flags to watch out for. 

1. Hiring the Cheapest Builder

Although hiring the most expensive builder does not guarantee a smooth building process and quality home, it might be a red flag if a prospective builder's rate is too low. 

Such a builder may cut corners by buying cheap fixtures or compromising on the design to keep their costs low. Also, they may not have a complete understanding of the project's scope. 

Do thorough market research to get a sense of the going rates for hiring a builder for your type of project. Identify various prospective builders and request them to send you their quotes. Compare the quotes against the builders' value proposition to determine if the rates are warranted. 

2. Not Meeting the Builder Before Hiring Them

While you may conduct phone interviews with your prospective home builders, it is important that you have an in-person meeting with the best candidate before hiring them. 

The meeting will help you ascertain if the particular builder is right for you. You will also have a chance to discuss the project in detail, clarify its scope, and develop an accurate budget estimate and completion timeline.

However, before you go in for the meeting, you need to do some homework. Carefully think through your desired outcome for the project. Be clear about your budget and how you will be financing the project. If you will be getting a loan, have it preapproved before meeting the builder. 

At least have an idea of your floor plan and gather some design inspiration. Have a list of the must-haves in your home. Also, compile a list of questions to ask the home builder. Ensure to bring all the relevant documents to your first meeting.

3. Not Checking the Home Builder's Credibility

There are several ways you can verify the credibility of a home builder. First, check the builder's website to understand what they are about. See if any of their previous or ongoing projects are indicated. 

Also, check their physical and contact information. Pay an unannounced visit to their office to confirm that it actually exists.

Check online reviews and ratings of prospective companies. For instance, looking at Ryan Home reviews among other home builders will indicate what to expect when dealing with the companies. Don't check the positive consumer reviews only. Go through the negative ones too to see past clients' complaints.

The most reliable option would be to independently find the builder's past clients and ask about their experience. Ask around among your family, friends, and colleagues if anyone has worked with the particular builder and their experience.

If you can't find a past client within your circle, stalk the company's social media pages and identify comments that would point to past or current clients. Reach out to them and ask about their experience with the builder. 

Also, check the builder's licenses, credentials, and awards. Ask for their license number and contact the relevant state's Home Builder's Licensure Board to confirm that they are licensed.

4. Choosing the Wrong Type of Builder

While some builders work on all types of projects, others specialize in specific types, e.g., high-end homes, mid-range homes, budget homes, residential properties, commercial properties, and many more. Yet, others are custom home builders.

It is best to go with a builder specializing in your style of home. They have experience and extensive skills that will take out the guesswork in your project. They are also likely to give more accurate budget estimates and timelines.

5. Not Getting Quality Assurance on Your Project

A reliable home builder should offer you a warranty. The warranty should be at least 2-3 years long, with 3 years being the most preferable. It should stipulate what is covered and the home builder's steps if specific issues arise.

To build a home is not a mean feat. For most people, this is the most expensive project they will ever undertake. Therefore, you have to be meticulous when hiring a builder. 

Be thorough with your due diligence to ensure that they are qualified, reliable, and credible. 

Be clear about the scope of the project and your must-haves. Also, be straightforward with the builder about your budget and your expectations.