For anyone thinking about hiring a builder for custom work, here are some points to consider:
· Hire a good real estate attorney who has experience with new-construction contracts, knows state law, and is familiar with the issues unique to the area in which the property will be built.
· Talk to other customers. Ask how satisfied they are with the builder and how his projects have held up over time.
· Investigate. Search the builder’s name and company online and make sure that there aren’t lots of complaints about him.
· Expect him to negotiate. In this market, a potential customer should be able to expect that a builder will be flexible.
Source: Thinkglink.com, Ilyce Glink (08/27/2010)