Finding the right builder or remodeler is always
the challenge in any project.

When you look for a builder or remodeler, you are looking for someone with whom you can communicate and develop a positive working relationship. But the home buying process can be a bit intimidating, especially if you are buying your first home. So the more knowledge you have about the process, requirements and options will make your home purchase decision easier. Here are some places to start your search for a builder or remodeler:

• Home Builders & Remodelers Association of Northeast Mississippi - has several publications available including Home Building & Remodeling Guide and the Spec Sheet (the monthly association newsletter) PLUS now our web site listing our BUILDER and REMODELER members

• Banks and Mortgage Companys - will provide information on qualifying for a mortgage and financing options to fit your budget

Good home builders and remodelers care about being good business people, and they want to work with you to get you the home you want. Make sure the person you find is a person you can communicate easily with because you have a great project ahead and as is true of many things...communication is the key!

Selecting a Contractor

...If you have been satisfied with the work of a licensed contractor, try them first. If they cannot help you ask them for recommendations. If you must hire a contractor you do not know, talk to several contractors before you sign anything. Reputable contractors agree that you should do the following:

Check on the Firm's Reputation

...The Better Business Bureau, Home Builders Association, State Board of Contractors and your Local permit offices. Be sure to ask if the firm has any unanswered complaints against it.

Look out For "Special Deals"

   Be cautious when unfamiliar contractors offer "special deals" or want to use your home as a model. Ask for the complete details in writing, and for an explanation of any differences from regular prices.

Ask for References

...Contractor should be willing to provide names of previous customers, and be sure to check the references by asking if they would hire the contractor again.

Ask for Written Estimates

...Check it for thoroughness.

Ask for a Contract and Guarantees in Writing

...The contract should be complete and clearly state all the work to be done and the cost. NEVER sign a blank contract or one with blank spaces.
...The guarantee should be a written statement which should include what is guaranteed, who is responsible for the guarantee (the dealer, the contractor, or the manufacturer), what is covered beyond the written guarantee, and its duration.

Obtain a Copy of the Final Signed Contract

...Once signed, a contract is binding, on both you and the contractor.

This information is from the State Board of Contractors
     215 Woodline Drive, Suite B, Jackson, Mississippi   39232
              800-880-6161 FAX: 601-354-6715

www.msboc.state.ms.us

What does it really take to build a house? Today's new homes reflect changing market preferences and integrate elaborate designs and consumer desires into the floor plans and construction of the homes. And, successful home builders have the knowledge, organizational skills and drive to build them. A home builder must understand the home's complex systems; pay close attention to detail; and coordinate a team of various contractors to build and sell a quality product. To coordinate this process, builders must think on their feet, plan ahead and tackle a number of tasks simultaneously.

Above all, a home builder is a manager who guides dozens of skilled artisans and professionals, including, architects, engineers, plumbers, electricians, painters and landscapers. The home builder must know enough about each contractor's trade in order to determine whether the contractor has done quality work. Like a CEO, a home builder relies on a number of workers to get a job done right and has the authority to evaluate and act on each employee's work performance.

Some home builders develop the land on which the homes are built. In this capacity, they act as the land surveyor. They must look carefully at a piece of land to determine whether it complies with zoning regulations, local planning laws and environmental restrictions, and whether it is suitable for development. In an attempt to determine what lies below the land's surface, the home builder studies a lot's topography, searching for rock outcroppings, shallow depth bedrock, shallow groundwater, natural drainages sources and dense vegetation. During this process, builders also consider landscaping options and erosion control. Once a builder determines that a site is suitable for construction, he or she must navigate through the permitting process. 

Home builders serve as liaisons with their communities and local government officials. They research and study local building codes to determine what can be built in a given location. In most localities, building codes govern building, plumbing, heating and air conditioning, electrical systems and fire safety. After studying the building codes, the builder collects permits from various authorities before proceeding with construction.

Once through the permitting process, the builder will prepare the site, select the footprint, throw on boots and a hard hat and start building. A home builder then oversees the entire construction process: laying the foundation; erecting the framing; roofing and siding; nailing in the floor; building the walls; and installing th exterior trim. And, the builder oversees the installation of plumbing, heating and electrical work.

A home builder also assumes the role of inspector. Throughout the construction phase, the local building department surveys the construction site looking for code violations. But professional home builders scour each construction site long before and after the code officials make their analysis to ascertain that each home meets both code and warranty guidelines. Once the house is finished, the builder informs the appropriate municipal departments that it is ready for final inspection.

One chief goal drives the professional home builder - a satisfied customer. To meet this objective, home builders also act as public relations professionals. Satisfies customers will recommend their builder to other prospective homebuyers, helping the builder's business grow. Home builders discuss the construction process and building schedule with their customers. They also plan times when the homebuyers can tour the building site and ask questions about the status of their new home.

Home builders are professionals who work with materials suppliers and trade contractors. They often establish a network of suppliers and contractors with whom they conduct business on a regular basis. The quality of the labor and materials will determine the quality of the home. 

Home builders are also schedulers and record keepers. To keep the construction process moving, builders manage construction timelines and schedules. They arrange, and re-arrange, schedules with contractors until the house is completed.

All in all, home builders must wear many hats before home buyers will have places to hang theirs.