Hiring a reputable builder is a critical step in your home-building process, but finding the right builder is just the beginning. Once the project begins, it’s important that both parties learn to communicate properly to ensure the project goes smoothly for everyone involved. Put the following tips to practice to help you work more efficiently with your builder and ensure an all-around more enjoyable home-building experience.
Establish expectations up front. As your project progresses, it’s vital that you and your builder keep the lines of communication open. Decide beforehand how often you’ll connect to discuss progress. Will you have face-to-face meetings, phone calls, use email, or all of the above? Set the communication expectations from the get-go to avoid frustration down the road.
Visit the job site. Building a home comes with a lot of anticipation and excitement, but it can also create unnecessary worry and stress. That’s why it’s a good idea to visit the job site regularly. Schedule times to do a walkthrough of the property with your home builder so you can check on progress, get questions answered, and address any issues on the spot.
Go with the flow. With construction, things don’t always go as planned. While your builder will try to stick to the plan as much as possible, things happen. Whether it’s delays due to weather or last minute changes in building materials, be prepared for potential glitches along the way, and try to remain calm when they occur. That said, don’t be afraid to speak up when you need to. If the contractor makes a mistake that needs to be fixed, be sure to say something and ensure it gets resolved.
Maintaining open communication with your builder throughout the construction phase is key to a successful project. By incorporating the above tips, you can reduce stress, improve communication, and enjoy the process of seeing your dream home come to life.