If it’s your first time building a home, you probably don’t know what to expect from your construction company. Once things start moving, though, it won’t take long for you to assess whether you made the right decision or not. Here are warning signs that you chose the wrong builder—and how to address your issue.
Poor Management
They may have lots of great experience and masterful building skills, but if your builder isn’t a good manager, you’re sure to face some problems. If you’re dealing with several of these issues, you may have chosen the wrong builder.
Always Late
Are you constantly waiting for your construction manager? Do they often show up to meetings 10, 15, or even 30 minutes late? As the client, you have the right to expect your builder to respect your schedule and keep the appointments they set. When a builder shows up late, they’re basically saying that their time is more important than yours.
How to Address It
Chances are that you’ve been pretty tolerant up until this point; everyone is late every once in a while, right? The key is to be courteous but honest. Let the builder know that you expect meetings to start on time. If they don’t start showing up on time, don’t feel obliged to wait around.
Not on Budget
It’s critical to keep this aspect of the building process under control. If your builder is going over your budget early in the building process, you may have chosen the wrong company. While some expenses may be unforeseen, the job of your builder is to stick as close to your budget as possible.
How to Address It
As the client, you hold the power of the pocketbook. When it comes down to it, no decision should be made without your consent. If you feel like you are being taken advantage of or the builder isn’t meeting their obligation to stay on budget, then you can request to approve all budgetary alterations before the builder moves forward. Don’t sign off on anything you that makes you feel uneasy.
Ignores Input
There are few things more frustrating than being ignored, especially by the person who is orchestrating the construction of your home. You decided to build your home for a reason: you want it to reflect your style and preferences. If your builder is ignoring your input, then you have probably chosen the wrong one.
How to Address It
Make your wishes very clear. It can be helpful to set out your expectations clearly in writing. While it’s your builder’s job to make sure they’re meeting your expectations, you may need to be more assertive to you get the result you’re seeking. Each person has a different communication style, so consider whether your builder is more responsive to written or to oral communication.
Poor Skill
It may be that your builder is a solid manager, but they’re lacking in the performance department. Here are some signs to look out for.
Lots of Mistakes
Cracks and scratches and errors—oh my! Whether it’s the careless handling of materials, lack of attention to detail, or just blatant mistakes, building mistakes are nothing to take lightly. Obviously, you have to account for some human error, but excessive mistakes should be addressed.
How to Address It
Don’t let mistakes go unchecked. You should be doing check-ins fairly frequently, so each time you walk through the home, bring a pad of paper and pencil. Jot down any trouble areas, and go over them with your builder.
Low Quality Work
Whether it’s sloppy construction or cheap materials, low quality work is not acceptable. You’re paying good money for a good home as well as the workmanship it takes to construct it.
How to Address It
Don’t let poor work stand. If you don’t say anything early on, your builder may well think the quality of work they’re delivering is acceptable to you. If it is evident that they do not have a high standard for their performance, then you’ll want to be heavily involved at each step to ensure that everything is up to your standards.
Behind Schedule
If your builder is constantly running behind schedule, you may have chosen the wrong company. Extended building time adds to your overall costs and will likely cause extra stress in your personal life.
How to Address It
Sit down with your builder and set out a very clear timeline. Be thorough with your expectations for the construction schedule. Plan as though you know the builder will be behind on schedule so that if—and when—they are, you aren’t scrambling to take care of necessary arrangements.
Poor Professionalism
Your builder may have what you’re looking for in skills and management, but if they’re unprofessional, it can really sour your experience. Here are a few indicators that your builder may not have been your best choice.
Lack of Communication
Your builder was Mr. Chatty Charles during the interview process, but now that construction has begun, he’s gone silent. Lack of communication can cause a myriad of issues throughout the building process. You definitely don’t want to let this go unchecked for long.
How to Address It
Your best bet in bridging the communication gap is to utilize several different communication channels. Leave phone messages, email, and even text your builder. Don’t be obnoxious or aggressive. If your builder has a secretary or assistant, try reaching out to them. Remember that your builder is a person. Don’t treat them in a way you wouldn’t want to be treated.
Inability to Provide Updates
Flaky, unclear responses can leave you in limbo. If your builder avoids giving you updates or is so uninvolved with your project that they have no idea what is going on, you may be in trouble.
How to Address It
Rather than reaching out to your builder for a general update, draft a list of very clear, specific questions. You can convey these questions in person, over the phone, or via email. Even if your builder isn’t good an offering updates on their own, they may be able to address specific issues when they are presented to them.
A lot of things that can go wrong with a construction partner. Homes by Brill is a leading Des Moines area home builder with a reputation for exceptional service. By choosing Homes by Brill, you’ll be signing onto a low-stress construction process so in the end, you’ll have the home of your dreams without the additional grey hair! Contact Homes by Brill to learn more about our building process or to schedule a consultation.
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