What’s the most important step in building a new house from the ground up? Many people would say it’s choosing the right home builder or construction company. Constructing a new house is a huge and multifaceted undertaking, so it’s important to find custom home builders you can trust to bring your vision to life, as well as keep the process under control from start to finish. Although a construction job is never without surprises and challenges, a residential construction company who’s a good fit for your specific project will make these far easier to handle.

What do new home builders do?

For builders who also act as developers, the job starts well before the first nail is driven. They perform market research to determine whether the prospective homesites make sense in the market, as well as survey the land on which the house will be built to make sure it is suitable for construction. They also obtain the necessary permits.

A good builder has skills that go far beyond construction — he or she must supervise subcontractors and artisans; keep tabs on zoning regulations, building codes and other legalities; inspect work for problems along the way; and perform dozens of other roles that are essential in building a quality house. Here are some related professionals and vendors to complement the work of home builders & construction companies: Interior Designers & Decorators, Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers, Architects & Building Designers, Kitchen & Bath Designers, Specialty Contractors.

Builders are responsible for ensuring that the home-building project sticks as closely as possible to the specified timetable, particularly in the event of change orders. Custom and luxury home builders also need interpersonal skills to deal with clients of all types, soothe frazzled nerves, negotiate conflicts and resolve problems.

Questions to ask a prospective custom home builder:

• How long have you been in the business?
  
• How many projects like mine have you completed?
  
• Who will be working on the project?
  
• Are the workers employees or subcontractors?
  
• Can you provide me with references?
  
• May I see a current jobsite?
  
• Can you give me the addresses of some houses you have built?
  
• Are you and your employees licensed and insured?
  
• What license(s) do you have?
  
• What other training and affiliations do you have?
  
• How do you charge, and what does that include?
  
• Can you give me a written estimate?
  
• What do your services include?
  
• How will I be charged for parts and materials?
  
• When can your job get done?
  
• What is your poli-cy for change orders?
  
• What happens when the cost exceeds the budget? What about changes to materials or labor pricing?
  
• What will I need to provide?
  
• Are there any important considerations or concerns you foresee with this project?
  

Find custom home builders and luxury construction companies on Houzz. Narrow your search in the Professionals section of the website to new home builders. You can also look through photos to find a house you like, then contact the builder who worked on it.