Ready to take on one of the most extraordinary adventures in homeownership? If you've long dreamed of building a Colorado home, then you've probably done enough initial research to recognize the journey is both exhilarating and exhausting. 

 

To get the most from your home building experience, your first step is also the most important one: choosing the right builder for your project. Let's take a look at three critical points of how to choose a builder in Colorado.

 

 

The first step in choosing a builder in Colorado is knowing what you want out of your home. Are you dreaming of a Colorado homestead set on an expanse of acreage? Maybe it's an upscale mountain cabin, or perhaps it’s a traditional suburban residence in a sought after master-planned community? 

 

Whatever the lifestyle you're seeking, knowing what you want from your new home will help you identify a builder that can deliver. To get your search started, seek out referrals from friends or trusted colleagues. Identify builders with a high success rate in your preferred part of town who specialize in your preferred customization. 

 

If you don’t know exactly what you want, enlist a designer or experienced real estate agent to create a vision with you. Having an agent or designer on your side can prove crucial for a multitude of reasons, making the process go more smoothly. They will ask you about how you live and what you envision for your home to help you “build” a property around your specific needs. Next, enlist your designer and/or Realtor to help you find a builder. These industry professionals are invaluable to making a successful match. 

 

 

This is the most involved part of the builder finding process, and for good reason. Considering the investment a new home build requires, you don't want to place your faith or financial well-being in the hands of just anyone. 

 

Ultimately, you and your designer or agent will want to take your list of builders and narrow it down to a few primary contenders. In addition to referrals, focus your research on these primary concerns:

 

• Is the builder a respected member in good standing with the BBB or a local or state home building association? Verify the builder's bonafides and that their license is up to date and they have no unresolved claims with clients.
• Is the builder local? National? If the latter, do they have a local office or well-established local presence? As a general rule, local builders prove better at navigating local codes, restrictions, or other considerations unique to Colorado new home construction. They're also easier to communicate with.
• What is the builder's construction philosophy? Are they a mass builder dealing on volume? Or do they focus their efforts on just a handful of projects at a given time? Time and quality are critical factors to guaranteeing the home you want is built well and delivered in a timely fashion.
• How does the builder approach project management and communication? Will you have a single rep for the design and build process? How often will you meet to review the home's progress and construction milestones?
• Seek out client reviews to ensure a builder delivers on their promises or are a source of ongoing or unresolved issues.  

Much of a builder's viability and worthiness stems from these five primary points of inquiry. With their design expertise and wide network of connections, your agent can help guide you to find the builder who’s right for you. In addition, your Realtor or designer can also help you understand how the builder does business, teaching you the ins and outs of the logistical and financial sides of the process.

 

 

Once you narrow down your list to your top picks, meet with each builder in person to discuss your project, ask questions, and receive estimates. This final step is critical. It gives your research greater context and helps you determine if the builder and their team are a group you connect and feel comfortable with. The home building process is long, and you'll want someone who you can trust to deliver at every step along the way. 

 

Ready to build or buy your ideal custom Colorado home? Whether it's homes for sale in Castle Rock or historic Elizabeth real estate, allow the team at Peak & Prairie to be your guide to greater Denver and the best of Colorado. From acreage to new custom builds, contact Ambierre Rediger or Laura Rojas to start your search today.

 

If you are considering building a home, you should contact a trusted adviser with experience in new home construction. As a real estate & interior design company, Peak & Prairie is well versed in everything you need to know about the process. If you’re in Colorado and are looking for a company you can depend on, we’d love to meet you and hear more about your project! Click here to schedule a consultation.

 

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