TIPS FROM THE PROFESSIONAL MEMBERS OF ECHB

 HOW TO HIRE A CONTRACTOR

Thinking about a new home?  Are you thinking about remodeling your current home?  If so, you may have a tough decision to make.  By remodeling your current home, you can get many of the benefits associated with new home ownership.  Building a new home, on the other hand, allows the most freedom to customize a home to your unique needs.

Either way, the Erie County Homebuilders Association can help you realize your dreams of the perfect home.

BEFORE YOU START

Whether you choose to remodel or build a new home, there are several things to consider before getting started.  Before you start spending money on architects or plans, check the various building and zoning regulations in your community.  The contractor will be responsible for getting all building permits and arranging for inspections, but you should obtain any necessary zoning or code exemptions.  (If you are purchasing a new home and a lot as a package, the contractor will usually take care of this step for you.)  Important places to look include:

            Deed Restrictions:  Deeds sometimes prohibit certain types of construction or additions.  Read your deed to see it if restricts you.  If you are in a historic district, you may find other more extensive restrictions, which are designed to preserve the integrity of certain types of architecture, apply.

             Subdivision Restrictions:  Some subdivisions restrict construction by setting minimum square foot requirements, prohibiting certain types of construction or mandating the review of the plans by the subdivision’s architectural review board.  Make sure you keep subdivision restrictions in mind during the planning stages to avoid potential problems later.

             Zoning Ordinances:  Zoning laws determine how land and buildings can be used in your community.  They regulate such things as the amount of land coverage buildings may use as well as front, side, and back setbacks or the heights of fences or hedges.  Call your local building department to determine if any zoning laws apply to the work you are planning.

             Building Codes:  Building codes set minimum standard for construction materials and plumbing and electrical fittings.  These codes also give guidelines for construction of some structures.  Your contractor is responsible for compliance with these, but you should have some understanding of them.

SELECTING A BUILDING PROFESSIONAL

Finding the right building professional to build or remodel your home can be a confusing process.  Taking time to plan what you want and working with an expert are essential steps to take to ensure that you get what you pay for with the least amount of worry.

 SO, WHERE DO YOU START? 

 With the Erie County Homebuilders Association (ECHB) , YOUR INFORMATION SOURCE FOR EVERY HOME BUILDING NEED.  The ECHB is one of the area’s foremost trade associations representing over 150 firms that specialize in residential construction.  All members pledge to adhere to a strict Code of Ethics and strive to provide quality workmanship in a professional manner. 

The Erie County Homebuilders Association recommends that you take the following steps before hiring a building professional:

1)  Call the ECHB at (419) 625-7661.  ECHB maintains files on all members, and the staff will be happy to answer any questions.  While membership in the ECHB is voluntary, a commitment to adhere to strict association standards is a good sign that a contractor is truly a reliable building professional.

2)  See if the company has any unresolved consumer complaints registered with the Better Business Bureau.  You can contact the BBB of Northwest Ohio at (800) 743-4222.

3)  Builders are required to have Residential Contractors Licenses.  Call the Ohio State Building and Construction Trade Council in Columbus, Ohio at (614) 221-3682 to see if there are any outstanding complaints against them.

4)  Make sure the contractor carries worker’s compensation and liability insurance and that coverage is presently in force, by requesting an insurance certificate directly from the issuing agency.  State law requires General Contractors carry these types of insurance. 

5)  Ask the contractor to provide the names of satisfied customers they have worked for previously.  Call at least three of these customers and ask them what they thought of the work performed.  Also, find out if the contractor responded to homeowner callbacks “promptly.”

6)  Ask the contractor to provide a variety of professional references:  Subcontractors, suppliers, and lending institutions.

7)  Tour a number of other homes currently being built by each builder under consideration.  Try to visit homes under various stages of construction if possible.  If remodeling your current home, ask homeowners who previously used the contractor you are considering, if you can visit their home to see the builders work.

Starting any construction project can be a trying experience, but following these simple steps can help ensure that you are dealing with a viable building professional who will work to help you realize your dream of the perfect home.

 OTHER THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND

When choosing a contractor, be thorough and ask a lot of questions.  Get as many specifics as possible.  If you receive the answers verbally rather than in writing, take notes.  Never hesitate to ask a question for fear of sounding stupid or uninformed.  What seems like a stupid question might yield an informative answer.

Most contractors offer some form of written warranty.  Many back their own warranties on workmanship and materials, typically for one year.  Other contractors offer warranties backed by an insurance company.  To get an insured warranty, you must by a home from a builder who belongs to a warranty program – you cannot simply select a home and then ask a builder who does not belong to a program for an insured warranty.     

When building a new home, find out from each builder what kind of service you can expect after the sale.  Typically, a builder makes two service calls during the first year after you move in to repair non-emergency problems covered by your warranty.  The first call is usually 30-120 days after move-in, and the second call is around the eleventh month-right before any one-year warranties on workmanship and materials would expire.  For emergencies, the builder should send someone to your home right away. 

YOUR HOME IS AN INVESTMENT – SHOP QUALITY AND VALUE 

When examining a home, look at the quality of the construction features.  Inspect the quality of cabinetry, carpeting, trim work, and paint.  If you feel incapable of judging such things, take a knowledgeable person along with you.  It might be even better to hire a licensed home inspector.

Always keep value in mind when shopping.  Just because a home is less expensive than another does not mean it is a better value.  Likewise, a more expensive home does not assure a higher quality.

A home is primarily a place to live, but it is also an important investment.  Consider the appreciation potential of any home.  Be concerned with the value you are getting for your money regarding location, housing supply and demand, and other market factors. 

Another important aspect of value is design quality.  In viewing each home, determine whether it lends itself to the type of lifestyle you want to lead.  Look at the amount of interior living space and how efficiently the space is used:  Are there enough bedrooms and bathrooms?  Is space sufficient to accommodate special interests or hobbies?  Find out if the builder is using state-of-the-art energy features – both in equipment and insulation.  Think about the amount of upkeep required both indoors and out.

Consider the location of the property:  Is it convenient to schools, shopping, and transportation? 

 Much thought should be given to this important investment in your future.