Five Tips For Choosing A Home Builder

Looking to buy a new home? Before you get swept away by exciting floorplans and finishings, don’t forget to review the builder. With over 5,000 licensed home builders in Ontario, how can you decide which one is right for you? Here are five tips to help you make an informed choice before you sign your purchase agreement:

Check the builder’s record

Check a Builder Directory  to confirm that the builder is actually registered to build new homes in the province. All licensed builders are searchable, and the directory provides a 10 year history of their work. It also shows whether the builder had any homes with warranty claims.

Search online

Explore the builder’s website and other online media to get a better sense if they are a good fit for your needs and expectations. Information such as new-build neighborhoods, floor plans, unit layouts, special features, construction schedules, customer service practices and cost are all at your fingertips.

Take a tour

Visit the sales office and model homes or suites to get a feel for the builder’s work, and meet face-to-face with employees from the company. It’s a great opportunity to ask questions and gather information. Keep in mind that builders use model homes and suites to showcase their best work. Often the upgrades and finishings you’re looking at don’t come standard in their new homes or condos. Pamphlets and brochures are available to take away, so you can revisit the experience later.

Go explore

Visit communities where the builder has already finished construction and ask homeowners if they would recommend the builder. Was the builder attentive? Did they stand behind their construction work — both before and after possession? Were there any construction delays and, if so, how were they managed? Did they respond to service requests in a timely manner?

Ask around

Talk to any of your family, friends or neighbors who may know of someone who has recently purchased a new home or condo. Ask them what their experience was like, and if they’d recommend their builder. You can also ask for references in online or social media communities. There are many active home-related sites where experiences are shared about everything from decor selections, to construction delays, and the after-sales customer service.

By doing proper research, you can find a reputable builder who will stand behind their work throughout the construction process—and for years after your home is built.

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