There are so many builders out there, you may be thinking, "Which one should I choose?" There are many things to consider when choosing to build your home. Here are some steps to help you pick out your builder and help your understand the buying and building process.

1. Look at where you would like to live first. (most builders only build in certain areas and some only build in their sub-divisions).

2. Do you want a custom home or a production home?

A Custom Home Builder will generally build on your land, but some will only build on their land. Custom home builders offer one-of-a-kind houses. A custom home is a site-specific home built from plans you choose or the builder picks out to fit on that lot. These builders usually build fewer homes and they tend to build higher-end homes.

A Production Home Builder typically builds solely on land they own (usually an entire sub-division). They tend to use stock plans, but offer a variety of plan choices. They are usually large volume builders and build for all price ranges.

3. Depending on which area and which kind of builder you've decided to work with, one of the most important questions to ask to help you narrow down your options is, "How much home am I getting for my money and what materials are being used to finish my home?" In other words, how much are you paying per sqare foot? Remember that many builders have built in upgrades in their price per sqare foot and a higher price can reflect higher quality. You may also want to consider whether or not landscaping is included in the price. With most builders it usually is not.

4. Now that you know which builder your going to work with, there is the financing to consider. Builders will usually offer free extras and upgrades if you use their in house lenders. It gives them more control over the transaction and its details. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, but it is important to seek other opinions. Gathering a few more good faith estimates from different lenders will give you the best idea and ensure that you are getting a competitive rate for using their lenders.

5. It's time to close on your construction loan. This usually takes place at a title company.

6. Next is an exciting day for you, it's the ground breaking day! This is the first step to home construction, placing the footings and foundation.

7. Next it's plumbing and flat cement work in the basement; this is where they lay the first sewer lines and pour you basement floor.

8. Now your home is ready to be framed, and you'll start the see your home come together.

9. Next the heating contractor will put the furnace and duct work in your home.

10. Your plumber will be back to do your rough-in plumbing, where they run and connect all your sewer and water pipes.

11. It's now time for your electrician to do your rough-in electrical, which is where they set your electrical panel and run all of the wires in your home.

12. Your home is now ready for a four-way inspection. The framing, heating, plumbing, and electrical are inspected by the city inspector (this is about your half way point as far as the time frame).

13. Now your shingles, brick, stucco, and siding will be installed outside, and your insulation will be installed on the inside.

14. After the insulation is inspected, your home is ready for the Sheetrock to be hung and taped.

15. Next your home will have the finish carpentry work done ( this is all your inside doors and moldings).

16. Now it's time to sand and paint your home.

17. Next your cabinets and counter tops will be installed, along with the flooring for the kitchen, baths, and laundry.

18. Now it's time for your plumber and electrician to do the finish plumbing and electrical ( this is where they put your fixtures into your home).

19. Next your home's ready for the carpet and the heating registers to be installed.

21. It's now time for the final inspection and when this is passed, you get your occupancy certificate.

22. Now it's time to get final financing ( unless you and your mortgage officer decided a one-time close was a better option ).

23. IT'S TIME TO MOVE IN AND ENJOY YOUR HOME!

I hope these steps help you understand the buying and building process. If you have any questions or if you need help with find the right new home for you, please fill out the form below and I'll get right back with you.