So, you’re thinking about buying a brand new Barrington home. Ask anyone who has built a home before and they will tell you they had a very positive experience or they had a dreadful experience. There are no “luke warm” new home construction stories to be told. Why not get your Barrington home buying and building experience off on the right foot. The best approach is by setting proper expectations upfront with yourself and your builder. Do that and you’ll be more comfortable with your Barrington custom new home builder and the outcome of their efforts.

Helping you Achieve your Home Building Goals

To help you achieve that very goal, here are some basic questions to ask any Barrington home builder. Here is a great idea, print this list of questions and sit down with your builder prospects and see how they respond.

Have a Game Plan When Selecting Your Barrington Home Builder Partner

In the Barrington real estate market, we have many fine new home builders. Use these interview questions to see if you and your perspective Barrington home builder fit comfortably with each other.

• What’s the right size builder company that fits your needs? Some Barrington new home buyers depend on the resources of a large national tract builder like Toll Brothers while other buyers prefer the intimate relationship of a smaller builder. You might find smaller companies offer the personal touch you desire.
• Ask if the builder consistently builds homes in your price range and square footage?
• Share your “vision” for your new Barrington home and ask if the builder has the same vision for your new Barrington home?
• Ask the builder who will the liaison between you and the company? Determine if the builder is willing to allow individuals you designate to be active participants in the planning and construction process of your new Barrington home?
• Ask the builder to share their corporate philosophy. Does it “fit” what you want in your Barrington builder partner?
• Are “green” building concepts important to you? If so, ask if the builder includes “green building” techniques and products in their new homes? Items to be considered include the use of low-flow toilets, recycled products, and building materials that reduce your home’s carbon footprint.

Reputation & Resources – Your Barrington Home Builder Should Be Stellar!

• Ask if your Barrington home builder is a member of any local, regional and national home builder associations?
• How long has the builder been in business in the Barrington area?
• Determine if the builder has received any complaints. Check with your local Better Business Bureau for any complaints.
• Inquire about the experience level of the job site superintendent as well any others who will be managing your Barrington new home construction process?
• Ask for permission to walk through a completed home. Also ask permission to speak with their past clients.
• Are past clients satisfied with the quality and craftsmanship of their Barrington home?
• Ask the homeowners if their new home was completed on time and on budget?
• Seek permission from the builder to walk through homes in various stages of construction. Be sure you speak with subcontractors on the construction site too. Try to determine if the “subs” (subcontractors) are competent, knowledgeable and skilled craftsmen.
• Ask the subs to identify the quality elements of the home they are building.
• Inspect the home site and determine if the builder shows respect for the land by protecting trees and other precious natural resources?

By asking these interview questions you should come away with a better sense of who will make the best builder for you and your new Barrington home.

Barrington New Homeowners – What’s Your Feedback!

Are you a Barrington home builder? What comments do you have about these questions? What other questions would you recommend for a buyer to ask? Barrington new home owners, if you have built a new Barrington home recently, what other questions would you add to this list?

To your home building success,

Kathy Pinkus
Your Barrington real estate agent