Choosing Builder`

Membership in the Home Builders Association of Mid-Florida.
Membership in the Master Custom Builder Council. This prestigious, by-invitation-only organization requires that members comply with a stringent list of requirements and qualifications.
Licensing by the State of Florida. Be sure that the license is held by the company owner, not an employee, so that the builder is responsible for retaining that license. Ask to see the actual license to confirm that information. If the builder is reluctant to do so, look for another builder.
Good standing with the Better Business Bureau. Inquire if there are any outstanding complaints against the builder and ask for references.
Actual ownership of the company. Be sure that you know with whom you are contracting; if any contract you are asked to sign states that you are contracting with an outside company, franchise, joint venture or other organization instead of the builder, thoroughly investigate those outside parties before signing.
Experience. Find out how long the builder has been in the business, and if he or she has specific experience in building the type of home you desire.
The quality of the builder’s work. Take the time to visit building sites and completed homes by the builder you are considering. Ask to see homes comparable to the one you want to have built.
References from homeowners. Ask for contact information for at least three of the builder’s recent customers. Be sure to ask the customers if they are happy with the home built, if the construction process went smoothly and if the project stayed on budget. If the answer to any of those questions is no, ask why. Once you are assured of a builder’s qualifications and ability to do the job well, don’t commit until you’ve answered a few more questions:
Does the builder appear professional and well organized?
Is he readily accessible via phone, and does he return calls promptly?
Are his staff members courteous and experienced?
Do you feel comfortable with the builder and feel that you would work well together as a team?
When it’s time to make a commitment: If you are considering proposals from two or more builders, be sure to compare each one point by point. One proposal may have a lower price, but that may be because corners have been cut. In homebuilding, you truly do get what you pay for, so choose quality over cost. Do not sign a contract before the builder has provided you with complete plans, specifications, and a firm price for the home.
Review the allotted allowances carefully. Some unscrupulous builders will lowball the allowances given for flooring, fixtures, etc., in order to offer a lower price—but you’ll end up paying the difference when the allowances turn out to be insufficient. Research the cost of these items so you’ll know if the allowances provided are adequate.
Review the home’s specifications very carefully. This is critical; specifications describe in detail the home you are building, including what is and what is not included. Specifications, or specs, should be written clearly with no room for interpretation or misunderstanding. This part of the contract will run quite long; buyer beware if the specifications take up less than 30 pages.
Before signing a homebuilding contract, have a soil test performed at your expense on the homesite you have chosen to ensure that the lot is buildable. This can save a lot of aggravation and expense later on. After plans and specifications are finalized and approved, the builder should provide a firm home price, including the homesite, if you have not purchased that separately. The agreement should specify fill cost, foundation h