Building Your Team

You Don't Need to Know Everything. You Need the Right People Around You.

Building a custom home takes a team.

Depending on your project, that team might include a lender, architect or designer, engineer, surveyor, general contractor, inspectors and specialty professionals. Some may be involved for months, while others may only be needed for one specific part of the project.

The important thing isn't assembling the biggest team.

It's knowing who you need, when you need them, and what their role should be.

And don't assume your contractor will automatically handle everything. Who is responsible for what can vary considerably from one project to another.

1. Know Who You May Need

Every project is different, but your team may include:

Lender for financing and construction draws
Surveyor for boundaries, easements and construction layout
Architect or Designer for plans and design
Engineer for structural, foundation or site-specific requirements
General Contractor for managing construction
Independent Inspector for additional quality oversight

You may also need specialists for septic systems, wells, drainage, energy requirements, interior design or other project-specific needs.

You don't necessarily need all of them on day one.

You just need to know when their expertise becomes important.

2. Understand Everyone's Role

One of the easiest ways for something to fall through the cracks is for everyone to assume someone else is handling it.

Who's obtaining permits?

Who's ordering the survey?

Who's coordinating engineering?

Who's responsible for utility applications?

Who's scheduling inspections?

Who's verifying selections?

Who's communicating plan changes?

Never assume.

Before construction begins, make sure you understand exactly what each professional is responsible for and what remains your responsibility.

3. Choose the Right Contractor

Your contractor will have an enormous influence on your building experience. They'll be responsible for coordinating people, materials, schedules, money, problems, and hundreds of decisions throughout your project.

Choosing one deserves more consideration than simply asking, “How much will you charge to build my house?”

Experience With Projects Like Yours

Years in construction matter, but the right kind of experience matters more.

Someone may be an excellent contractor and still not be the right contractor for your particular project.

Ask about homes similar to yours in size, complexity, construction type, price range, and level of customization. If your project has unusual features, difficult site conditions, specialty materials, or extensive custom work, find out whether they've managed those situations before.

You aren't simply looking for someone who knows how to build.

You're looking for someone who knows how to build what you're planning to build.

References & Reputation

Don't stop at online reviews.

Ask for references from recent clients and, when possible, clients whose projects are similar to yours.

Then actually call them.

Ask what went well, but also ask what didn't.

How did the contractor handle problems?

Were costs communicated clearly?

Were change orders documented?

Did the project stay reasonably on schedule?

Would they hire the contractor again?

Nobody completes years of construction projects without ever having a problem.

How someone handles problems often tells you more than whether problems occurred.

Insurance & Qualifications

Before signing anything, verify the basics.

Make sure the contractor carries appropriate insurance and ask for documentation rather than relying on a verbal assurance.

Depending on where you're building and the work involved, licensing or registration requirements may also apply to certain trades or professionals.

And remember, having insurance, a business name, or years of experience doesn't automatically make someone the right contractor.

Those are starting qualifications, not the entire evaluation.

Communication & Organization

Pay attention to what happens before you hire them.

Are appointments kept?

Are estimates organized?

Are questions answered clearly?

Do they communicate changes in writing?

Can they explain their process?

If communication is difficult while someone is trying to earn your business, don't assume it will magically improve once you've signed a contract and handed over a deposit.

You will probably communicate with your contractor hundreds of times during your build.

Choose someone you can communicate with.

Compare Bids by Scope, Not Just Price

Three bids for the same house are not necessarily three bids for the same work.

One contractor may include items another contractor excludes. Allowances may be different. Material specifications may be different. Site work, permits, cleanup, supervision, insurance, warranties, or other costs may be handled differently.

So don't immediately circle the lowest number.

Put the proposals side by side and determine what you're actually getting for the money.

A cheaper bid isn't cheaper if half of what you need isn't included.

Before You Choose

By the time you're ready to select a contractor, you should understand their experience, reputation, qualifications, communication style, proposed scope of work, and pricing structure.

You aren't looking for perfection.

You're looking for someone qualified to build your project, organized enough to manage it, and trustworthy enough to communicate clearly when construction inevitably throws everyone a curveball.