Who do you go to if you want to build a house?

Question

Where do you go?From Architects to contractors to whatever...please be detailed. Thanks!

Answer 1

Your best contacts will come from references from people you know....they will have personal experience with the builder/architect in question.  You can also interview them.  

However, there is a whole lot you can do yourself before you ever meet with a builder...

see the following page on plannning your dream home ....

http://www.building-your-green-home.com/...

There is a lot of info on this site to help you make decisions!  

An energy efficient home design will save you money year after year in energy bills.  See

http://www.building-your-green-home.com/...

'Hope this helps!

Answer 2

You have a couple decent answers already - whether you go to an architect first or a contractor first depends a lot on your budget. If your budget is less than about $500k, it probably makes more sense to go to a contractor/home developer. An architect would be a definite if you have a higher budget or want something more custom. If it's not a very custom home, there is not really a great reason to hire an architect. Looking at floor plans and other drawings is good to generate ideas to discuss.  

Answer 3

I go to an architect first and while the plans are being drawn up, I start interviewing and researching general contractors.  I physically visit their referrals and talk to the people for whom they built previous projects.  I ask about scheduling, budget control, subs they used, contractual obligations, project management, interactions with inspectors, follow-up, etc.  I check their state contractor's license, worker's compensation, whether they are bonded and insured.  I also want to know that they are using licensed, legal subs on my project.  I also investigate them in terms of complaints, investigations, and on the BBB.

Answer 4

You can search houseplans.com that has thousands of ready blueprints, purchase your prints, then find a contractor who you have seen their work & like (normally a custom builder, as your cookie cutter builders will not go off your blueprints... you can google your custom builders in your area... ie. custom builders in Jacksonville, FL - this is what you would type in, but with your City & State)... call the custom builder and find more about them and ask if you can see their (they will be happy to show you). If you like them show them the blueprints & they will let you know your price, and they will take care of the rest. : ) HAPPY BUILDING!