New Home Builder - Devonshire Custom Homes

What to Look for in a Tampa New Home Builder

Once you decide its time to build that dream home, what should you look for in a Tampa new home builder?

Whether its your first time building a new home, or this is the future home you’ve always wanted, there are going to be a lot of choices to make. Selecting the right Tampa home builder for your needs and for the type of new home you seek is one of the most important decisions you’ll make.

When you are in the market for a new home builder, you should shop for the right match to build the home you envision. Here is what to look for in a new home builder to find that perfect match:

Will The Builder Meet Your Needs?

Your new dream home comes with a specific set of wants and needs. Defining those needs is the first step in being able to compare builders and choose the right one for your new home building project. Without a clear set of these wants and needs, it will be difficult at best to figure out which builders you interview will be able to meet your needs. Here are a few considerations:

  • Do you want to build on your own lot?
  • Are you looking for a contemporary or traditional design?
  • Are you planning to build on waterfront property?
  • Do you have a specific neighborhood in mind for your new home location?
  • What are the “must have” features: Great room or separate living room / family room; Dining Room; number of bedrooms and baths; 2, 3 or more car garage; Outdoor Kitchen, Outdoor fire pit, home office, playroom or game room, etc.
  • How often will you entertain?
  • Do you have extensive storage needs for hobbies or activities

Having questions like these clarified will allow you to work through a “checklist” with each builder to make relevant comparisons.

What is the Builder Experienice

Florida new home builders are not all the same. You will want to evaluate potential builders and their experience is Florida, the Tampa Bay area and the neighborhood where you plan to build are all important considerations. Their knowledge of codes and regulations where you plan to build will be important. You will want to know about subdivisions and neighborhoods where the potential builder has worked. Driving buy the homes they have completed in those communities will help you gain a sense of their craftsmanship. You can also visit home galleries on their website to view their work. Here are some questions you may want to ask potential builders:

  • How long has the builder been in business?
  • Does the builder have experience with the style of home you have in mind?
  • If you have you own lot, do they have experience in build-on-your-own-lot projects?
  • Can the builder work with you to create a custom floor plan?
  • How does the builder handle the selection process?
  • Can they provide referrals from previous customers?
  • Does your potential builder have current licenses? Is the owner licensed or does he “rent” his license from someone else?
  • Does the builder have a financing plan available?
  • Does the builder include a home warranty?
  • Is landscaping included in the cost of building?

 

Builder Communication

Communication with your new home builder is among the most important facets of having a smooth building process. A builder who does not communicate effectively will adversly affect you getting what you envision for your new dream home. Discuss your expectations about communication as you meet with potential builders. Tell them what you are looking for and ask every question that arises before or during your meeting (there are no dumb questions). The right builder will be able to answer all questions and their communication style and your personal comfort level will likely become apparent in the process.

We hope this post helps you define what to look for in a Tampa new home builder. As you contact with and meet potential builders, work through the considerations above. Then, consider these thoughts:

  • Did the builder’s staff you met with show sincere interest in your needs?
  • Did they listen carefully?
  • Did they provide good answers to your questions?
  • Were they courteous, prompt and professional in your interactions with them?

Considering Devonshire Custom Homes as your Tampa new home builder

We welcome the opportunity to meet with you to discuss your dream home vision. With over 100 years of experience in custom home building, we know taking the stress out of the new home building process is vital. Read about our custom home building process to learn more about our approach. See our work in our Custom Homes Gallery and our Gallery of Rooms. We build in more than 20 of Tampa Bay’s finest neighborhoods. Learn more about the neighborhoods where we build here and see where they are located on this map.

If you are ready to request a meeting with out team at Devonshire Custom Homes, use the handy button below to schedule a meeting. We look forward to hearing about your new home building vision.

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