A homebuilder’s goal is to create a well-built, attractive home that meets the needs and budget of the homeowners. There are over 100,000 components that go into a new, custom home and in the process of installation, something may inadvertently get scratched or damaged. There can also be imperfections or flaws in the materials. If something is scratched or damaged during the construction process, the builder has the right to bring the damaged item to a new quality standard (see fixed-price vs. cost-plus contract). That doesn’t mean you can’t or shouldn’t expect excellence. Excellence differs from perfection:
- Excellence is taking people and materials that are imperfect and executing a process to its very highest level
- Excellence is a home that’s done on time
- Excellence is what happens when something goes wrong and it’s quickly recognized and corrected (when you build a custom home, things will go wrong)
- Excellence is when your builder acknowledges his mistake and promptly corrects it without pointing fingers
- Excellence is clear communication
- Excellence is a quality home built with straight walls, functioning doors, and overall good quality
- Excellence is moving into your home and having your dishwasher, garbage disposal, and gas grill all operational on move-in day
- Excellence is a phone call from your builder if something unexpected comes up and the schedule needs to be modified
- Excellence is being asked by your builder on a regular basis “Is there anything else we can do for you?”
- Excellence is having a homeowner so pleased that when the topic of homebuilding comes up, he says “Let me tell you about my builder”
Planning, designing, and building a new custom home can be an exciting and rewarding experience if you select a competent builder who is committed to excellence and you have a clear understanding of each other’s expectations.
