5 Things to know about Hiring Minneapolis Home Builders

If you have an upcoming home construction project in Minneapolis, such as a bathroom renovation, kitchen remodel or porch addition, you need to find the best home builder to serve your needs. Of course, there are plenty of things you should know before hiring a contractor to ensure that your project runs smoothly.

Here are five things to know about hiring a Minneapolis home builder.

Know the Quality of Work

When looking for the best home builder in Minneapolis, dig deep into their past work examples, reviews and references. Remember, the lowest bid isn’t always the better choice. Just because you can save some money in the short term, will cutting corners be worth it in the long run? Before breaking ground, request a written description of the materials being proposed for the job. A lower bid indicates that the contractor uses cheaper materials that may be inferior or may be desperate for a job, even if it isn’t within their realm of specialties. A bid that’s not too high and not too low, somewhere right in the middle, is usually the more intelligent choice.

Know the Terms of Your Contract

Before starting work, make sure that you and the home builder sign a contract that details the time, costs, payments, materials and everything else that’s required by the project. Keep all of these documents, including receipts, in one place for easy access should a problem arise. Read the contract carefully; if key criteria aren’t outlined, such as timeline or budget, it could spell big problems down the road. You don’t want to expose yourself to any unnecessary risks that could potentially wipe out your funds.

Know a Contractor’s Credentials

You may notice abbreviations behind a home builder’s name. Much like a lawyer or doctor, contractors can receive certain certifications from national trade organizations that bind them to a strict code of ethics. Such memberships, titles and abbreviations can include but aren’t limited to, the local Building Industry Association membership (BIA), association of general contractors (AGC), certified graduate remodeler (CGR), certified aging in place specialist (CAPS) and National Association of Home Builders membership (NAHB). In addition to verifying their certifications, ensure that they’re properly licensed, bonded and insured in the state of Minnesota, otherwise, you can be liable for on-the-job injuries or damage.

Know What a Home Build Consists Of

Whether you’re undertaking a modest bathroom renovation or building a new house from scratch, if you need to live under the roof while construction is taking place – be prepared. You’ll essentially be sharing your home with a construction crew for an extended period of time, while also dealing with hassles like material deliveries, dust accumulation and loud noises. To ensure your stress level is kept to a minimum, be upfront with home guidelines during the project. If you don’t want a crew working past a certain time, define that up-front. A credible home builder should respect your wishes and work around your schedule to ensure your experience is satisfactory.

Know that Your Needs are Met

When the project is complete, you should have a gut feeling of whether it was a success or not. While at first look you may be impressed, conduct a final walk-through with your home builder and take note of any items that need completing or modification, no matter how seemingly insignificant. Now is the time to ensure that everything is up to your standards. Request an affidavit of final release or lien waiver. Once you’ve made the final payment, you’re cleared of any liability for third-party claims.

Try these 5 Things to Hire the Right Home Builder Today!

Now that you know these five things, you can have confidence that you’re hiring the right home builder for your property in Minneapolis. If you follow these tips, you can have an enjoyable and hassle-free home building experience. Whether you’re remodeling a bathroom, renovating a kitchen, adding a three-season porch or building a new home, take the time to protect yourself from potentially disastrous budget and timeline issues.

Getting ready for an upcoming construction project? Contact Treasured Spaces to get started. We’re the number one home builder in Minneapolis – get in touch with one of our dedicated account managers today.