Choosing the right custom home contractor is just as important as choosing the location, design, and details of your home. In the right hands, your project will be a success — think smooth sailing, easy communication, and no surprises.
With the wrong builder, a custom home project can be stressful, more expensive, and frustrating. Be sure to do your research when you are thinking about taking on a custom home build.
S&K Builders has been operating in Modesto, CA, for over 45 years. We know how to get the job done, and we’ve worked with many different personalities and project types. Here’s what we’ve learned about finding the right custom home builder in Modesto:
Research
The first step is research: you should be looking up both custom home builders that serve your area, as well as researching ideas and design inspiration.
First, figure out what you want for your custom home. Take inspiration from your neighbor’s homes, magazine articles, HGTV shows, builder websites — whenever you see styles and layouts you like, make a note. This leads to the next step: research builders who have examples of work in the styles you enjoy.
Review websites looking for homes where you could picture yourself. It’s ideal to find a selection of builders that all display competency in your preferred style. This means they can do the job you want. Compile a list of at least three builders that you find before you move on to the next step: interviewing.
Interview
Schedule a consultation with your short list of builders. This consultation goes both ways: it’s helpful for the builder to learn about your goals and project requirements, while also building your confidence that they can do the job. To make sure these calls are productive and helpful, consider asking the following questions:
- Are you licensed and insured?
- Do you have relationships with local subcontractors?
- How do you handle permitting?
- What is your project management process?
- How do you communicate with status updates?
- What happens when there are delays or field changes?
- What warranties do you offer?
This lets you know what to expect, and for some of those questions, there is no wrong answer. For instance, some folks prefer a more collaborative project management style that keeps them feeling involved, while others would prefer to be completely hands-off.
Some answers can be wrong, though — if a custom home contractor isn’t licensed and insured, that’s an immediate red flag for safety. And if they are hesitant to discuss their local networks and warranties, it could mean they aren’t known for their quality of work and have a hard time building long-term relationships due to issues with their craftsmanship.
Ask for References
When narrowing down your final choices for a custom home builder, ask for past client references. This is an expected part of the process, and any builder who stands behind their work will happily share a few contacts.
When you reach out to these homeowners, be sure to ask them about their overall experience, their happiness with their results over time, as well as get details about specific aspects of the process. Did the builder follow through on requests and changes, or were there issues later in the process? Was the build process within your planned budget and timeline? These are important factors to consider.
Making the Decision: Weigh Pros and Cons
At the end of the research and interview process, you’ll likely be faced with more than one good choice. It might come down to schedule and availability — but it’s important to list out what makes each builder the right choice.
When you consider your goals, your personal style, your location, and the builder’s experience, see if there’s anything that stands out — maybe one builder has more experience building modern homes, while another is known for their efficient communication.
Whatever factors are most important to you should guide your decision.
Learn More About Building Custom in Modesto
Whether you are dreaming of a mid-century paradise, a waterfront home with a stunning view, or simply a functional family home, S&K Construction is a trusted partner that can help make your vision a reality.
We offer custom home builds with a detail-oriented process. Technical challenges are no match for our team — with experience in damage repair, excavation, and commercial construction, we’re well-equipped to handle any curveballs the homebuilding process can throw our way.
We pride ourselves on quality craftsmanship and exceptional customer service. We don’t cut corners or take the easy way out. We just get jobs done right the first time.
Learn more about our approach to home building and get a consultation for your new build today.
