Custom Home Builders - Does Size Matter?

Building a new home in Sequim or in Port Angeles is a challenge and can be stressful, but the beginning of the process may be the most important: selecting a home builder.

People often assume facts not in evidence, such as this one: hiring a small builder will get them more personal attention and higher quality.

This assumption is not necessarily true. What is a small builder? Generally a small home builder in terms of construction volume is 25 homes per year or less, but in a smaller rural area, such as Sequim and Port Angeles, I would suggest most people consider a small builder to be one who only builds a few homes each year.

Large builders would be those building at least one or more per month.

Can a small builder provide greater personal service or quality? Not necessarily. The reality is that many small builders:

1. do not have the skills offered by specialized subcontractors hired by a larger builder;
2. do not have a good bookeeping system and good financial management;
3. do not have the financial strength or security of a larger builder;
4. do not have good project managment;
5. do not get the substantial quantity discounts of larger builders on materials; and
   
6. do not have well oiled systems in place to handle construction from beginning to end.

Having practiced real estate law for 20 years, I repeatedly saw these issues come up with small builders.

Due diligence is critical in selecting a custom home builder, and this is the single most important decision in building your home. No doubt about it. Make a wise decision in your selection of a home builder in the Sequim or Port Angeles area, and you will save yourself so much stress and perhaps money, too.

If you need a good recommendation for a builder best suited to build the kind of home you plan to build, email or call. I know the work and reputation of nearly all the builders in the area. I'd be glad to help.

For more articles and guidance, read the Sequim Real Estate Blog.