Introduction This guide is for homeowners who want to hire a builder to build a custom home. Building a custom home can be an exciting
Unfortunately, sometimes the relationship between a homeowner and a builder can break down, causing stress, lost time and financial consequences. Relationships often fail due to different expectations around quality, prices and timing. That’s why it’s important for homeowners to choose a builder they can work with in the long term. This guide is meant to help homeowners learn what to look for when they’re choosing a builder. The guide begins by outlining roles and responsibilities and then discusses the requirements to become a Licensed Residential Builder in B.C. The guide then provides an overview about home warranty insurance. The guide helps homeowners learn where they can look for a builder and shares tips for doing important background research. The guide also provides tips about how to interview builders and how to check their references and then provides general information about understanding construction budgets, financing and cost estimates. It’s vital for both parties to set clear expectations and put their agreements in writing before a project begins, so this guide provides an overview of construction contracts. Finally, this guide includes resources for resolving disputes and provides links to other helpful tools.
experience. For many, it’s about building a home that suits their needs and preferences – whether it’s about a floorplan that makes sense for a multigenerational home, a passive home that minimizes environmental impact, or a home where the homeowners can age in place – building a custom home is about making dreams a reality. Building a custom home is also a very serious decision. For most people, a home is their single largest investment, so it’s important for the homeowner to find a builder they feel comfortable and confident working with. Building a custom home requires not only significant financial investment, but also a large investment of time and energy. In fact, the process can last at least twelve months or more, depending on the size and complexity of the project. During this period, homeowners can expect to devote significant time to the project, often upwards of several hours per week. A homeowner’s relationship with a builder is a long and important one. Builders have a lot of knowledge and experience and are a great resource for advice and input into a project.
Hiring a Builder in BC: A Consumer Protection Guide
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