Who is the best builder to hire in Chattanooga?
This is kind of a loaded question. When we are working with clients on a new build we work with them to narrow down the new home builder in Chattanooga that they are going to use. You want to interview all of the builders that you think you may want to use. You need to make sure that they have built similar styles to what you are looking for and that they are familiar with the area that you want to build in. Builders are not really any different than REALTORS in the fact that they have an area that they work in more than others and a lot of them will have a niche/style that they are more comfortable with. When you are interviewing builders they are interviewing you as well. It is really more important in the first meeting to see you your personalities are a fit. How do they do business? Do they have people that can help you with the design of the plans and also in making selections? You are going to be working with this person for the next year so you have to be able to work together.
What are you looking to build?Are you looking for a full custom home? Are you looking to build on the brow on Signal Mountain or Lookout Mountain. Are you looking to build on Watts Bar or one of the surrounding Lakes?If so than you need to hire a custom home builder. The advantage to a custom home builder is that most of them have lots available in different neighborhoods but they can also build on your lot. Here are a few that we have used the most.
If you are looking for more of a production builder that you have a few less selections to make but still get a great house than here are a few of the most popular in our area. These builders will typically not build outside of their desired neighborhoods. They are typically the developers in a few neighborhoods around town so they will have multiple homes going at one time in the same neighborhood and they will prefer to build close to them.
Do you need a REALTOR when working with a builder? Yes and No. If you are going to hire one make sure they have a relationship with the Builders and also that they have a history with new construction. One of the biggest things that a REALTOR can help with is finding the land. There is a lot of land in our area that never makes it onto site like Zillow or Realtor.com. you don’t want to have your dream home designed before you find your lot. This can make the search that much harder for both of us. You defiantly want an idea of what you want and your style but don’t hire anyone to draw up a set of plans until you have your lot selected.
No different than when you are purchasing a home there are some things you need to know and some homework that you need to do before you start. You should have a list of wants and haves before we start. Here are a few of the first questions that I typically ask log before we meet with the first builder.
What is your budget? Does that include the land and house or do you have a separate budget for each? Are you going to carry the loan or ask the builder to? Are you going to be paying cash?
What size of home do you need? Don’t get to wrapped up in square feet but have an idea. How many beds and baths?
What are your must haves? Be specific. We understand you are going to probably want a garage but is 2 bays ok or do you have to have 4?
Do you need/want a pool?
Do you need a certain size lot for some reason?
This process done right takes a little but of time. Yes you can do most of this while you are still living in another part of the country but we recommend to be in person to pick out the lot. We have done the Builder selections and design via Zoom a number of times and then it would be good if you could be in person for a few of the design selection meetings and for a few of the milestones of the build. Typically most of our vendors are in your area as well so you can even go to their showrooms where you live now and make some selections.
