A custom home builder specializes in constructing house designs that are built to the exact specifications of the homeowner. Choosing a custom home builder that you can trust and communicate with is crucial to your home-building experience. It is important to explore a variety of builders before choosing the one that best fits your needs. Here are some common indications of what you want to avoid when selecting your custom home builder:
Absence of Proper Licensing and Insurance
Construction zones carry many dangerous risks that could lead to injuries, property damage, and legal complications. A custom home builder without adequate licensing is not properly trained on building safely and is not legally compliant with the city’s requirements. Make sure to check that they have up-to-date licensing that matches their name. It’s also critical that the builder has sufficient insurance coverage so that you are financially protected in case any accidents occur. You can ask potential builders for proof of licensing and insurance that outlines their coverage.
No Established Portfolio or Limited Experience
A portfolio showcases a custom home builder’s experience, style, and satisfactory customer testimonials. Builders should have a proven record of working on similar projects to yours in size, style, and complexity. If their portfolio exhibits homes that are of lesser quality, smaller, or a completely different style, that can also be a red flag. Great craftsmanship isn’t limited to luxury homes, but it’s important that your builder has experience delivering the results you are looking for.
Limited or Poor Reviews
It’s important to take the time to check a builder’s reviews before choosing them for your custom home building needs. Reputable builders should have glowing reviews that explain what the company did well and, oftentimes, photos of their builds. This is also how you learn if this builder matches your style, communicates well, and delivers results. If a builder has zero or poor reviews, it’s a red flag because they either lack experience or have dissatisfied clients.
Lack of Communication
When custom home builders lack transparency and communication, the build process will be stressful and frustrating for all parties involved. Some red flags to look out for are if the builders fail to respond promptly to questions, provide unhelpful or vague answers, or if they struggle to convey important information. This delay of information impacts the timeline of the project, costing more money for the owners as well. Good custom home builders should proactively keep you informed by providing regular updates on the project.
Pressure Tactics or Unrealistic Promises
Because this is a custom home build, you have the final say in what you want included in your home. If builders are pressuring you to make unnecessary changes that you are not comfortable with, then they are not the builders for you. Custom home builders should take your opinion into account and create realistic expectations for your build. They should be flexible in design and your ideas for customization. It is also a red flag if they make promises to you that are not realistic. An example of this can be when a builder promises you a quick, firm deadline without taking into consideration weather delays, material shortages, and the permit and inspection delays. That’s why it’s important for both the owner and builder to set clear expectations for your vision, with a reasonable timeline.
Weak Warranty or Post-Build Support
Custom home builders should provide clear and substantial warranty coverage. Without strong coverage, homeowners are more liable for paying for repairs if the construction is faulty. Including a warranty with the post-build support allows homeowners to have peace of mind after the build. Reputable builders should be confident in their work and willing to provide appropriate warranty coverage. Having this coverage holds builders accountable for their work, resulting in a strong and lasting build that exceeds the client’s expectations.
Our Experience as a Connecticut Luxury Home Builder
As a multi-generational, family-owned custom home builder with over 45 years of experience, The Corbo Group is committed to client transparency, building homes with integrity, detailed project management, exceptional communication, designing with creativity, and extensive client support post-construction.
Based in Connecticut, our local expertise makes every step of building your dream luxury home — from planning and permitting to construction and move-in — smooth and easy. We understand that each home we build represents not only our legacy but also the dreams of those who will call it their own. Our custom luxury builds have won over 20 awards, so you can trust your home will exceed the highest standards.
Get a Free Consultation For Your Luxury Home Builder Today
The Corbo Group builds luxury homes all across western Connecticut. Our long-standing reputation and personalized approach will provide you with the house of your dreams. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation for your luxury custom home build.
