One of these days someone will invent an easier way to compare custom builder quotes to one another. It is not easy. I just had a prospect who asked me to help him compare the two bids because it was so difficult. When comparing build contracts, it is always best to start with a good set of plans. From there, you need to understand what comes standard with the home. By standard, I mean what does the foundation consist of, what materials are used in the walls, roof, electrical, plumbing, windows, doors, sheetrock, etc. Basically all the things that it takes to build a home
before actual preference items come into play. Preference items are often referred to as "allowance" items, items which you have a say in how they are finished out. That would be things like lighting fixtures, plumbing fixtures, flooring, counter top materials, paint finishes, trim, hardware, etc. Most builders have allowances that drive the budget, because most of the things that make up the home are driven by building code. So the biggest trick for you the homeowner, is to somehow level the playing field by fully understanding your allowance items and the abilities you have to control those costs. If I give you a 30K budget for flooring, and my competitor gives you a 25K budget for flooring- then one of us is off. It's our jobs to make sure we crawl inside your mind and fully understand what's important to you so that you don't have a bad experience when it comes time to select your finish out. That's why we take so much time during the bid process. We don't want anybody cussing at us 6 months down the road after we've signed a contract. So in summary, fully understand your allowances, make sure they are consistent with all bidders and make sure the baseline of the home is being built according to code and plan and you should be on your way. Happy Halloween everybody.
