When starting a renovation project, one of the first questions homeowners need to answer is “How am I going to complete my renovation project?” For many, involving trades people or hiring a builder/contractor is part of the solution. But, here in Niagara, we have an oversaturated market of builders, contractors and trades vying for our business. How do you weed through the hundreds of listings and find the one that fits your home renovation? The first step in finding the right builder is to identify which type of builder you’re looking for.
3 Types of Builders
Builders (or contractors) can be categorized into three groups:
- Production Builders
- Custom Builders
- Pick-up Truck Builders
Here’s a quick synopsis of what they have to offer.
Production builders are great for “turn key” projects, which are typically new builds. Their specialty is building homes quickly and efficiently and often they have a model home that shows you the various options you have for your house. If you are looking for an affordable new home, Production Builders may be the fit for you. However, if you’re looking to do a custom project, or a renovation, they may not be your best choice.
Custom Builders rarely have showrooms and model homes, but instead they specialize in creating one-of-a-kind spaces. They work with you to create a home that uniquely fits your style and personality. Custom Builders however are not always interested in custom renovations. It’s important to find a builder who is not intimidated by unknowns and out-of-the-box solutions. You need a Custom Builder who either specializes in your style of home or who is willing to tackle any type of project. This can be hard to find.
Pick-up Truck Builders are the ones that you see driving down the highway with their name plastered to the tailgate. Often, homeowners are quick to dismiss these builders, however Pick-up Truck builders have a lot to offer those who are doing custom renovations. Often, Pick-up Truck builders specialize in custom work. They are not afraid to tackle complicated projects and they have a lot of experience when it comes to delivering one-of-a-kind solutions. The downside of these builders, however, is that there is an element of the unknown for you as a homeowner. Unless you have been referred to them, you’re always taking a shot in the dark not knowing much about their reputation or track record. You need to be cautions about who you are selecting.
Choosing the Right Builder
After you have identified what category of builder you would like to hire, you then have to dig a bit deeper to find the one that fits. To help you do that, we’ve created an online Renovation Guide that will walk you through the things you need to consider when selecting your builder. Download your own copy of the guide today and be equipped with the tools you need to make your builder selection.
