The Importance of Finding the Right Builder

With an estimated 2 million Americans expected to build new homes this year, an enormous amount of importance is placed on finding the right builder. For most home buyers, the choice will boil down to three basic criteria:

• Neighborhood location.
• The overall cost.
• Architectural design.

You should look for a home builder who can satisfy, and surpass, each of those needs. Your efforts should be acceptable for your wallet, the community, and the environment. A home building company’s responsibility to you and the community should be at the top of every buyer’s checklist. So what makes a responsible builder?

For one, the recognition of corporate stewardship (protecting natural resources and endangered lands). Last year, almost 1.5 million new single-family homes were built in the United States, many of them on undeveloped land. While development is good for communities and the economy, builders must also make long-term leadership and financial commitments to forward-thinking initiatives. It is up to the buyer to offer support to such builders.

By making a responsible choice, you will be making an investment in your new home, your local community, and the environment. Four tips for choosing a responsible builder are:

1. Community involvement. Responsible home builders build communities and invest in them. The same way you invest in a home, think about a builder that gives back through financial contributions and volunteer work. Think about using a builder that supports initiatives which promote conservation and provide homes for America’s less fortunate.

2. Use of responsible construction practices and materials. Responsible home builders pursue the use of alternate building materials to make homes more affordable and energy efficient. Promoting environmental integrity through the reduction of natural raw materials is important in this day and age. Composite sheathing, for example, can be used instead of plywood, metal and fiberglass doors, steel and vinyl windows. Laminated veneer lumber, beams and finger joint studs can be used instead of virgin wood.

3. Energy efficient construction. Saving energy is good for your budget and for the environment. What’s not to love? A responsible builder will offer energy efficient options to boost the value of your home. Through energy savings, these features eventually pay for themselves. Of course, builders’ commitment to the environment doesn’t end with the house. Industry leaders actively participate in and support research projects focusing on new energy savings. You can also buy a smaller home. Most people buy more than they need just because they can.

4. Maintaining sustainable, well-managed forests. Home construction requires wood, but trees can be planted to replace those that are harvested. Look for builders who show a commitment to wood suppliers who subscribe to sustainable forestry management and certification programs. When you’re considering the company that will build your piece of Florida real estate, think beyond your four walls. If we all show a commitment to protecting our state’s — and nation’s — resources, we can make the world a better place.