Tag: Custom Homes

Seven Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Builder

Here’s one of the most common mistakes homeowners make when choosing a builder: They don’t to talk to a potential builder’s previous clients. 

What homeowners don’t realize is that this is a critical missed step in the builder selection process. Think of it as free information. And it’s information that will directly impact who you choose to build your future home! Like an Amazon product review or the latest review on the new movie to hit the theatres, feedback from a previous homeowner is the best insight and preview you can get into what it might be like to work with a builder. 

What are their strengths? Did they stay on budget? 

No builder can be all things to all people, so don’t go looking for the perfect builder. That doesn’t exist. What does exist are builders like Turnberry Construction Group who are committed to excellence, integrity and quality. And that translates to things like keeping open communication with you the homeowner and helping guide you through the process of building your dream home.

Each builder will have a unique background that will certainly influence their strengths, but look for “experience, excellence and integrity” as a guide. Those should be your “non-negotiables”. Talking to previous clients should give you the best gauge of whether or not a potential builder follows those principles. 

Here are the 7 Questions to ask a builder’s previous homeowner:

  1. Did your builder finish your home on time? If not, why?
  2. Did your home come in on budget?
  3. Was there ever a time you felt your builder was untruthful?
  4. Did your builder communicate to you clearly if there were any additional charges that would incur?
  5. What are your builder’s best qualities?
  6. What are some of your builder’s weaknesses and limitations?

And finally, question #7 the most important thing to ask: Would you use your builder again?

Use these questions as a guide to figure out if a potential builder would be a good fit you.

Happy Building! 

How to Maximize Your Valuable Investment

(The following is an excerpt from “Building a Quality Custom Home, What you Need to Know” written by Turnberry Construction Group owner Kevin Kozo)

So, you’ve just moved into your new custom built home. Now what? 

A home is one of the biggest investments most people make during their lifetime. Taking care of that investment means taking care of your home with regular maintenance and check-ups. 

Do homebuilders provide a maintenance plan to new homeowners to let them know what they need to do to care for their new home? Not usually. But they probably should. A little planning and elbow grease will go a long way in keeping your home clean maintaining its value and avoiding costly repairs later on. 

At Turnberry Construction Group, we want our homeowners to protect their investment and get years of enjoyment from their home. 

Make a List and Check It Twice

Below is a home maintenance plan with some suggestions for maximizing enjoyment of your new home and maintaining its value:

Regular Washing: Just like a new car, your new custom home needs a regular washing too. Try to pressure wash the exterior at least twice a year; four times a year is best. The exterior paint, stucco, brick, siding, or other components will not only maintain a better look but will last longer as well.

Flush the Air Conditioning Condensation Line: This preventive maintenance measure costs only pennies but has real, lasting value. Flush the air conditioning condensation line with a cup of bleach twice a year to avoid algae buildup and blockage. This simple preventive step will save you the stress of your line becoming backed up, allowing water to pour through the dry wall.

Clean the Gutters and Filters: Have your home’s gutters cleaned at least twice a year to avoid leaf buildup. Also be sure to change (or clean if they are reusable) your air conditioner’s filter every three months. A clean filter helps your unit run more smoothly and saves you money on your electric bill. A clean filter also increases the life of your air conditioning unit. Nothing is more frustrating (not to mention costly) than having to install a new air conditioning unit in the middle of the summer.

Replace with Fresh Batteries: Daylight-savings time is a great reminder for this step. In the fall and spring, when you adjust your clocks, replace the batteries in your smoke alarm. As an extra note, be sure to check your irrigation clock every few months to ensure proper operation.

Avoid Abrasive Cleaners on Hardwood: If you have hardwood floors, it’s important to keep them clean in order to extend their beauty and life. However, be careful to never use wax or harsh cleaners on your hardwood floors. The chemicals could permanently damage the flooring and result in a costly fix.

Garage Door Safety Reminders: Two important things to keep in mind if you have a garage door opener. First, never remove the garage door obstruction sensor. This safety feature is designed to prevent the overhead door from coming down on a child or animal and injuring or killing them. Check the sensor every few months to make sure it is working properly. Second, it’s important to never try any type of garage door spring maintenance or adjustments by yourself. If the tightly coiled spring somehow comes off, it can cause serious injury. Always hire a trained installer or maintenance professional to assist you.

Check and Reseal: Check the exterior of your home twice a year for any signs of expansion or contraction. Cracks may allow water to seep in causing extensive damage to the interior walls. Caulk cracks and seal wood to prevent future problems.

The Bottom Line: Keep up with routine maintenance and cleaning around your house or consider hiring professionals to protect your new home investment.