A residential builder is a contractor who specializes in residential construction. A residential builder, also known as a homebuilder, can construct anything from a single custom home built to exacting specifications to homes in a large real estate development. Residential builders, like other types of builders, deal with a wide range of contractors, from those who dig the foundations to those who put the roof on a house.
When a residential builder is contacted about a construction project, he or she visits the site to learn more about it, speaks with the architect who designed the project about the plans, and prepares a quote for the client. The estimate includes all project costs, which are laid out in a document that breaks down the costs so that everyone understands how the builder arrived at the estimate. The residential builder begins work after the estimate is approved.
The construction site’s coordinators are residential builders. They find people to do all of the work, including laying foundations, framing and siding, roofing, and interior finishing such as plumbing, wiring, and drywalling, using the architect’s drawings as a guide. Residential builders can also order and install appliances, flooring, cabinetry, and other finishing touches, resulting in a fully finished home.
Ordering supplies, controlling supply costs, managing waste, confirming that all contractors and employees are qualified for the job, and working with property inspectors to ensure that the structure meets the building code are all tasks that residential builders handle. A residential builder typically has a large staff so that it can work on multiple projects at the same time, and the staff includes people with experience in many different aspects of construction, from lawyers who handle construction issues to foremen with years of experience.
A residential builder’s services can be quite diverse. Many choose to focus on specific types of projects, such as green homes, housing developments, custom homes, or homes in a specific style. When looking for a residential builder, people should schedule meetings with several firms, ask their architect for recommendations, and inquire about the reputations of various firms in the community. It’s also a good idea to double-check that the builder has a current business license and that the contractor’s license associated with the company is valid.