Searching for a Home Builder Online? What to Know

When searching for a custom home builder online in Cincinnati, Ohio, making an informed decision requires research and planning. Choosing to build a new custom home is a major investment in time and money. With all the decisions that need to be made, it can seem overwhelming.

That’s why the team at Chris Gorman Homes takes great pride in guiding our clients through every step of the process with communication, clarity and compassion. Chris Gorman Homes offers:

• A proven process for success. We have built luxury custom homes in Cincinnati’s most prestigious and sought-after neighborhoods.
• An online tool for our clients that offers 24/7 updates.
• Expert established trade partners, including some of the most skilled artisans in Cincinnati.
• Truly custom, one-of-a-kind designs.

To help you through the process, we offer these tips to narrow down your search:

Reputation and Reviews

• Check reviews: When searching for a custom home builder online, look at online reviews and testimonials on platforms like Google or Yelp. Pay attention to both positive and negative feedback to get a balanced view.
• Awards and accreditations: Look for any industry awards or memberships in professional organizations like the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) as indicators of a reputable builder. Chris Gorman Homes has been a long-time member of the Home Builders Association of Greater Cincinnati. Chris Gorman Homes also recently participated in Cincinnati’s HOMEARAMA with a custom-designed show home.

Portfolio of Past Work

• Project gallery: When searching online, check out each builder’s previous work. At Chris Gorman Homes, we provide a variety of projects we have completed in recent years on our online gallery. Browse our portfolio of design styles to determine if our past work aligns with your vision.
• Social media: Check builders’ social media profiles for additional feedback, photos of recent projects and customer interactions.
• Specialization: Some builders specialize in specific types of homes (luxury, custom, energy efficient, contemporary, and more.). Ensure that all home builders you are considering have experience in the type of home you want to build.

Insurance

• Insurance coverage: The builder should carry liability and worker’s compensation insurance to protect you from potential liabilities, as well as protecting your investment during the building process.

Transparency in Pricing

• Detailed estimates: Before you start working with a builder, understand how the builder handles the cost estimates associated with your custom build. Ensure the builder provides detailed, transparent pricing.

• Contract and payment schedule: Understand the payment schedule before work begins. Make sure the terms are clear and there are no hidden fees or costs you are not familiar with.

Communication and Availability

• Responsiveness: Pay attention to how quickly and thoroughly the builder and their representatives respond to your inquiries. This will provide insight into how well they will communicate during the project.

• Project timeline: When evaluating builders, ask about the expected timeline for your project, and how delays may impact this timeline. 

Customization Options

• Design flexibility: If you’re building a custom home, ensure that the builder is open to adjusting designs based on your specific preferences.

• Material choices: Check what kind of materials they use and whether they offer energy-efficient or sustainable options if that’s important to you.

Warranties and Aftercare

• Workmanship warranties and post-construction support: Check if the builder offers a warranty on their work, and ask about the length of coverage and what is specifically covered. Additionally, inquire about the process for making warranty claims and how quickly you can expect issues to be resolved. 

At Chris Gorman Homes, we provide a full one-year warranty on all our work. Before handing over the keys, we walk through every inch of the home, explaining how the major systems operate and reviewing warranties on appliances and other features. Our priority is to promptly resolve any remaining concerns, ensuring our clients are completely satisfied with their new homes.

Compare Multiple Builders

• Get multiple bids: Don’t settle for the first builder you find. Collect quotes from several builders to compare pricing, timelines and scope of services.

• Interview potential builders: Have face-to-face or virtual meetings with potential builders. This allows you to gauge their professionalism and whether you feel comfortable working with them.

Opt for a Design-Build Approach

Rather than hiring an architect and a builder separately, choose a design-build approach that integrates design and construction services for a more streamlined process. By ensuring that design and construction are aligned, the design-build method will greatly reduce the likelihood of costly changes and miscommunications.

Control Costs During the Design Phase

Being clear about your custom home budget and making informed decisions about materials and design can prevent budget overruns. This is another reason why working with a design-build team is beneficial: Your designer and builder are working together. 

During this phase, keep these things in mind to keep costs under control: 

• Do your research and bring style and material ideas to your design meeting.
• Communicate every need and want to your designer (no detail is too small!).
• Be open to alternative choices to keep your budget balanced.
• Don’t rush! You’ll miss details and have regrets down the line.
• Rank your list of needs from “convenient” to “absolutely necessary.”
• Rank your list of wants from “would be nice” to “dream home feature.” 

Understand How the Builder Handles Change Orders

It’s natural for homeowners to want changes to the original plans during construction or for conflicts to come up that require adjustments. Knowing how your builder manages modifications will help you anticipate any effects on your budget and timeline. 

Be sure you understand their policy on making changes once certain phases of construction have started. Clear communication about these modifications is key to avoiding misunderstandings and keeping the project on track, so you can move into your dream home as soon as possible. 

It’s also important to make sure that what you’ve agreed to in the construction contract is aligned with your expectations. Having a clear scope of work helps everyone stay on the same page and avoids those “Oh no, we didn’t plan for this!” moments. 

Searching for a Cincinnati Custom Home Builder Online? 

If you are planning on building a new custom home in Cincinnati, contact Chris Gorman Homes. Our expertise in custom home building and our commitment to transparency and quality will help you build the home you’ve always wanted.