Part of the work of buying a brand new home is choosing the home builder that’s right for your family. This can be a hard decision to make with so many good options to choose from. After all, every builder wants to put their best foot forward to make a good impression.

Sometimes, it can be difficult to know if the builder will still be great halfway through the process.

While everyone has their own priorities, we’ve put together a list of a few things that you should watch out for as you get ready to compare home builders.

Starting Costs vs. Final Costs

It's important to take a careful look at the builder’s prices. They can be confusing, because the cost will change, based on the personalized choices you make. Each home comes with standard features, but once you start adding things (e.g. upgraded appliances, railing, or a composite deck in the backyard), the price can creep up. The builder might be advertising homes “starting from the $420s”, but once you add in the things that you want, your cost could be well over $500,000.

It's easy to go over budget this way.

As you tour show homes, be sure to ask the Sales Representative how much the features in the show home would cost. Ask about what’s an upgrade and what comes standard. If you know exactly what you want, you will be able to get a specific quote from each home builder you’re considering.

Home Styles and Offerings

Do you already know what type of home you want? Some of the types of homes you might consider are bi-level, bungalow, or two-story homes. Many builders do offer a variety of styles, but you’ll want to focus your search on builders who build the style you want.

Aside from the general structure of the home, you’ll also want to look at the ways the builder designs the look-and-feel of the home. Do you want a high-end look? Functional design? A modern or rustic style? Different builders have different styles, so look for one that builds homes in the style you prefer.

Classy Communities

Builders are somewhat limited in where they build. Some will build on a plot of land you already own, but others can only build in particular communities. And only certain builders are allowed to build in each community.

This means that if you prefer a particular community, you will have to choose from the builders who are approved for that community. If you strongly prefer a particular builder, you’ll have to choose from the communities they build in.

Home Builder Promotions

Throughout the year, home builders offer promotions to attract customers, and this can be a good way to get a great deal on your home. These promotions tend to be things like free upgrades, but you might find other special offers.

The key to making promotions work for you is to check that you’re getting something you would have wanted anyway. Sometimes, the cost of these “free” upgrades are already built into the cost of the home, so if you were happy enough without the upgrade, you might be able to get a lower price.

Superior Customer Service

You want and deserve a builder who listens to your needs and treats you with respect. Pay attention to how the Sales Representative responds to your questions. Do they give you thorough answers or rush through their responses? Are they excited about working with you or make you feel like you’re a burden? You should feel good about your experience.

Additionally, make a point of asking for references, and talk to these previous clients. You’ll be able to ask them whether the finished product lived up to their expectations and how the company handled any issues that might have come up during or after the building process. A builder with a great reputation won't hesitate to put you in contact with other happy homeowners.

It’s Complex!

In short, it’s incredibly difficult to compare builders because you’re rarely looking at things that are exactly equal. One builder might have higher prices, but that’s because the quality of their materials is higher. Another builder might have excellent customer service and an affordable price tag, but not have the style of home you prefer or build in the community you've had your eye on. You have to look at each builder as a whole to figure out which is the best one for you.

As complicated as the process of finding a builder is, you really just have to get out there and start looking. Tour various show homes. Talk to Area Managers. Look around different communities. The more you see and the more experiences you have, the easier it will be for one builder to rise to the top.

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