10 Tips for Evaluating Home Builders in Mid-Missouri

You Can’t Choose Just Anybody to Build Your Mid-Missouri Custom Home. Here’s How You Find a Reputable New Home Builder in the Lake Ozark, MO Area 

Is it time for a change regarding your living situation? Are you ready to move into your first home or you want to move out of your current home? Whichever the case, it’s a big milestone. If you’ve thought about building your own house in mid-Missouri through a custom home contractor, you should properly evaluate the builders in your area before starting. This is your future and a new home you will be living in for years to come, so it’s important to find a builder who will give you the results you need. Follow these 10 tips for finding the right custom home contractor in Lake Ozark, MO to start on the right foot for your new home!

In Case You’re Wondering: What Does a Custom Home Builder in Mid-Missouri Do? 

If you’ve never considered building your own house in central Missouri, you may be unfamiliar with custom home contractors in the area and what they do. In the traditional home-buying process, you move into an established home with the help of a real estate agent. The beauty of a custom home is you get to design it yourself with a professional design and construction team in the mid-Missouri area. This offers you the freedom to personalize your new home, include functional and efficient home features, and so much more! When you work with a custom home builder, they help you create a blueprint, find a location for the house, and last but not least, build your dream home. 

If the idea of building a completely custom home overwhelms you but you still want a modern customized feel, consider a spec home in the Ashland and Lake Ozark, MO area! Speculative homes are houses designed by expert contractors that are ready for move in. In addition to the amazing custom homes we build in mid-Missouri, Watts Construction creates some of the best spec homes for homeowners looking for something new. Once you’ve decided what kind of home you want and how customized you want it to be, it’s time to find the right contractor.

#1: Determine your budget & evaluate the cost to build a house with different contractors in central Missouri 

Before you do anything, it’s necessary to budget for a custom home in the Ashland and Lake Ozark, MO area. For many custom home projects, we recommend reaching out to a lender for a construction loan. Making sure you have the land and budget for your new build home will make it easier to find the right contractor in mid-Missouri. If you have an established budget, you can compare the prices offered by different home construction companies and determine which one fits your needs for the best value. 

So, how much does it cost to build a house in central Missouri? The answer to this question will vary depending on the builder you’re working with, the materials used for the project, and the amount of time it takes to complete. According to Forbes, the average cost of building a home is $150 per square foot at a total of roughly $300,000. In Missouri, the average cost of a custom home is closer to $226,760. For a better estimate on your custom home in Lake Ozark, MO, reach out to our contractors at Watts Construction.

#2: Check the website of custom home builders in Lake Ozark, Columbia, or Ashland, MO 

Now that you have an established budget for your future custom home, it’s time to find a builder in the mid-Missouri area. A professional custom home contractor has a well-made website that lists all their services, their information as a company, and even some photos of the custom homes they’ve built for homeowners in Ashland and Lake Ozark, MO. By looking at the websites of different contractors, you can gather an idea of their building style, their experience building for the community, and if they could potentially be a good fit for your custom home. Start searching for custom home contractors today to start narrowing down your options.

#3: Look for testimonials about mid-Missouri custom home contractors online & ask around 

Reputation is everything, and this couldn’t be more true when finding a home construction company in Ashland, Lake Ozark, or Columbia, MO. Deciding to build a custom home isn’t a temporary endeavor, so you want to make sure your choice is worth it. When searching for a home builder to consult with, check their reviews on Google and take note of who has the most consistent positive testimonials. You can also ask people you know in the mid-Missouri area who have built custom homes to see who they recommend for your project. It would also be beneficial to speak with material vendors, real estate agents, and even your local building code inspectors to help find the most professional custom home contractors in your region. 

#4: Prepare to ask the right questions about new home construction in the central Missouri area 

As you’re finding a builder for your mid-Missouri custom home, there will be several consultations to attend. These consultations are for describing your goals to the contractor, listing a budget, and asking any questions you may have about the custom home construction process. This is incredibly important, as it can bring you more insight not just about custom home building, but about the unique qualities of the builder as well. Some of the most common and helpful questions to ask at a custom home consultation are: 

• What are my customization options for a home in mid-Missouri? 
• How often will you communicate with me about the progress of my custom home? 
• What is the timeline for my custom home? 
• Do you offer accessibility features in your custom home designs? 
• What makes you stand out from other custom home contractors in Lake Ozark, MO & surrounding areas? 

#5: Look for a home construction company with several years of experience in Lake Ozark, MO & neighboring communities 

One of the most defining qualities of a custom home contractor is their experience working in the mid-Missouri community. Building quality custom homes takes years of practice and professionalism, so it’s best not to hire an amateur contractor for yours. The builder of your new home should be familiar with the geography of central Missouri and have at least five or more years of experience. Not to mention, they should be educated on zoning ordinances and other construction regulations in the area. 

Watts Construction has served homeowners in Lake Ozark, Ashland, and other mid-Missouri neighborhoods for over 25 years. We build custom homes for all different lifestyles and families, but with the same amazing quality. Take a look at our service locations to see our dedication to creating premium homes for the community.

#6: Verify a custom home contractor’s credibility to build a new home in mid-Missouri 

With experience comes credentials, another vital quality in a custom home builder. You deserve a contractor who is updated on best building practices and has a plan prepared for every situation. For a large purchase such as a custom home in central Missouri, it’s good to ask your contractor about the warranties and other policies they have in place. While a contractor license isn’t necessarily required in the state of Missouri, it is still an important quality to have and all contractors must follow local registration requirements. Additionally, all mid-Missouri contractors must be registered with the Secretary of State. Learn more about custom home construction guidelines in your neighborhood of the Lake Ozark, MO area and make sure your builder meets the criteria. 

#7: Visit custom built homes in the Ashland & Lake Ozark, MO area to see them in-person 

Sometimes, pictures can only tell you so much about a custom home in mid-Missouri. If you want a closer look at a home builder’s craftsmanship, you should go see them for yourself! You can try visiting homes under current construction or finished custom homes in the area. Take a day to explore the different new build homes. Which homes have the best exterior? How does the construction process look? Do these homes have the floor plan you’re looking for? Keep track of these qualities and use them to your advantage as you become closer to finding a builder in central Missouri. 

#8: Take notes at your custom home consultations with local contractors in central Missouri 

When you schedule an appointment with a custom home contractor, you should leave with more notes than you had before the meeting. As each question is answered, turn to your trusty pen and paper. The stress of finding a custom home builder can sometimes challenge your memory, and it’s possible you could accidentally mix up the different contractors you are evaluating. This is why taking notes at all of your consultations will save you the headache and simplify your decision-making process in the future. 

#9: Consider your must-have features in a new build home & if the contractor you’re researching provides this to homeowners in Lake Ozark, MO 

Do you have a clear vision of your mid-Missouri custom home? If so, you should find a builder who can accomplish this vision as closely as possible. Avoid working with contractors that use outdated materials or seem to only have one building style. Instead, search for a home construction company with knowledge on the latest home technology, the longest lasting materials, and the interior design trends that will last in your mid-Missouri home for years. Also consider the features required if you or someone in your family needs special accommodations, such as ramps or lower counters. This is a new home for you, after all — it should feel like one! 

#10: Take time to make a list of your top choices for a mid-Missouri custom home builder 

After you have taken all the steps to evaluate custom home contractors in your central Missouri community, it’s time to choose. Weigh the pros and cons of your most promising builders when it comes to value, experience, custom home quality, and more. Remember to take your time when reaching this decision, because it will soon be a new chapter of your life. When you have found the company that meets all your most important needs, then you can get to the fun part: building the custom home of your dreams in the Ashland and Lake Ozark, MO area! 

Still Trying to Find a Builder for Your Custom Home in Central Missouri? Schedule an Appointment With Watts Construction, the Premier New Home Contractor in Lake Ozark, Ashland, Columbia, & More Mid-Missouri Communities! 

Are you still in search of a reliable builder for your exciting custom home project? Look no further than Watts Construction, the leading new home builder serving Lake Ozark, Ashland, Columbia, and other mid-Missouri communities since 1997. With our exceptional custom home building expertise and commitment to quality craftsmanship, we are dedicated to bringing your vision to life. Schedule an appointment with our team today, and let us guide you through the journey of building your dream home. From personalized design to structural integrity, Watts Construction is your trusted partner in creating a home that perfectly suits your needs and exceeds your expectations. Get started now!