When should I be talking to a builder?

Last Updated: February 1, 2021

It’s never too early to start speaking with a builder. Presently, most builders are very busy, so it’s good to talk to them early to get on their radar. It also serves the purpose of finding out what kind of builder they are, do they have any projects they’ve done or that are presently under construction that you could visit? How much did a project like the one they are showing you cost? Is it on schedule or have there been delays and why?

During your conversations you might get a sense of whether or not this builder would be a good person with whom you could work, someone you can trust with your large investment. In every project there will come a moment when something will go wrong, and the builder needs to be a person with whom you can sit across the table, work out a solution, and move forward. The more you can get to know them before you sign a construction contract, the better.

We find that a good time to bring a builder on board is at the very beginning of the Design Development phase. This is the moment when we have narrowed the design down to a single scheme with a well-defined floor plan and some solid images of what the building and/or spaces will look like. We can then bring in a builder and have a real conversation about methods, schedule, budgets, and any other issues specific to the project. Once you, the owner, selects the builder, they can remain a part of the team throughout the design process providing feedback regarding the construction cost and schedule of the project.