How to Avoid Pitfalls When Engaging a Contractor for New Home Construction - Highlander ConstructionHighlander Construction

You are ready to build the home of your dreams and you have selected the perfect house plan, now all you need to do is find a contractor! Sounds simple right? Not so fast….Unfortunately, many people find that selecting a contractor isn’t as easy as picking a few names out of the phone book and getting a quote. The first thing that you need to do is go to the bank. Find out what amount you are preapproved for and determine what you are comfortable spending per month in payments. Often, these two numbers are not the same. Be sure that you are clear on the amount you are able to spend on your new construction project. Once you know the amount you are able to work with, it’s time to interview builders. Make sure you are clear with the builder you select on the number you are willing to spend and avoid going over budget.

Doing a simple internet search for a builder is a good way to get some names and information, but checking with the local chamber of commerce and the better business bureaus is a better way to find a builder. Be sure to ask builders you are interviewing for a list of references from vendors and previous customers and ask for their Dunn and Bradstreet rating.

Know that there are many components that go into construction pricing. While a builder can certainly give you a “best guess” at cost per square foot, there is no way to give an accurate cost until selections have been made. You would never call a car dealership on the phone and say “I’m looking for a car, what does a new one cost?” There are hundreds of different styles, colors, and options that factor into what that new car would cost. This same rule applies to construction. Once you have selected your house plan, you need to discuss what type of exterior you want? Vinyl siding will cost less than brick. What type of flooring will you use? Hardwood is more expensive than carpet. If the contractor you’ve selected isn’t asking you these questions before giving you a price, you should make sure you are clear on the type and quality of building materials he plans to use. You should also expect to see change orders that will absolutely increase the price you are paying to build your home. You also need to be aware that most builders will ask you to be under a design/build contract with them and to pay a deposit before going over selections and giving you exact pricing. Taking the time to formulate a real design and quote for any house is a time consuming job for more than one employee. Most companies today are not able to afford to task 2 to 3 employees to work on a job they aren’t going to get paid for.

It’s a better rule of thumb to be comfortable with the experience and quality of work of the contractor you select rather than basing your decision on the price you are quoted.

Join us for our “Issues in New Construction” seminar taught by James Oliver, President of Highlander Construction and Development, on Saturday April 14, 2012 at the Holiday Inn in Christiansburg. For more information on this topic and others related to new home construction. Contact LeeAnn Francis to register today francis.l@highlanderconstruction.com

Luke Allison

12:04 01 Nov 23

Highlander Construction & Development, Inc. exceeded our expectations in every aspect of our home renovation project. Their design expertise transformed our space with an impressive and thoughtful layout that perfectly suited our needs. The quality of their workmanship is unparalleled—every detail was handled with precision and care.One of the standout features of working with Highlander was their exceptional problem-solving abilities. When faced with the challenge of adding a bathroom to our home, they tackled the project with creativity and skill, seamlessly integrating it into the existing structure. It's a testament to their commitment to finding innovative solutions for their clients.What sets Highlander apart is their dedication to customer satisfaction. They actively collaborated with us throughout the process, ensuring that our vision was realized while also working diligently to meet our budget constraints. Their transparency and open communication fostered a positive and trusting relationship, making the entire renovation experience smooth and enjoyable.Highlander Construction & Development, Inc. is a team of professionals who go above and beyond, delivering not just a renovated space but a home that truly reflects the needs and preferences of its occupants. We highly recommend their services for anyone seeking top-notch construction and development work.

Dave Nash

15:52 11 Sep 23

The Highlander team, Jamie, Julene, and Eric, completed our dream vacation house this summer. We cannot give any one higher marks. We are also picky customers. Jamie edited the design we started with and made it much better. This process started right at the end of the pandemic when inflation was rampant. Jamie’s value engineering cut almost 30% from the architect’s materials specs and allowed us to proceed when otherwise the plan’s cost was a non-starter. Construction started on time. We had a few delays, but they were caused by suppliers, not Jamie’s team. At the end, Jamie was almost 10% below the original budget. Change orders and add is were handled efficiently. There were remarkably few headaches. There was a very small punch list to take care of at the end. The house exceeds any expectations we had going into the process. To say the least, we are very pleased. We told Jamie, Julene, and Eric, at the beginning that if we did this right together, they would be part of the family. They have now been adopted whether they want to be or not.

john mccalla

19:14 30 Aug 23

Highlander Construction is one of the last remaining quality custom builders still doing residential projects in the New River Valley. Even though it was a long process to get to the final product due to their workload, the owner, Jamie, was upfront and honest in their commitments. The tradespeople were conscientious and diligent in delivering a quality product. We are very pleased with the results, and have developed a lasting friendship with Jamie and his staff through this project!

Nate Kiser

04:30 27 Aug 23

Highlander has run several projects for us including the construction of a carwash. The carwash was an incredibly detailed and difficult project on a challenging site, and their attention to detail and work process could not have been better. Their billing is clear and concise. You see exactly what they are doing and what you are paying for that service. In today's market, things rarely go as planned, and their response in those situations is fair and transparent. I highly recommend them not just for their work ethic, but also for their diligence, professionalism and quality.

Susan Wileman

21:27 22 Aug 23

Highlander Construction & Development made our dream retirement home a reality! From the start of the unique design through the entire construction, their professionalism and quality were second to none. We recommend Highlander to anyone who wants a superior custom home.

Cindy Cunningham

14:48 22 Aug 23

We love our new kitchen, family room renovation. The quality of work was excellent and done by professionals who were also kind and respectful. The company responds to questions and provides follow-up services quickly and efficiently. I recently needed a cabinet drawer repaired and Jamie and Eric responded immediately to our needs and made the repair without charge.Thank you for making our home beautiful and functional. We love it!