subject: Nova Scotia Home Builders Research And Selection Process For Building A New Home [print this page] Nova Scotia Home Builders Research And Selection Process For Building A New Home
Nova Scotia home builders vary from large stable companies that have been around for more than 50 years to fly by nighters that started a company last month. Which would would make a better partner for building a new home?
After narrowing the list of potential home partners it is time to do some research via the internet and telephone. First, create pro and con sheets for the Nova Scotia home builders that will be investigated. Create a simple evaluation form where you give more value to the items that are most important to you.
Find the answer to the following questions:
1. How many years have you been in business?
2. How many owners has there been?
3. Is it a family owned business?
4. Are the owner's local and involved in the day to day business operations?
5. How long does it take your company for building a new home of average size and complexity?
6. Do you have standard plans? How many?
7. Do you have in-house draft person?
8. What is the company warranty on workmanship?
9. Do you provide an Atlantic Canada New Home Warranty? All Nova Scotia home builders should provide this and if they don't it is considered a red flag.
10. What is your standard envelop design? This is the wall system design. It is important because a well built energy efficient house in this area of the world should have a minimum of R30 walls. Some companies still have the mindset that R12 walls "was good enough 30 years ago and is good enough today". These attitudes are huge red flags with current heating and cooling costs.
11. What is the standard ceiling insulation R value? The building code calls for a minimum of R40, but do you really want the minimum or to work with a company that builds to the lowest levels? R50 - R 60 is more appropriate and the cost of this upgrade is minimal and the energy savings realized should pay for the upgrade in a couple of years.
12. What is the mix of trades on staff versus subcontracted trades?
13. Can you provide a list of references that I can call to discuss their experience?
14. Do you build custom homes?
There are many other questions that you can ask, but this list will enable you to shortlist the potential candidates. The next step is to set up an appointment to visit their location and meet with sales staff.
