First builder/client meeting

Many of our customers and primarily in the beginning stages of talking to us about building a house will ask the question what do I need to bring to our first initial meeting.  I am going to talk about some of the items to have and or to be thinking about when you set out to talk to a builder.  Do you have your own land already or are you interested in one of the builders lots or subdivisions that he or she builds in.  Think about the direction in which you would like your house to face.  Many times people have not thought about this until asked by the builder and it might have a bearing on perhaps if you are putting in a pool with respect to sun angles as an example.  Another item to have available is a targeted price range of house so the builder can recommend to you as to which subdivisions might be best suited for you.  I always tell my future customers if you have a wish list of items and features you would like to incorporate into your new home to have that available you never know when many or perhaps all can be worked into the project to fit your budget.  If you have an idea of the type of floor plan and any pictures or renderings of the outside architectural style this is very helpful, because as you will find out there can be a variation in cost depending on style and level of detail you might be looking for.  If you have already been preapproved for a loan bring a copy of that.  I know when potential customers provide me with a copy of this it shows me that they are serious about making a commitment to do business.  Now lets talk a little bit about what to expect out of your potential builder because I am a firm believer in that the builder/client relationship is a definite two way street.  Do not be afraid to ask the builder to provide references of past customers and do take the time to call and talk to them after all they were in your shoes at one time.  Upon your first meeting are you meeting directly with the builder or are you just getting to meet with one of their agents or project managers.  I believe if you are going to trust the builder with building your dream home that you have the right to talk directly with them.  Ask to see some of the builders houses at different stages of construction and remember do not be afraid to ask what you think might be a dumb question.  Remember the only dumb questions are the ones you do no ask.  Ask the builder about how they do their financing and if you wish call and talk to the banker that provides financing for their projects because you do not want to trust your project to a builder that is not in good financial shape because this will truly leave you with a bad taste in your mouth if it happens to you.  So remember this relationship you are about to enter into with a builder is what I would call the closest thing to a marriage that you will have outside of your own marriage so do your homework and expect your builder to do the same for you and I assure you as well as our many past clients this will be a fun endeavor for you.