Choosing A Builder

Scheffers Construction Co., Inc.

Why Scheffers Construction?
A Checklist for Selecting a Builder
Do Your Homework
Shop for Quality and Value
Some Other Questions

Why Scheffers Construction?

Selecting the right builder is essential for the success of your building project, regardless of the size of the project. The builder you choose will be an integral part of your life for the duration of the project. While there are undoubtedly some large building companies that provide quality service, we believe that working with a small builder, like Scheffers Construction, gives you a level of personalized service that may be difficult to come by in larger builders. When Scheffers Construction is your builder, you have a builder who:

Takes the time to personally meet with you to discuss your project—at no cost.
Provides you with honest direction and feedback, from design to finished project.
Is driven to achieve a quality finished project that meets your needs, rather than finding ways to increase profits.
Takes pride in the integrity of the project—from structure, materials used, to finished appearance.
Believes in honest pay for an honest day's work; we practice ethical business standards in all we do.
Focuses on personalized customer service, not on mass production with limited options and services.
Remains available to you days and evenings.

When you work with Scheffers Construction, Jack or Tom will personally oversee and work on your project. With comfortable, easy communication, our hands-on approach ensures the highest level of customer service by a skilled, honest, licensed, and insured builder. With the majority of our business coming from referrals and repeat customers, your satisfaction is paramount to our success.

Quality at Every Step

Construction & Design

State-of-the-Art Materials

Excellent Workmanship

A checklist for selecting a builder

Do they have a permanent business address?
Can they provide references?
Ask to see their state license or contact the Michigan Department of Consumer and Industry Services' License Verification Unit at 900-555-8374.
Do they have current liability insurance and workers compensation coverage? Note: If you hire someone who is unlicensed and/or uninsured you may be held liable for any injuries that occur while working on your property.
How long have they been in business?
Check with your city building department for any local complaints.
Check with your county clerk to make sure there are no civil suits against the contractor.
Check with your local home builders association* to see if they are a member.

*Members of the Home Builders Association have access to the latest industry information through the association sponsored educational programs, Michigan Builder magazine, and the networking that takes place at the conventions, conferences, and general membership meetings. Active members show their commitment and dedication to the industry by donating their time and often their financial resources. They serve on committees, communicate with their legislators, and are involved in community projects; all to enhance the professionalism of the industry.

Do Your Homework

Once you have a list of builders, how can you find out about their reputations and the quality of their work? The best way to learn about builders is to visit homes they have built and talk with the owners. Ask builders on your list for the addresses of their recently built homes and subdivisions. Builders may even be able to provide names of some home owners who would be willing to talk with you.

Drive by on a Saturday morning when home owners may be outside doing chores or errands. Introduce yourself and say you are considering buying a home from the builder who built their home. Talk to several owners, and try to get a random sample of opinions. The more people you talk with, the more accurate an impression of a builder you are likely to get. At the very least, drive by and see if the homes are visually appealing. When you talk to builders and home owners, take along a notebook to record the information you find and your personal impressions about specific builders and homes. Doing so will help you to make comparisons later. Some questions you can ask people include: Are you happy with your home? If you had any problems, were they fixed promptly and properly? Would you buy another home from this builder?

Usually, people tell you if they are pleased with their homes. And if they are not, they'll probably want to tell you why.

Shop For Quality and Value

Look at new homes whenever you can. Home shows and open houses sponsored by builders are good opportunities to look at homes. When examining a home, look at the quality of the construction features. Inspect the quality of the cabinetry, carpeting, trimwork, and paint. Ask the builder or the builder's representative a lot of questions. Get as many specifics as possible. If you receive the answers verbally rather than in writing, take notes. Never hesitate to ask a question. What seems like an insignificant question might yield an important answer.

Always keep value in mind when shopping. Just because a home is less expensive than another does not mean it is a better value. Likewise, a more expensive home does not automatically assure higher quality. Another important aspect of value is design quality. When you look at a home, determine whether will it suit your lifestyle. Is there enough living space? Are there enough bedrooms and bathrooms? What about storage space? Will you have room to accommodate special interests or hobbies-for example, a large kitchen if you enjoy cooking or a room for a home office or exercise room? Think about the amount of upkeep required both indoors and out. Consider also the location of the property. Is it convenient to transportation, shopping, schools or other places of interest to you?

Some other questions you might ask builders are:

Whom do you contact for customer service after the sale?
Should service requests be in writing?
Who will be responsible for correcting problems with major appliances?
Does the builder use state-of-the-art energy features? Equipment, insulation, design, and landscaping can all affect a home's energy efficiency.

A new home is one of the biggest and most important purchases you will make in your lifetime. By doing your homework, you will be able to shop for a home with a sense of confidence and the knowledge that will help you make the right decision.