7 Great Tips for Choosing a Home Construction Company

          It's well known that one of the essential basic necessities for human life is shelter or a "home." The desire to own a home is constant. One generation is born, grows up, works, and when the time comes to start a family, they naturally want their own residence or home. This desire continues endlessly. For most people, building a home is a life achievement, a place of happiness and family warmth.

          A "home" should be strong, durable, beautiful, and functional, meeting the physical and emotional needs of family members.

          Naturally, homeowners must hire skilled construction professionals, including small contractors, general construction companies, or specialized home construction companies, of which there are hundreds to choose from today.

          This article offers tips for selecting a home construction company to build your new home, providing a step-by-step guide for your consideration.

1. Initial Research from the Internet (Website)

Search for about 20 home construction companies, choosing reputable ones in the country (if possible), those with considerable experience, and house plans within your budget range (plus or minus 10-15%). Ideally, select companies with offices near the construction site and easy to contact. Home construction takes many months or even a year. If the builder cannot provide close supervision or timely communication for decisions, it can lead to construction errors.

2. In-Depth Background and Portfolio

A reliable home construction company should have its own website with detailed company information. This includes their background, vision, business philosophy, management and team, past projects, customer testimonials (with photos and feedback), and clear information about service standards, such as construction systems, materials, service scope, costs, and payment terms. Companies that lack transparency or clear standards may not be trustworthy.

Also, check the company's financial status via their website or www.tdr.or.th. This is crucial as some companies may be registered but fail to report their financial status to government agencies, indicating potential issues and a risk of sudden closure. Following these two steps can eliminate more than half of the unsuitable or risky options.

3. Familiarize Yourself with Products (House Plans)

Select 4-5 house plans from each company that match your budget (plus or minus 10-15%). Study the floor plans, discuss family needs, and eliminate unsuitable options. This may leave you with about 20 plans from 4-6 companies. At this stage, do not immediately discard plans solely based on higher average cost per square meter (price comparison comes later).

4. Consider Terms and Services

After eliminating unsuitable companies and plans, evaluate the terms, services, and costs of each company, including pre-construction, during-construction, and post-construction services. Check for additional fees, warranty differences, and proximity to the construction site.

Explore if they offer custom design services for unique preferences or comprehensive services like interior design, landscaping, pool construction, and elevator installation, to streamline contracting and management with a single company.

5. Compare Price and Quality

Compare construction costs, focusing on standard materials and special features like elderly assistance, ventilation and dust protection, energy-saving materials, and eco-friendly options. Determine if price differences correlate with material and feature quality. Be cautious of "promotions," freebies, and discounts, as they can distract from crucial details and lead to misunderstandings.

6. Compare Strengths and Weaknesses

If companies offer similar materials, prices, and services, compare their strengths and weaknesses. Consider their project volume and history, indicating customer satisfaction. Seek feedback from past clients and visit ongoing or completed projects to assess workmanship and quality.

7. Make a Reasoned Decision

After thorough consideration of the six points above, you can confidently choose a home construction company that meets your needs, ensuring your dream home at a reasonable price and with reliable service.

Building a home involves significant investment. Therefore, carefully evaluate construction quality, materials, architectural and engineering teams, contract compliance, experience, responsibility, and environmental and energy efficiency considerations. Professional home construction companies should prioritize environmental responsibility.
 

Thai Home Builders Association : THBA