Is cost per square foot a good way to compare and choose a builder?
If you choose to use a per square foot to make comparisons, you will be assured to find the least expensive home. It is foolish to waste money, but when you are making a major investment, you don't want a builder to cut corners. Not all builders use the same formula for computing square footage, so often times the numbers are off. Also, using price per square foot only works on homes with the same style, size, and specifications. For example a marble floor takes up the same amount of space as a vinyl floor, but is a lot more expensive.

Would getting three bids on my home assure me of the lowest price?
While getting three bids may seem the best way to secure a low price it usually doesn't work. The three main reasons are:

	Unless your plans are 100% complete a builder must guess in order to make a complete bid. This leaves you comparing apples to oranges. What often happens is that people select the least expensive builder only to find out that they don't like the product the builder has chosen for them. By the time they make the changes and upgrades the house usually cost more than the original bid.
	The people who really lose are the ones who don't find out about the substandard quality of labor and material until they move in and find their utility and maintenance costs are higher than comparable homes. It is important to remember that the initial purchase price is only part of the true cost of owning a home.
	The fact is, if plans and specifications are properly drawn, three competent builders should provide similar bids. Find a builder you feel comfortable with. Partner with them to determine your budget, select a site, design your home, secure financing, and to build and service your home. Building a home requires a major investment of both time and money.

Should I buy my lot and have finished plans before I interview builders?
Generally it is better to work with a builder from the start for the following reasons:

	People often buy a "pretty" piece of property only to find out it requires an extensive amount of work to make it a suitable home site. With the additional cost you might end up with a smaller and less quality home than you had anticipated. A builder can help you work through the site condition, ensuring you the home and property complement each other and you stay within your budget.
	Most reputable builders have extensive knowledge and reliable contacts that can make the entire process much easier for you. They understand the market, and will help you design a home that meets your wants and needs, while working within the limitations of the location and site conditions.

What should I look for in a custom builder?

	Efficient Building Process in Place: Time is money
	Detailed Specifications: The best builders go out of their way to make certain you both agree on exactly what will be in the home. They would rather lose a potential customer in the beginning than have a disappointed one later. If you don't like what you are getting, ask for it in writing.
	Long Term Relationships With Quality Subcontractors: Most builders subcontract out much of the actual building process. The best builders have long term relationships with their subs. Builders who constantly switch in search of the lowest price, often end up with the lesser quality and longer building times. Instead of being partners in the building process, the subs see themselves more as mercenaries, and they lack the pride and dedication it takes to build a quality home.
	Good Communicator: Find a builder with strong communication skills. They must be willing and able to constructively discuss any issues that may surface while building your home.
	Strong Reputation: Check references of recent customers as well as people who have lived in their homes for a few years. Often, poor quality is not apparent immediately.
	Experienced: This is a major investment for you. Make certain you have a builder who has the qualifications and experience to build your home the way that you want it.
	Trustworthy: You rely on the builder to make many decisions for you, find someone you can trust.
	Financial Strength: The last thing you want is to be dragged into a fight between a builder and his creditors. Before you give the builder any money, check with his bank.
	Understanding and Caring: Building a custom home is a dream come true. You have spent many years dreaming of the perfect home. You will probably change your mind during the process and a good builder will try to work with you, while controlling the cost. Don't let your dream home turn into a nightmare.
	Encourage You To Inspect Homes Under Construction: When a builder is proud of his work, he will want you to see it under construction. Look at the quality of material and craftsmanship and attitudes of the subs. This means more than a glossy brochure.