A residential contractor is used to build custom homes and room additions. While some contractors build tract housing and conventional model housing, other home builders work exclusively on custom homes. With a tract house builder, you’re sure to get an affordable and time tested model that’s built quickly and efficiently.

A custom home builder is set up with a blueprint from your architect and is ready to build. They will have the experience and knowledge of building one-of-a-kind homes so you’ll be sure to get a custom home that fits you and your family just like a glove. But no matter who you hire for the job, be sure to verify licensing information with the local building department before you receive any bids.

Hiring a licensed home builder is important to make certain you get the best person for the job. But it’s not just licensing that’s important either. Insurance is used to protect you as a homeowner from paying for out of pocket expense like damaged or stolen goods. Workers compensation insurance is required by law and is used to protect the home owner from paying for medical treatment for any worker that may get hurt on the job. Always ask to see insurance paperwork before you receive any bids.

But besides the home builder having a good license and up to date insurance, what about the workers who will be employed on your new home? A home builder should always provide a list of active companies and workers that will be performing services or providing materials for your project. This way no matter who gets hired, you can be sure they are licensed and insured.

While licenses and insurance are a must have for any home building company, it doesn’t mean they do a good job. Quality references can provide you with just the right details about how they conduct business and how they perform work. Without at least three or more contactable references you may not know who you’re really hiring. Take a visit to some of the homes they have manufactured to see if the work is up to your standards. Not only will you verify their work, but you might get a few ideas about your new home you hadn’t thought of before.