"I first met Jodie while he was building a large room addition, residing, and re-roofing my brother's house. I was impressed with his knowledge and workmanship. He always strived to keep the customer happy and do the job right, whatever it took. I later hired Jodie to install two different types of laminate flooring in 5 rooms of my house. I couldn't believe it, but he was in and out in 3 days. Everything was perfect."
"Choice Home Warranty responded right away and had a technician out to me the following morning. The situation was immediately addressed. The company cares about the customer's satisfaction."
"service provider sent by American Home Shield was excellent. The only issue I have with home warranty services is that they do not send their repair companies out on the week-end, even in an emergency. The customer service personnel is less than enthusiastic or helpful."
"Sentri Homes did an outstanding job communicating with me through the whole renovation process. The result far exceeded my expectations. Very happy and satisfied customer."
Custom Home Builders questions, answered by experts
Hiring a reliable home builder is an essential task, but there are a few questions you can ask a potential builder to ensure you they are trustworthy and up to the task:
How long do you expect the process to take?
Are you fully licensed and insured?
How much of the work will you subcontract?
Will you pull all of the necessary permits for the job?
How long is the builder’s warranty you include with your work?
How do you handle resolution for issues I might have with the finished product?
How much experience do you have?
A construction-to-permanent loan is the most common type of mortgage used to finance a house teardown and rebuild. These loans include financing for construction costs and convert to a long-term mortgage once construction is complete. Check the terms of the loan closely before beginning work—there are often restrictions requiring you to use licensed contractors for all work.
Yes, a home builder or contractor should have the proper licensing and insurance. Licensing requirements vary by state and municipality, but most states mandate that a builder holds at least a general contractor’s license. For specialized work such as plumbing, electrical, roofing, or sewage systems, individual licenses may be required, in which case the builder may subcontract the work. You can use Angi’s state licensing tool to review your local guidelines and confirm a builder's credentials. As you browse professionals, you can also look for the “Angi Certified” badge. This indicates the business meets our certification standards, which include passing a criminal background check, holding applicable state and local licenses, and maintaining an average rating of 3.0 or better.
Ultimately, a work warranty is only as reliable as the contractor you’ve hired. That’s why trust and reputation are such important factors, in addition to having a solid contract and confirming appropriate licensing, insurance, and bonding. When looking for a contractor, it’s a good idea to read online reviews and ratings to see what kind of experience past customers have had. Issues with your contractor can make for an unsatisfying renovation process, but a reliable contractor can make the process go as smoothly as possible.
Building a new home can be more expensive than buying an existing one, depending on the housing market in your area. Many homeowners still find that building a new house is worth the investment as they can choose the exact layout they want, as well as to choose their own floors, wall coverings, appliances, and finishes. If you live close enough to the build site, you can also stop by to check on the builder’s progress, which can provide some peace of mind that the project is worth it.
The Gary, WV homeowners’ guide to custom home building
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
When building a home, going custom gives you the freedom to create your dream house. Learn about the cost to build a custom home and the factors to consider.
Building your dream home starts with hiring a builder. Here is how to find a builder who understands your needs and preferences for your brand-new home.
