Finding and choosing a builder can be difficult. To make it a little easier, Timbero project manager Mikus Mezītis has put together a few important points to keep in mind for a successful search.
Information from relatives, friends and acquaintances who have recently built a house is a good way to get recommendations for builders – or advice on whom to avoid. Ideally the construction should have taken place in the last 2-3 years, as staff in the construction industry change often and this sometimes affects quality. It is also worth looking for reviews online and on social media. On Facebook I can recommend joining the groups Mēs būvējam māju and Koka mājas remonts, būvniecība.
Ask whether the builder has a website or a social media account where you can see their previous work. Ideally the builder can not only show photos of previous projects but also arrange a visit to a house they have built.
Choose a builder with experience in building houses that match your budget, the size of your house and the materials you have chosen. For example, when building a timber frame house, the builder must know and follow the technical solutions professionally and have relevant experience in building timber frame buildings. Or, if the builder has so far built small and simple houses, check whether they will have the knowledge and the workforce for a large and ambitious project.
Does the potential builder answer the phone, and how? How quickly do they reply to emails? How do they respond to questions – do they give information without being asked? Do they offer a choice of materials and suggest solutions where these are not specified in the project? Do they ask clarifying questions? Of course, it is better to choose a builder who is pleasant to communicate with and good to work with. As in any relationship, mutual respect and trust help to make plans happen. But if communication does not go well at the very start, there will certainly be problems later when many important issues have to be solved.
When reviewing and comparing estimates from several builders, pay attention to what exactly is and is not included in each item. The estimate with the lowest total may include the cheapest materials and the simplest solutions, or something important may be missing that you will have to pay for later. If an estimate is too general, you can always ask for it to be broken down into more detailed items.
