Skip to content

Home Owner Resources

The HBA of Mid-Michigan is committed to providing education and resources, to building quality homes and helping you confidently find the right builder for your next job.

How to Choose a Home Builder According to the Experts

If you’re in the market for a new home, you should shop for your builder as carefully as you shop for your home. Whether you are buying a condo, a townhouse, a log cabin, a traditional house in a subdivision or a custom-built house, you want to know that you are buying a good quality home from a reputable builder. Here are some tips to help you choose a builder.

Research Home Builders in Your Area

Once you have thought about the type of house you want, you can create a list of potential builders. There are several ways to start building a list of professionals.

The best place to start is by contact the HBA of Mid-Michigan to obtain a list of builders who construct homes in your area.

Review the real estate section of your local newspaper to learn which builders are active in your area, the types of homes they are building, and the prices you can expect to pay.

Ask for Home Builder Recommendations

Local real estate agents can help you find the perfect location or recommend builders. You can also ask friends and relatives about builders they have dealt with directly or ask them for the names of acquaintances who have recently had good experiences with a builder.

Visit and Tour New Homes in Your Community

Look at new homes whenever you can. Home shows and open houses are good opportunities to explore homes constructed by builders in your community. Model homes and houses displayed in home shows are often furnished to provide ideas for using the space.

When examining a home, look at the quality of the main features. Inspect the quality of the construction materials, cabinetry, carpeting, trim work and paint. Do not hesitate to ask questions about the work’s quality or craftsmanship. What seems like an insignificant question might yield a meaningful answer. A professional builder or their representative should be able to answer your questions thoroughly.

Find out if the Home Builder has a Reputable Business

When you have a list of potential builders, it’s time to start learning more about them. Maintaining a reputable business is a significant component of being a professional home builder. A top-notch professional integrates best practices, writes clear contracts, has insurance, provides warranties, and more. Also, professional builders will explain the construction process and building schedule to the buyer.

Ask about Contracts, Pricing and Payment Schedules

A qualified builder will provide a written estimate and a detailed contract before beginning the work. The contract should spell out what work will and will not be performed and provide a payment schedule. You are not protected when something goes wrong if you don’t have a contract. Don’t hire anyone who tells you a contract “won’t be necessary.”

Inquire About a Home Builders Business Practices

In addition, a professional home builder will be able to provide you with a copy of their business license and show proof of their workers’ compensation and liability insurance. These critical elements will protect you from liability for job site injuries or property damage resulting from the work performed on your home. Better business management means better service for homeowners because they can rely on the builder to perform with integrity.

Learn About a Builder’s Level of Customer Service

Home builders strive to construct a new home that will satisfy their customers. They are committed to client satisfaction and emphasize the importance of delivering outstanding service from every member of their team and maintaining a professional approach in every interaction.

Builders will outline how you communicate during the home building process and do their best to accommodate your preferences. It is best to have clear communication expectations and discuss the frequency and method. How you communicate early on with each other will set the tone throughout the building process.

Ask About a Home Builder’s Experience

A builder will usually share how long they have been in business. Longevity suggests financial stability, which is necessary for the home builder to complete the job and still be available if problems arise after the job is finished. You want to make sure they will be around after the construction is complete to service any warranties. Also, the more homes the company has completed, the more expertise the builder will bring to your project.

Building a home is a complex activity. A professional builder is familiar with the construction standards, proper materials, the process from start to finish, new technologies, and has a deep understanding of the minor details and various tools essential to constructing a quality home.

Learn About the Builder’s Industry Education and Involvement

Also inquire about their involvement with professional organizations, such as your local builders’ association. Groups like these keep their members informed about better equipment, tools depending on construction techniques, construction technologies, business practices and construction standards. Participation can be an indicator of a builder’s commitment to professionalism and the residential construction industry.

 

Always Ask Home Builders for References and Contact Them

Any high-quality builder should be ready to provide you with the names and phone numbers of satisfied customers. If they cannot, consider that a red flag and walk away. When reaching out to those former clients, ask about all the pieces of the project. How well did the Builder follow through on the initial plans? Did the Builder meet their expectations with the main features, build, budget, and timing? Remember the most telling question: Would they hire that Builder again if they could do it all over?

Safety, Effectiveness Key Issues for Flood Damage Clean Up

 

Flooding devastates the homeowners who face cleaning up the mess left behind. If you are faced with flood damage, it is important to know the safe and effective methods for cleaning and repair. Before beginning cleaning and repairing your home, be sure that there is no further danger of flooding. Inspect the house from the outside to assess how safe it is to enter. Follow any guidance or orders from your local municipality regarding entering the area. Homes that have been deemed structurally unsound should never be entered. Always avoid stepping in or wading through any standing flood waters if still present, as these waters can be contaminated with harmful chemical or biological agents.

Taking Safety Measures

Wear protective clothing including rubber or work gloves, long-sleeved shirts, long pants and sturdy shoes or boots to provide protection from contaminated water, vermin and debris. A dust mask or respirator may also be required for work around dust or mold.

Managing Utilities

Make sure that all utilities, such as electric, gas and water service have been shut off before entering a structure for the first time. Do not plug in any items to flood-compromised electrical system as the system may be unsafe. Consult a professional and licensed electrician for thorough tested prior to any use.

Unless you have received official word that the water supply is safe, purify all water for drinking, cooking and washing. Sterilize cookware, dishes and utensils before using them.

Contacting Your Insurance Company

Contact your insurance adjuster as soon as possible, but you do not have to wait for the adjuster to arrive before you start your clean-up efforts. Take photos and clearly document any damages to your home or personal belongings as these could be needed when filing a claim. Cleaning should begin as soon as it is safe to do so, but permanent repairs should not be attempted until the home is thoroughly dry and professionally sanitized. This process may take several weeks.

Hiring a Professional

If you need to hire a contractor to perform repairs or restorations on any part of your home, find out if the contractor has a permanent business address and can provide references. Find out how long the contractor has been in business and whether the Better Business Bureau has any record of unresolved complaints. Make sure you get a complete, clearly written contract for the work to be done. Do not pay any cash up front unless you have signed a valid contract.

 Cleaning Surfaces and Flooring

To thoroughly clean walls and woodwork, use a water solution with a commercial-grade anti-microbial disinfectant, and use a stiff brush to scrub away mud and dirt. If the electrical system is operating safely, a dehumidifier, fan, or air conditioner can cut drying time.

Remove the interior surface of damaged, insulated walls to above the water height. Depending on the level of the flood waters within the home, when removing interior walls, consider that damages can extend 3-4 feet above the high-water mark. Discard any wet drywall and insulation and wash interior studs with disinfectant to inhibit mold or mildew growth. Keep the area well ventilated. Before replacing the insulation and the wall material, the open walls should be allowed to dry thoroughly. This process may take a month or more.

If you decide to clean the carpets yourself, pull up all water-soaked carpets and pads. Hose them off and scrub them with a solution of detergent and water if heavily soiled. Rinsing with a mild solution of water and chlorine bleach can retard odor and mildew, but chlorine bleach should not be used on wool and certain other types of fibers. Be sure the carpet is thoroughly dry before relaying it. Rubber and waffle-weave pads can be reused.

If water has seeped beneath sheet flooring, the entire sheet should be removed and replaced. For tile floors, loose tiles may be re-cemented if the floor is otherwise acceptable after it dries. Check that the subfloor is thoroughly dry before applying any new floor coverings. The drying process may take weeks or months.

Managing Furniture and Appliances

Take flood-affected wood furniture outdoors to hose off. All drawers and other detachable parts should be removed for cleaning. Dry the furniture slowly to prevent warping and be sure not to dry it in direct sunlight. As wood is porous, watch closely for any mold growth in the days and weeks after the flood and discard should any growth appear. Discard mattresses and any fibrous furniture that have been soaked in flood waters.

Most motorized appliances can be saved. Turn off the electricity or other power source, unplug the appliance and open it as much as possible to wipe it clean. Use extreme caution when opening flood-damaged refrigerators, as rotten food and foul odors can attract varmints and pests. If possible, tilt the appliance to drain any standing water. Let the appliance dry and have it checked by an appliance repair professional before you plug it in. Cleaning up after any disaster is never easy or fast, but it can be safe and effective.

 

Contractor Checklist 

  • COMPANY NAME, ADDRESS, PHONE NUMBER AND THE FULL NAME AND LICENSE NUMBER OF THE BUILDER/CONTTRACTOR AND OR SALESPERSON
  • DETAILED JOB SPECIFICATIONS, BRAND NAMES, COLORS, GRADES, STYLES AND MODEL NUMBERS OF MATERIALS, A LIST OF ALL COST SPELLED OUT CLEARLY
  • ARCHITECT OR ENGINEER DRAWINGS THAT ARE REQUIRED
  • START & COMPLETION DATES
  • A STATEMENT THAT ALL REQUIRED BUILDING PERMITS AND VARIANCES WILL BE OBTAINED BY THE CONTRACTOR BEFORE WORK HAS BEGUN.
  • A GUARANTEE OF THE BUILDERS LIABILITY INSURANCE AND WORKERS COMPENSATION COVERAGE.
  • A WARRANTY OF WORK, TO INCLUDE LABORS AND MATERIALS
  • TERMS OF PAYMENT
  • IF IN AGREEMENT, BOTH THE CONTRACTOR AND HOMEOWNER MUST SIGN AND DATE THE CONTRACT.
  • ANY CHANGES MUST BE DATED AND INITIALED BY BOTH PARTIES
  • A RIGHT TO CANCEL CLAUSE, IF YOU ARE SOLICITED AND HAVE SIGNED THE CONTRACT IN YOUR HOME, YOU HAVE 3 DAYS TO CANCEL THE CONTRACT, YOU MUST SEND THE CONTRACTOR A REGISTERED LETTER STATING YOU WISH TO CANCEL.

 

 

Make Your Home Safe for All Ages

Your 80-year-old aunt is coming to stay for a few days. You’re looking forward to the visit, but realize your home may not be entirely “older-generation” friendly. To help enhance the safety and comfort of your visitor, especially one who may have some of the physical challenges that come with aging, here are a few quick and inexpensive things you can do to make the time less stressful for you and more comfortable for your guest:

Consider pathways in the house. Clear obstacles, and maybe even move furniture that a person usually has to maneuver around. Move any electrical cords that are where a person might walk – perhaps taping them to a wall or using a hook. Clear stairs of any objects— shoes, books, and other personal items that tend to collect on the lower treads. Also check that railings on stairs inside and out are secure and make repairs where needed.

Lighting is crucial. Put night lights in bathrooms, the guest bedroom, any hallways near the guest bedroom, and perhaps in the kitchen. Make sure there is a lamp or light switch within easy reach of the guest bed so that your visitor can keep a light on until safely tucked in. Well-lit outdoor walkways and entrances are also key for coming or going when it is dark.

Be sure the shower your guest will use has a non-slip floor. To enhance the traction, apply non-slip strips or a suction-attached non-slip mat, both readily available at home improvement stores.

Secure or, preferably, remove any throw rugs, including bathroom mats. Edges of rugs can be a tripping hazard, and even a slight scoot can affect a person’s balance. If there are rugs you want to secure rather than remove, non-slip pads can help, but safer still would be to apply double-sided carpet tape or even caulk to attach the rug to the floor. If you choose one of these methods, be mindful that you don’t mar the floor underneath.

 

Identify seating in your gathering rooms that is appropriately firm, high in the seat, and preferably that has arms to help a person easily sit down and get up. A chair that is too soft or too low to the ground can strand a person awkwardly. If in doubt about the available seating in the room, bring a dining chair with arms into the room as an alternative.

______________________________________________

 

Protect Your Home from Severe Weather

During severe weather, your house may endure the brutal conditions of tornadoes, hurricanes, blizzards and other punishing storms.

Take the time now to equip your home with the accessories it will need to survive a storm. Don’t wait until the forecast calls for severe weather because you may not have enough time to take necessary preparations.

Review Your Insurance Policies

Before you do anything else, look over your insurance policies to make sure you’re covered for losses incurred as the result of a natural disaster or brutal storm. Damage caused by flooding, earthquakes and hurricanes is generally not covered by your regular homeowner’s policy but can be purchased separately. Make lists or videotapes of your belongings as documentation for the insurance company and keep that documentation in a safe location away from your house.

Seal Windows and Doors

Try to prevent wind and water from entering through windows, cracks, entry doors and garage doors. Wind funneling through your house pushes upward, and could lift the roof, allowing heavy rains to damage the interior of your home. Especially in hurricane-prone areas it is important to seal your windows and doors as tightly as possible. You can purchase and install special storm shutters to cover your windows.

DIY Storm Shutters

You can also make your own set of shutters out of ¾ inch marine plywood or metal storm panels. Make sure they overlap the windows on all sides by four inches. Then mark them so you know which window they fit. Don’t forget to make shutters for your skylight windows. Once made, the shutter panels can be stored and used when necessary. These shutters can help protect homes from all rainstorms accompanied by high winds, not just hurricanes.

Consider Steel Doors

After you’ve made shutters for all your windows, start working on your doors. If you live in an area that frequently gets heavy storms, consider installing steel entry doors. High winds can easily tear through double doors, French doors and sliding patio doors that have no structural support between the two sides. You may need to purchase and install special hardware to more adequately secure the doors where they meet. Try bolts that fasten the door into the framing at the top and the bottom.

Remember Your Roof

A roof in good condition can shield your home’s interior from the storm outside. So, roof work is another essential step in preparing your house to withstand a severe storm. Apply sealing around your home’s chimney or vent pipes. This will help prevent water from seeping into your home. Hire a contractor to check the structural integrity of the roof system.

Clean out clogged gutters and downspouts. If the rain that accompanies a heavy storm can’t run through the gutters and downspouts, it will spill over the sides, landing in areas where it can soak through to your home’s foundation, causing flooding and structural damage.

Clear Your Yard

Next, take steps to protect your home from objects that take flight during a storm. Do a little yard work. Remove all dead and dying limbs from your trees, and secure lawn furniture, trashcans, flowerpots and other yard ornaments. Disconnect and remove exterior television antennas from the roof. Then take all lawn furniture, grills, potted plants and other lawn accessories inside your house. If you can’t secure lawn furniture or other outdoor items, bring them inside as well. High-speed winds could transform any of these objects into flying missiles. Tie down the larger items such as sheds, doghouses, playhouses, swing sets and boats.

Prepare to Shelter-in-Place

Finally, stock your cupboards and closets with anything you might need if you have to take shelter inside your house during a summer storm. Keep a battery-operated radio, several flashlights in case you lose electricity, and plastic sheeting to cover exposed areas.

Fill your drawers with brand new packages of live batteries for the flashlights. Stash canned foods and other non-perishable food items in your cupboards in case you can’t get out to the supermarket for a while. And pile blankets into your closets in case you lose electricity and your house becomes cold. When you and your house are prepared, you’re more likely to weather the toughest storm. Taking time now to prepare your home for storm season could save you a lot of money later.