Are you embarking on a new home construction project? Know that for this, you will have to choose a builder of individual house. This essential choice should not be left to chance or conditioned by the price, but by the skills, the know-how and the security of a suitable construction contract. Don’t leave your project to chance and choose the right builder to bring your home to life. Discover the essential points to take into account to call on a trusted professional.
Choose a home builder who offers you essential guarantees
To support you in carrying out your project, you must be able to trust a construction professional who provides you with guarantees. A builder must offer you a legal construction contract, but the guarantees vary from one to another.
Here are the two key points that should help you make your choice.
The CCMI or individual house construction contract: a contract that protects
This contract was created by the law of 1990 to protect the future owners when they undertake the construction of their house. It is not mandatory and is therefore not offered by all manufacturers. This contract does not mean that any builder who does not offer one is incompetent and that any builder who offers one is honest, but it protects the future buyer from a large number of risks.
The CCMI is indeed a reassuring contract which regulates the increase in the price of materials, avoiding the manufacturer to impose the tariffs of his choice. Since no added value can be applied, all additional costs that may arise on the construction site will be borne by the builder and not by the client.
In addition, the CCMI sets a delivery price and deadlines that the manufacturer must respect. As a result, the future buyer is assured of being able to dispose of this property at the agreed price and within a predefined period, regardless of the constraints to which the builder is exposed during the construction site.
The CCMI also guarantees the client that the new house will comply with the thermal regulatory standards of RT 2012. In the event of non-compliance, the builder will have to assume the shortcomings and carry out repairs at his own expense. In the absence of CCMI, the responsibility lies with the future owner, even if he calls on an architect. If the construction is assessed as non-compliant, the client will have to carry out compliance work at his own expense after paying a possible fine of 45,000 euros.
Quality exchanges and attentive listening: the guarantees of a personalized service
Your builder’s mission is to carry out your new home construction project. Admittedly, not all desires are achievable within the allocated budget, but as part of his job, this professional must listen to you and offer you solutions that meet your desires, your needs and your expectations, while respecting your financial capacities.
This relationship of trust and listening is essential. The builder must let you express yourself and listen to your expectations, he must identify your project and, in a way, your profile as a future owner in order to build the house that meets your needs. A builder who does not let you express yourself or who imposes house plans or modifications on you will not necessarily be incompetent, but he risks not understanding your desires and missing out on your project. Being the future occupant of the premises, it is up to you to decide what you want, as far as possible.
Be careful, however, not to fall into the opposite excess and not to turn away from all the manufacturers who cannot meet all of your wishes. Each project is unique, but your budget may not be enough to cover your goals. In this case, the manufacturer will have to offer you suitable solutions that will meet your needs while respecting your financial possibilities.
Find out about the skills and know-how of the builder
The reliability of the manufacturer
It is important to check that the chosen manufacturer is competent. Don’t hesitate to ask the various professionals you meet to show you the constructions they have made, or even to show you model houses. However, dishonest manufacturers can rely on fake projects or the achievements of competitors to highlight a non-existent experience.
When you have selected a builder that you like or a panel of professionals who seem interesting, do not hesitate to visit the construction sites carried out or to contact the owners of these properties. Ask them for their opinion on the work carried out in order to get a real idea of the knowledge and know-how of the company being considered.
Similarly, you can contact certain local craftsmen so that they can give you their opinion on the builder that interests you. Always be sure to get information from several sources, because the only word of a professional is not always enough.
The skills of craftsmen
On your site, several craftsmen from different trades will have to intervene. Mason, plasterer, electrician, plumber, tiler, painter… these professionals meet and all intervene at the time that will have been defined by the builder. Find out about the team recruited by the company to whom you wish to entrust the construction of your future home.
If your builder calls on a solid team of professionals with recognized know-how with whom he is used to working, you limit the risk of unpleasant surprises. On the other hand, if he relies on craftsmen he does not know or untrained temporary workers, the risk of poor workmanship is greater. If your builder is honest and transparent, he will give you the names of the professionals he is used to working with. Find out!
Things to watch out for on the construction site
Even if you have made your choice of builder, you will need to remain vigilant throughout the construction site. When signing the contract, your builder must offer you different steps to organize site visits. You will be able to assess compliance with the contract, the cleanliness of the premises and the quality of the materials chosen.
Visit the site on your side very regularly, especially when the craftsmen are present to access the interiors, in order to monitor the proper conduct of the site. Note any anomalies and report them to your builder. This will allow you to save valuable time, especially during the final site acceptance visit.