There is no more important task than vetting your custom home builder. If you want your home built correctly, safely, on time, and on budget, you need to ensure that the company you hire to build the home is actually a reputable one. There are many red flags to watch out for, and things to make sure they have or do. If you feel uncomfortable about the process at any time, it’s likely because you don’t have the right builder.

There are a lot of home building companies out there that can be disastrous for your home. They may conduct business unethically, they may be irresponsible with your property, they may take shortcuts to save money on labor and materials that end up leaving your home unsafe, and some may not even finish the job. It is not entirely uncommon for half-finished homes to sit around gathering dust because a builder stole the money paid to them for the completion of the home, and the homeowner cannot afford to start a new contract. To prevent this from becoming your situation, there are some things you should look for and make sure of.

The first thing is to check some references. Ask around about the business and experiences other homeowners have had with them. Ask for proof of licensing and insurance, and employee certifications. You can talk to other building companies and sources of materials for the company you are considering. If they have poor relationships with other contacts in the industry, it is likely they will also end up having a poor relationship with you.

Since building a custom home is the largest financial and emotional investment you are likely to experience in your lifetime, you need to ensure the builder you choose to run the project is worthy of the responsibility. If you are looking for a reputable builder you can trust, or you just want some more information, see what the experts have to say here.