Is it considered above and beyond the norm to ask to see someone's home that has used a builder you are checking up on? I am going to be contacting references for a builder we are talking to, and would very much like to see his work first hand.
Opinions are appreciated. Thanks.
It's not at all above or beyond the norm. Ask if the owner is the original owner, and would they buy another home from this particular builder. Caveat emptor, or something like that. Tom
Talking to them would do what is needed. Check local court records to see if the builder is being sued by owners of homes he has built, If I had done that it would have saved me from making a big mistake. I hired a local hack who looses a case ot two a year and wont pay up or fix issues.
My parents used a well known local manufacturer/builder of steel buildings. They asked us if we'd mind if they brought prospective clients by to see their work - at a $50/visit bonus. Every month or so they'd bring someone by.
That is, until I'd filled the whole building with old car parts and other junk. Guess they liked it clean.
-rev
No, you can ask. You can always ask. That being said, under no circumstances will I piss off a good customer so some "Lookie Louie" can tour his house. The best you will get is a phone number and then only after I clear it with my customer. If the customer takes your call and agrees to the tour then you get to inspect. I don't guarantee or arrange tours of other people's homes. There are other views, of course, but they are held by asshole weenies who aren't in the business and are generally clueless.
Driving by and looking at the exterior should be no problem but if you are expecting to pay a bundle to this guy, you should talk to a client or 3 and if you get along, they will invite you to look. What you really want to hear is there was a minor problem that was fixed promptly and professionally. (nobodys perfect but its the way we handle our foils that makes us great)
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