So you’ve purchased land, and you’re eager to start building your dream home. The next step is of course, to hire a custom home designer. Unfortunately, finding a contracting company that you can trust with your project is not as simple as it may seem.

Before hiring a custom home designer, there are a few questions that you can ask to help determine whether or not they will be able to bring your vision to life. At Christensen’s Contracting Company, we specialize in custom home design in the Pacific Northwest, and strive to help each of our clients create their dream properties.

If you are thinking about designing a custom home, make sure you have the resources you need to make it a success. Below we have provided a few key questions that property owners should ask before hiring a custom home designer.

Are they licensed and insured?

Before moving any further in the decision making process, it is essential to make sure contractors have the necessary credentials to take on your building project. Check to ensure the company is licensed and insured so that you can guarantee a high standard of safety, workmanship, and financial coverage in the event of any on-site damages. Without an adequate insurance plan, a contracting company may have the right to charge their clients thousands of dollars in compensation for personal injuries that occur during construction. To reduce the risk of extreme financial loss, we strongly recommend requesting documentation prior to working with a custom home designer.

Have they designed homes in a similar style?

The sky's the limit when you decide to build a custom home. Despite this, many custom home designers have a limited repertoire, and lack experience with certain building styles or materials. Whether you are looking for a sleek, modern build complete with floor-to-ceiling glass, or a cozy, red brick feel, it is important to find a designer who can show you a wide variety of designs. Viewing a diverse portfolio is also a great way to find inspiration if you do not yet have a clear idea of what you are looking for. A background in similar building projects will enable the contractor to make suggestions based on their experience.

Will they oversee every step of the process?

One of the biggest risks you can take in the process of building a custom home is to hire too many contractors. For example, hiring a designer that does not have access to their own construction team may lead to miscommunication between workers. As a result, your initial design plan may not be fulfilled. It is also difficult for designers to estimate the total cost of a project when they are not involved in the building stage. The best way to keep your project consistent is by sourcing out a reliable contracting company that will be there from conception to completion.

Do they work with subcontractors?

Despite the reputability of a contracting business, it is impossible to predict the quality of the company’s work if they outsource project elements to various subcontractors. By working with a design company that has a team of in-house building contractors, you will be able to gauge the company’s standard of service and easily make adjustments to your building plans by maintaining an open dialogue with the entire team. At Christensen’s Contracting Company, we guarantee an excellent result by never working with subcontractors.

If you are looking for a custom home design in the Pacific Northwest, our contractors are happy to help. Take the first step towards your dream home by reaching out to us today.