Choosing a home builder? Research reviews, check credentials, and compare quotes. Prioritize experience, communication, and quality to build your dream home!
Choosing the right home builder is one of the most important decisions you will make when creating your dream home. The builder you select affects the final quality, the timeline, your budget, and how smoothly the entire process proceeds from design and permitting to construction and move in. Use the practical steps below to evaluate candidates in Knoxville, TN and East Tennessee and to avoid common pitfalls.
Define Your Vision, Style and Needs
Before interviewing builders, be clear about what you want. Pick an architectural style such as modern, craftsman, farmhouse, or a blend. List the features that matter most, for example open living spaces, abundant natural light, smart home technology, or energy efficient systems. Decide whether you already own a lot or need help finding one, and set a realistic budget and timeline. Knowing those fundamentals helps you choose a builder that actually matches your priorities.
If smart systems and automation are priorities, review how technology is integrated at the planning stage on our Smart Homes page. If coordinated interior finishes and flow are important, see examples of complete interior planning on our Interior Design page.
Gather Local Referrals and Do Research
Start with local referrals. Ask neighbors, real estate professionals, architects, and subcontractors who they recommend. Builders who work in Knoxville and nearby East Tennessee will understand local soil conditions, permit processes, and neighborhood expectations. Drive through neighborhoods to spot work in progress and builder signage so you can follow up.
Examine builder websites and portfolios to evaluate consistency, style, and finish quality. You can view homes we have completed on our Portfolio page to see examples of our work and quality standards.
Verify Licensing, Insurance and Experience
Make sure any builder you consider is licensed and insured for work in your county or city. Licensing ensures compliance with local rules and standards. Insurance such as general liability and workers compensation protects you from exposure during construction. Ask to see documentation and verify it.
Experience matters. Ask how many years the builder has been doing custom homes and how many projects similar to yours they have completed in Knoxville and East Tennessee. Builders who have done projects like yours are more likely to anticipate issues and manage them effectively. Learn more about our team and experience on our About page.
Visit Finished Homes and Inspect Craftsmanship
Photos are useful, but visiting real homes is essential. Ask to tour completed projects that are similar to your scope. Inspect trim work, cabinetry and finish transitions. Check how siding is installed and how windows and doors align and seal. Ask homeowners how the builder handled warranty items and if anything required repeat attention.
Seeing how homes have aged and how finishes hold up shows you a builder’s long term standards.
Evaluate Communication and Project Management
A successful build depends on communication. Ask the builder who will be your primary contact during construction. Confirm how often you will receive updates and in what form. Some builders provide weekly photos and schedules, others use project management portals, and others prefer scheduled on-site meetings.
Ask how they manage changes to scope and how they handle delays such as weather or supply issues. Builders with documented processes for decisions and change orders reduce confusion and keep the project on track.
Understand Pricing, Estimates and Budget Transparency
Request a line item estimate that explains what is included in the base price and what will be treated as upgrades. Understand allowances and at what point you must make finish selections. Ask how change orders are priced and approved.
Be wary of unusually low bids. If a quote seems too good to be true, it often hides omitted scope or thin quality. Set aside a contingency of five to ten percent for site surprises or last minute changes.
Review Contracts and Warranty Terms Carefully
A thorough contract protects both parties. The contract should specify scope, timeline and milestone dates, payment schedule, change order procedures, and warranty coverage. Confirm what the warranty covers for structure, mechanical systems and workmanship, and how warranty requests are handled after move in.
A builder who offers clear warranty terms demonstrates confidence in workmanship and materials.
Inspect Materials, Methods and Long Term Performance
Ask what materials are specified for framing, roofing, windows, insulation and HVAC. Discuss energy efficiency approaches such as comprehensive air sealing, high performance windows and high SEER HVAC equipment. Confirm whether smart home wiring and automation infrastructure will be integrated during construction rather than installed after the build.
If interiors are important, make sure the builder coordinates finishes and lighting with design intent. Our Interior Design page shows how we plan interiors so the architecture and finishes work together from the start.
Watch for Red Flags and Warning Signs
Some warning signs to avoid include reluctance to share references, vague or inconsistent documentation, unresponsiveness, and bids that are significantly lower than comparable quotes. Also be cautious if a builder does not use a formal change order process or lacks warranty support. High subcontractor turnover or a history of unresolved disputes are other reasons to walk away.
If you encounter multiple red flags, continue your search until you find a builder who demonstrates transparency and accountability.
Trust Fit, Professionalism and Relationship
Beyond technical skills, select a builder you feel comfortable working with over months of decisions and milestones. You should feel heard and respected. The right builder treats your project as a partnership. Watch how they answer tough questions. If they are evasive or defensive, that is an indicator.
Why Choose Biles Construction LLC in Knoxville and East Tennessee
At Biles Construction LLC we built our practice around straightforward communication, regional knowledge and high quality craft. We serve clients throughout Knoxville and East Tennessee and we focus on:
- Local knowledge of permits, site conditions and regional standards
- Smart home integration planned from design, not added later; view our Smart Homes page to see examples
- Interior planning and finish coordination to ensure beauty and function; learn more on our Interior Design page
- A portfolio of completed custom homes you can review on our Portfolio page
- A transparent process and clear contract terms so you know what to expect at every milestone
If you want to learn more about our history and values, visit our About page. When you are ready to talk, schedule a consultation through our Contact page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the first step I should take when considering a custom home build?
The absolute first step is to define your vision, style, and needs for the home, including your desired architectural style, key features (like open spaces or smart technology), and a realistic budget and timeline. This clarity is essential before engaging a builder.
How do I verify a builder is qualified and trustworthy?
Always verify the builder is licensed and insured for work in your area. Check their experience, ask for local referrals, and review their Portfolio of completed homes to assess the quality and consistency of their work. You can also learn more about a builder's background on their About page.
How important is visiting a builder's completed projects?
It is essential. While a portfolio is helpful, visiting finished homes allows you to inspect the quality of craftsmanship firsthand—including trim work, finishes, and material installation—and see how the homes have aged over time.
What role does technology play in a modern custom home?
Smart home technology and automation are increasingly crucial. They should be integrated at the planning stage, including wiring infrastructure, to ensure systems work seamlessly with the home's design. Review our approach to modern integration on our Smart Homes page.
How should I evaluate the builder's communication style?
Ask who your primary contact will be and how often you will receive updates (e.g., weekly photos, project management portals). A successful build relies on clear, consistent communication and documented processes for managing change orders and delays.
What is the best way to handle pricing and budget transparency?
Request a detailed line item estimate that clearly defines what is included (scope) versus what is an allowance or upgrade. Be sure to set aside a contingency fund (typically 5-10%) for unexpected site issues or changes.
Should I worry about a bid that is significantly lower than others?
Yes, be wary of unusually low bids. A price that seems "too good to be true" may hide omitted scope, lower quality materials, or a lack of budget transparency that could lead to unexpected costs later.
What are the key components of a good construction contract and warranty?
A solid contract should specify the scope, timeline, payment schedule, and change order procedures. The warranty must clearly define coverage for structure, mechanical systems, and workmanship, and outline the process for handling warranty requests after move-in.
How does a builder manage interior design and finishes?
The best builders coordinate interiors and finishes with the architecture from the start to ensure a cohesive look and feel. This includes planning finishes, cabinetry, and lighting. See how we approach finish coordination on our Interior Design page.
If I'm ready to move forward, how do I start the process?
If you have chosen a builder that demonstrates transparency, experience, and a good fit, the next step is typically to schedule a consultation to discuss your specific project. You can start a conversation with us via our Contact page.