Tips and Suggestions Serving Southport, Oak Island, St. James, Winding River and Surrounding areas of Brunswick County

Define your needs.  What size, type and price range of home do you need? While some builders construct a broad range of homes, many builders also specialize in a specific type of home, price range, or style. For example, not many firms build starter homes for first-time buyers and also multi-million dollar homes for affluent custom home buyers. The building materials, trade contractors and even the building process itself can differ greatly by type and price of the home. Look for a fit here. We are here to help you in this decision.

Is there a design fit? Does this builder have expertise in the style of home you seek? Traditional, Low-Country, Contemporary etc. While many builders have expertise in a variety of design styles and architectural details, in general, look for a builder whose work includes at least some examples of the style of home you want.

Experience counts. While every builder was once a new builder, experience matters – how long have they been building homes? What areas have they built in? What type of locations and are they foundations, slabs or pilings? Barry Martin and Southern Shores Development has the experience you need and want to have your custom new home built; over 42 years experience!

Are past buyers satisfied? Ask for – and check – references from past home buyers. You NEED TO CHECK EACH ONE – very important!! ? Many builders offer customer references and referrals. If not, ask. And in either case, follow up. A few great questions to ask: Would you buy another home from this builder or have them build you another home? Or recommend them to close friends or family? And don’t forget to ask the key reasons for why a past home buyer would or would not recommend a builder. Some of our homeowner’s have been in their current homes for at least 10 – 15 years now with no major problems at all …just touch up work. It’s proven that Southern Shores Development has VERY satisfied homeowners!

 

Look for signs of quality. In workmanship, look for quality materials being used and professional building practices when you tour these homesites during the building process. 

Verify if the builder is licensed and insured? Contact the North Carolina License Board for General Contractors & make sure the contract with the builder does not exceed their license limitation. Is the builder adequately insured with general liability and worker’s compensation or other insurance? Is the companies sub-contractor’s insured?  Is the builder willing to give you, the homeowner, a Certificate of Insurance during Construction? Also, the builder should carry an adequate amount builders risk during the complete phases of construction, especially if the homeowner is paying cash for the house and the bank is involved.

Warranty, Follow-Up Service and Punch List Work: How does the builder stack up for each on the warranty, follow-up service and punch work items? Ask for a copy of the builder’s warranty in writing & how long is the warranty good for and exactly what is covered? You should ask how the follow-up service and any punch list items are handled.  One of the top advantages of having Southern Shores Development, LLC build you a new home is that the products used for construction, systems and components it contains are brand-new and under warranty, for at least one year and some as long as five to ten years (see the individual warranties). The peace of mind that comes with knowing that major repairs on HV/AC, some roofing materials and certain other components are just as important. Southern Shores Development, is a builder who provides prompt and courteous service under warranty and who takes time to explain the proper maintenance and care that any home needs; all punch list items are handled in the same manner: prompt and courteous service that is convenient to the current homeowner.

Tour model homes and/or homes this builder built for past buyers: Once you’ve narrowed down a list of prospective builders using the criteria above, this is the most important step. Nothing substitutes for touring a home built by Southern Shores Development. It can be a furnished and decorated model home that’s open to the public, or it can be a home that Barry constructed for a past homeowner that you visit by appointment. In either case, pay careful attention to the look, feel, quality and value of the home built by Barry Martin and Southern Shores Development

Look for signs of quality: Look for signs of quality construction and attention to detail when you visit the homes built by Southern Shores Development. Also consider the building products that a Barry uses; these are brands with well-earned reputations for quality. Southern Shores Development also shows signs of care and attention to detail in every home we build. 

Subcontractors For Southern Shores Development: Our sub-contractors have the knowledge to be the best workers in the building industry and in their respective trades; they are courteous, prompt and professional in your interactions with them as well as showing a sincere interest in you, your needs and desires for your new home; they listen carefully and provide good professional answers to your questions. 

 

Again, a reputable contractor is one that will not only have their information available, but will offer it eagerly.