What are some of the things I should know before I select a contractor?

1. Is this contractor legally certified?
The State of Washington requires that all contractors be licensed, bonded and insured. To verify these things about any contractor you can check the state's online database by going to the following web site and entering the contractor's name or contractor's registration number. http://www.lni.wa.gov/contractors/contractor.asp
Search for us under the Licensed name of BEACON HOMES. Our license number is BEACOH*983C8.

2. Is this contractor experienced?
Ask questions of the builder about his home building experience and his knowledge of the business. Ask for references from current and former customers. For some references for Beacon Homes, please visit HERE

3. How are disagreements handled?
While a written contract attempts to provide for every contingency, occasionally issues arise which are not covered under the terms. It's important to understand your builder's dispute resolution policies in these events.

4. What about warranties?
Does your builder provide a written warranty and how are warranty claims answered? Remember, a warranty is only as good as the builder offering it, so check references to find out how your builder handles warranty work. Beacon "Custom" Homes provides a Home Builder 2/10 Warranty. This means that your home is covered for defects by the builder during the first two years and covered for structural defects for the remaining 8 years by the Home Builder 2/10 Warranty Program. There are some limitations and exclusions so please ask about the program.

5. Who's responsible for pre-construction items?
Who is responsible for things like permits, water purification tests, arranging for power to the site and hooking up phone and cable lines?

6. How are changes to the contract or building plans handled?
Almost every job will require some changes to be made. How are these changes handled and who pays for the change?

7. How does this builder's temperament and personality match yours?
Believe it or not, this more than anything may determine the success of your relationship with the builder. If you're short tempered and he/she is not, that may work. Reverse the situation and watch out. In short, make sure the two of you get along. Your satisfaction with your home may depend on it.

8. Money?
Who pays for what and when? Is there a third party like a bank or escrow company to oversee distribution of funds? There should be.