How to Choose a Home Builder – 30 Key Tips for Virginia Beach
Choosing a home builder isn’t just about finding someone who can pour concrete and hammer nails — it’s about finding the right partner for one of the biggest projects (and investments) of your life.
So, how do you choose the right home builder?
So, how do you choose the right home builder?
Start by asking the right questions, doing a bit of homework, and knowing what to look for before signing a contract. The more informed you are, the better your chances of avoiding costly mistakes.
To make this easier, we’ve put together 30 practical, experience-based tips that will help guide your decision:
- Identify Your Needs
- Conduct Thorough Research
- Evaluate Experience and Past Projects
- Assess Communication and Customer Service
- Get Detailed Quotes
- Verify Credentials
- Make an Informed Decision
- Search for Specific Expertise
- Visit Past Projects
- Discuss Customization
- Search for Billing Transparency
- Seek Recommendations
- Understand the Timeline
- Check for Eco-Friendly Options
- Review the Contract Thoroughly
- Inquire About After-Sale Services
- Ask About Financing
- Check for Associations and Awards
- Inspect Their Safety Record
- Understand the Payment Schedule
- Evaluate Their Problem-Solving Skills
- Visit Ongoing Projects
- Check if the Builder Has a Strong Reputation
- Look for a Commitment to Quality
- Check if the Company Has Good Financial Stability
- Understand the Entire Building Process
- Visit Display Homes Before Deciding
- Inquire About the Builder’s Business Practices
- Interview the Home Builders Directly
- Make a List of Potential Builders
Let’s dive in!
1. Identify Your Needs
- When you narrow down your needs, it becomes much easier to find a home builder that aligns with your vision from the start, especially for a Virginia Beach coastal home. Here are some things to consider:
- Style: What kinds of coastal home styles are you drawn to? Clean and contemporary? Traditional? Beach cottage? Many home builders specialize in specific styles, and looking at their past work is a great way to determine whether they share your aesthetic preferences.
- Size: Are you looking to build a spacious beachfront home for your extended family or a cozy cottage-style rental to add to your portfolio?
- Features: What are your must-have features? From expansive decks and outdoor living spaces to hurricane-resistant materials and smart home technology integration, certain features can greatly impact the construction timeline and costs.
- Budget: Be realistic with your budget. Not only will it give you practical limitations on the scale and complexity of your project, but it’ll also help you determine which builders are within reach.
Of course, you’ll also want to consider your timeline. If you’re looking to finish a home project as soon as possible, it might weed out a few contractors with booked schedules.
By clarifying these aspects, you’ll be well on your way to understanding how to choose a home builder in VA that perfectly matches your coastal home vision.
2. Conduct Thorough Research
When you’re on the hunt for the perfect coastal home builder in Virginia Beach, thorough research is essential.
Start by checking online reviews. What are past clients saying about their experiences? This will give you a good sense of their reputation.
Next, don’t forget to ask friends, family, and neighbors for recommendations. Personal referrals can be gold.
Then, take a look at builders’ portfolios. Do their past projects match your vision? Seeing is believing! Finally, ensure they have the proper licenses and insurance. This is non-negotiable for protecting your investment.
By taking these steps, you’ll be well on your way to making an informed decision and partnering with the right builder for your Virginia Beach dream home.
3. Evaluate Experience and Past Projects
Choosing a home builder with the right experience can make all the difference, especially for coastal homes.
Experience: Look for builders with extensive experience in the type of home you want. Have they built homes similar to your vision before?
Past Projects: Examine their past projects closely. Are the designs and quality up to your standards? Do they have a portfolio that showcases a range of successful builds?
Client Feedback: Pay attention to feedback from previous clients. Were they satisfied with the builder’s work and professionalism?
Here at RBC Homes, we specialize in building custom luxury homes in the Coastal Virginia region. Learn more about our work by exploring our gallery of past home-building projects.
4. Assess Communication and Customer Service
Getting to know your home builder is crucial. First impressions matter, especially in how a builder communicates. You can learn a lot from that initial phone call or email exchange.
Building a home is a big investment, and you deserve a builder who’s transparent throughout the process. They should be upfront about their experience, costs, and any potential challenges.
If the builder seems evasive or hesitant to answer your questions, that’s a red flag. You want a partner you can trust, someone who will keep you informed and involved every step of the way.
We value transparency above all here at RBC Homes. Get in touch with us to learn more about our home-building process.
5. Get Detailed Quotes
When you get a quote from a home builder, it should be more than an arbitrary number.
We provide comprehensive cost breakdowns here at RBC Homes, meaning every individual expense, from labor to site preparation and permitting, is transparent.
In getting detailed quotes, you can also make sure the costs align with your budget.
6. Verify Credentials
Just because a home builder says they have credentials on their website doesn’t mean you should take it at face value. Do your own research to find out whether they have a license or insurance in your state.
RBC Homes is a class-A licensed luxury home builder here in Coastal Virginia.
7. Make an Informed Decision
Building a new custom home in Virginia Beach is one of the most significant investments you’ll ever make. To ensure your project meets your expectations, it’s crucial to take the time to interview multiple builders and thoroughly research your options.
By selecting a builder with a proven track record and a style that matches your own, you can make a more informed decision and move forward with confidence, knowing that your dream home is in capable hands.
At RBC Homes, we pride ourselves on our years of expertise in new home construction and remodeling in the Virginia Beach area.
Our portfolio showcases a variety of custom homes that reflect the unique styles and preferences of our clients, ensuring that our work aligns perfectly with your vision.
8. Search for Specific Expertise
When embarking on a custom home-building project in Virginia Beach, it’s essential to find a builder with specific expertise to meet your unique requirements.
Many projects demand specialized spaces or distinctive architectural styles, and RBC Homes excels in these areas.
At RBC Homes, we specialize in creating custom luxury homes tailored to coastal environments.
Our homes feature coastal landscaping, expansive outdoor living areas, and floor-to-ceiling windows designed to maximize natural light and offer breathtaking views.
We place a special emphasis on ensuring that our structures are built to withstand the harsh environmental elements common to the coastal lifestyle, ensuring durability and longevity.
Read More: Living in Virginia Beach – Your Guide to Coastal Living
9. Visit Past Projects
If you have a specific style in mind for your custom home in Virginia Beach, one of the most effective ways to find a builder that aligns with your vision is by reviewing their past projects.
At RBC Homes, we encourage prospective clients to explore our extensive online portfolio, showcasing a variety of custom homes and remodeling projects we have completed in the Virginia Beach area.
Additionally, we recommend reaching out to our past clients to gain deeper insight into their personal experiences with our company.
Visiting our past projects and speaking with our satisfied clients is the best way to make an informed decision.
10. Discuss Customization
Every homeowner is unique, and finding the right builder means choosing one that offers extensive customization options for your coastal home.
Imagine a beachside home that perfectly matches your lifestyle, from the finishing touches to upgraded kitchen appliances and the ideal color palette.
Your builder should be able to adapt to your needs and ensure every detail aligns with your vision.
Ready to bring your dream home to life? Get in touch with us to learn more about our custom luxury home projects in Virginia Beach.
11. Search for Billing Transparency
Does the company’s billing method offer transparency?
As a client electing to engage in a Cost plus Contract versus a Fixed Price Contract you should be able to see the cost of each component used in construction of your new custom home.
We take great pride in our billing transparency, as we believe it creates a sense of trust between us and our clients.
12. Seek Recommendations
We always encourage our clients to inquire among friends and family before diving into a new project with a custom home builder.
In fact, word of mouth is one of the most reliable and effective ways in knowing how to choose a home builder that’s reputable. Actively seeking advice from those you know can provide you with more insight into a company’s past success stories.
13. Understand the Timeline
While unexpected delays can happen, having a project timeline in place that both aligns with your schedule and your needs is key.
When speaking with a potential home builder, see if you can get a detailed timeline, which includes the planning and preparation phases.
An experienced custom home builder should be able to develop a timeline with realistic expectations to optimize the construction process from start to finish.
14. Check for Eco-Friendly Options
Even as luxury custom home builders, one of the main elements we aim to prioritize in our work is sustainability, as it benefits both the land we build on and the surrounding communities.
If sustainability and eco-friendly construction are important to you, look for contractors that have statements pointing to their eco-friendly material usage or green practices.
Ask if your contractor can implement energy-efficient appliances in your new home or whether or not they use any recyclable or natural materials.
15. Review the Contract Thoroughly
If you aren’t a legal professional, we’d recommend finding someone who is to walk you through your construction contract to tell you whether or not your interests are protected.
However, if you’d like to look it over beforehand, there are a couple of things to pay attention to:
- Whether or not the scope of the work is outlined clearly
- The final price, including additional costs and allowances
- Payment schedules
- Timelines
- Warranties
A thorough contract will protect both you and the builder, which is why the review process is such a crucial part of choosing a home builder.
16. Inquire About After-Sale Services
Many newly built custom homes come with after-sale services, such as warranties and maintenance.
If your chosen home builder doesn’t provide a warranty, it’s likely because they aren’t confident in their craftsmanship.
Again, this is a big red flag, and an important aspect when determining how to choose a home builder.
Learn more about our special after-sale services at RBC Homes!
17. Ask About Financing
If you’re building a custom home and not paying in cash, you’ll have to consider financing options.
Many home builders have relationships with Banks which offer construction/permanent loans, a financing vehicle which can fund a portion of the land cost, fund construction costs, and which is also a long-term mortgage.
This type of loan usually offers a 12 to 18 month construction term and generally the borrower pays interest only on that portion of the loan actually advanced to fund construction.
However, financing options can vary, so getting a good idea of what financing options are available is crucial.
18. Check for Associations and Awards
Home builders with industry recognition and awards most often provide a higher level of expertise. We don’t earn awards in this industry without a commitment to consistent excellence.
You can typically find this information on a builder’s website, though you can also check with professional housing associations, such as the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) or your local Home Builders Association (HBA).
19. Inspect Their Safety Record
RBC Homes is dedicated to safety in all forms, protecting not only the clients whose homes we are building by adhering to strict safety standards but also the builders themselves with proper training programs and on-site protocol.
As a client, we urge you to inquire about the safety practices of any contractor you’re thinking of hiring when figuring out how to choose a home builder.
- Do they have a clean record without any incidents for which they’re at fault?
- Do they offer their builders professional training with the latest and most up-to-date standards?
- Do they carry adequate insurance during the construction process?
Prioritizing safety means minimizing risks and disruptions during the construction process and protecting every party with a stake in the project.
20. Understand the Payment Schedule
Payment schedules are part of just about every construction process.
They detail the timeline of payments that must be made throughout a project’s timeline.
A quality schedule strikes a balance between the client’s desire to only pay for work that’s been completed and the contractor’s need to receive payment on time.
As we said before, knowing how to choose a home builder has a lot to do with finding a timeline that works for you.
Make sure the payment schedule is something you completely understand so that both parties can agree to it confidently.
21. Evaluate Their Problem-Solving Skills
Beyond exploring your potential contractor’s portfolio, try to find out more about any issues they may have run into in the past and whether or not they will be able to find solutions for them.
There are many problems we face here at RBC Homes that are out of our control, from inclement weather to unforeseen site conditions and last-minute design changes. However, we also have years of experience and a proven track record, which helps us handle issues as they arise.
Knowing that you’re working with a home builder who has a track record of addressing and dealing with challenges can make for a much less stressful process.
22. Visit Ongoing Projects
When figuring out how to choose a home builder for your home in Virginia Beach, one of the last things we recommend is visiting their ongoing projects if feasible.
This allows you to see how they work in real-time.
By observing their operations firsthand, you get a more hands-on look at their professionalism, organization, and craftsmanship. It’s an excellent way to gauge if they are the right fit for your custom coastal home project.
Contact us to learn more about our ongoing luxury custom home projects. We’d love for you to see how we operate!
23. Check if the Builder Has a Strong Reputation
Understanding how to choose a home builder also starts with looking at their reputation. It says a lot about the quality of their work and how they treat their clients.
Start by reading online reviews across multiple platforms like Google, Houzz, and the Better Business Bureau. Look for consistent patterns — not just star ratings, but specific feedback about communication, workmanship, and how problems were handled.
You can also ask for references. Speaking directly with past clients gives you an honest view of what it’s like to work with the builder day to day. Were they transparent about costs? Did they meet deadlines? Were there any unexpected issues?
A strong reputation isn’t built overnight — it’s earned through reliability, craftsmanship, and trust. Choose a builder whose track record shows they take those things seriously.
24. Look for a Commitment to Quality
Not all builders hold the same standards — and when it comes to your home, quality matters at every level.
Look beyond surface-level finishes. Ask about the materials they use, their relationships with subcontractors, and how they handle inspections and quality checks throughout the build. A quality-focused builder will never cut corners, even in places you can’t see.
Don’t be afraid to ask for specifics:
- What brands do they use for windows, roofing, or HVAC?
- Do they offer warranties on both materials and workmanship?
- How do they handle issues during the final walkthrough?
A builder who’s committed to quality will be transparent, proud of their process, and willing to stand behind their work long after move-in day.
25. Check if the Company Has Good Financial Stability
A builder’s financial health directly impacts your project. If the company isn’t financially stable, you risk delays, unpaid subcontractors, or even a project that never gets completed.
Before signing a contract, ask a few key questions:
- How long has the company been in business?
- Do they have solid relationships with suppliers and lenders?
- Can they provide proof of insurance and bonding?
You can also check public records or request a letter of good standing from their bank or bonding company. A financially sound builder will have no problem providing reassurance — and it’s one more way to protect your investment.
26. Understand the Entire Building Process
Knowing how to choose a home builder means understanding more than just their portfolio — it means understanding their process.
Before you commit to a builder, make sure you fully understand how their building process works — from the first consultation to the final walk-through.
Ask the builder to outline each phase:
- What happens during the design and planning stages?
- When will you make decisions about materials and finishes?
- How often will you receive updates or walk the site?
A clear, step-by-step process not only helps you stay informed — it helps you plan your own timeline, finances, and expectations. It also shows that the builder has a system in place, which usually means fewer surprises down the road.
The more transparent and organized the process, the smoother your experience will be.
27. Visit Display Homes Before Deciding
A builder’s portfolio can show you what they’ve done — but a walk-through tells you how it feels.
If the builder has model or display homes available, make time to visit them in person. It’s the best way to evaluate build quality, design choices, attention to detail, and overall craftsmanship. Pay attention to how the home “lives” — are the layouts functional? Do the finishes feel durable? How do the spaces flow?
Use this visit to ask questions about what’s standard versus what’s an upgrade. Seeing a builder’s work firsthand can reveal a lot more than photos ever could — and help you visualize your own project with greater clarity.
28. Inquire About the Builder’s Business Practices
A builder’s craftsmanship is important — but so is how they run their business.
Ask how they handle contracts, billing, scheduling, and communication. Do they provide written timelines and payment plans? Are they upfront about potential delays or cost changes? How do they manage change orders?
It’s also smart to ask who your main point of contact will be throughout the project, and how often you’ll receive updates.
Professional, transparent business practices are a strong indicator of how the rest of your experience will go. A builder who runs their business well is more likely to run your project well too.
29. Interview the Home Builders Directly
No matter how polished a website or portfolio looks, nothing replaces a direct conversation.
Set up interviews with at least two or three builders you’re seriously considering. Ask about their experience, typical project timelines, subcontractors, and how they handle challenges. Get a feel for how they communicate — are they clear, respectful, and willing to answer your questions without pressure?
The right builder should make you feel heard and respected. Trust your instincts here. If something feels off during the interview, it’s worth paying attention to.
A short meeting can reveal more than hours of research — and help you decide whether they’re someone you want to work with for the next several months.
30. Make a List of Potential Builders
One of the final steps in learning how to choose a home builder is organizing everything you’ve gathered along the way.
Once you’ve done your research, visited homes, and asked the right questions, take time to organize your findings.
Narrow down your options by listing the builders who best match your priorities — things like reputation, experience, design style, communication approach, and overall budget. Then, compare them side by side to evaluate how well each one aligns with your goals. This makes it easier to identify the builder who truly fits your vision and expectations.
Having a clear, focused list helps you avoid feeling overwhelmed by options and keeps the decision-making process grounded in facts, not just impressions.
From there, you’ll be in the best possible position to move forward with confidence.
Coastal Elegance: RBC Homes’ Signature Projects
At RBC Homes, our passion lies in turning your dreams into reality.
Explore our portfolio to see a collection of inspiring custom homes in Virginia Beach, each showcasing our commitment to quality craftsmanship and exceptional design.
Step Inside Unforgettable Spaces:
“At Last”
Ideal for family gatherings, “At Last” features seven master bedrooms, a spacious gourmet kitchen, and an elevator for easy access.
Enjoy stunning ocean views and a vast open-concept living area perfect for connecting and relaxing.
Unwind by the poolside cabana bar or enjoy a game night in the rec room. “At Last” offers a luxurious retreat for everyone.
“All Inn”
Experience the ultimate in coastal luxury with panoramic ocean views and unparalleled elegance.
Imagine waking up to stunning sunrises and sunsets or watching dolphins from your private viewing decks. This is the epitome of coastal living.
“Ruff Life”
Experience luxury by the sea!
This 9-bedroom oasis now boasts a new 2025 upgrade: a master suite with three double beds for unparalleled comfort. Relax by the private pool, entertain at the cabana bar, or simply take in the stunning views. “Ruff Life” is perfect for families and pets, featuring elegant interiors, hardwood floors, and top-tier amenities.
This is coastal living at its finest.
Need More Inspiration?
Explore our extensive gallery to find a wide range of custom homes that showcase diverse styles and features.
And be sure to read our testimonials to hear from satisfied clients who have trusted RBC Homes to build their dream homes.
FAQs About How to Choose a Home Builder
It’s crucial to ask about their experience, past projects, timelines, costs, and any potential issues they foresee. Also, inquire about their licenses, insurance, and after-sale services to ensure you’re protected.
Visit their completed projects, check online reviews, and speak to previous clients. This will give you a clear picture of their craftsmanship, reliability, and the satisfaction of their customers.
A detailed quote should include a comprehensive breakdown of costs, including building materials, labor, permits, and any additional fees. It should also outline the payment schedule and project timeline.
Choose a builder with strong problem-solving skills and a good track record. Clear communication and a flexible approach are key to handling unforeseen challenges effectively.
A thorough contract should detail the scope of work, total costs, payment schedule, timeline, and warranties. It should also cover what happens if there are delays or changes to the project.
Deciding whether to buy or build depends on your timeline, budget, and specific needs. Building allows for complete customization but can take more time and may involve unexpected costs. Buying an existing home is faster and may be less expensive upfront but might not meet all your needs.
Do You Have More Questions?
We’re here to answer any questions you may have and guide you through each step of choosing a home builder in Virginia Beach. Getting started is easy! Here are the first steps:
- Schedule a Consultation: Meet with our team to discuss your vision, needs, and budget.
- Explore Our Portfolio: Browse our website for design inspiration and explore different styles and features.
- Learn more about the building process with our helpful resources and guides.
How to Choose a Builder for Your New Home in Virginia Beach
Putting in the work to find the home builder that best aligns with your needs can give you the most important thing of all — confidence in the team.
Building a home is a significant investment. For many clients, the process is quite emotional, so making sure you have a company that values you and provides you with trust is key.
Our 30+ years of dedicated experience has made us one of the top luxury custom home builders in Virginia Beach. If you’re interested in learning more about our award-winning projects and seeing how we can help you in the process of building your own home, get in touch with us today.
