Custom Building Your Dream Home

  1. Getting Started
  2. Types of Builders
  3. Choose the Right Builder
  4. Six Tips for Choosing a Builder
  5. Questions to Ask References
  6. Advice: Georgia Home Builders Association

Advice from The Greater Atlanta Georgia Home Builders Association

Members of the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association (HBA) and other local homebuilder associations across the country are recognized as leaders in the homebuilding industry. HBA members believe and affirm that home ownership can and should be within the reach of every family and that homes should be well designed, well constructed and located in attractive communities. HBA members have dedicated themselves to the research and development of new materials, new building techniques and improved methods of home financing, to the end result that every home buyer may obtain the greatest possible value for every dollar.

As with any professional trade association, membership is voluntary, and membership in the HBA defines a home building professional as a company whose paramount responsibility is to the homebuyer, the community and the country. Honesty is the guiding business policy of HBA members, while high standards of health, safety and sanitation are built into every home. Members also agree to deal fairly with their respective employees, trade partners and suppliers.

When researching a builder for your new home, remodeling job or even a small maintenance task in your home, refer to the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association for a list of members in your area. You can search for HBA members online at www.atlantahomebuilders.com or call 770-938-9900 to find out if a company is a member of the HBA.

Following are some points to consider when choosing a homebuilding professional.

  1. Does the professional offer a warranty service? HBA members may opt to use the Homeowner Handbook, a one-year limited warranty program that includes a comprehensive guide to maintenance for the lift of a home.

  2. Does the professional offer a list of references? HBA members are required to provide a list of references that are checked by the HBA prior to membership approval.

  3. How does the professional handle disputes and warranty claims? What types of disputes has the professional dealt with throughout the past three years, and what were the outcomes? HBA members are encouraged to respond to all claims in writing and to handle all disputes through arbitration services.

  4. Does the professional maintain adequate insurance coverage? Throughout their membership, HBA members are provided competitive rate pricing programs for workers’ compensation, general liability and health insurance.

  5. Is the professional timely and ethical with business practices? HBA members are committed to quality customer service and ethical business practices.

  6. Does the professional take part in continuing education for all employees? The HBA offers an extensive education and credentialing program for all homebuilding professionals. Designations that homebuilding professionals can obtain include Certified Professional Home Builder, Certified Graduate Builder, Certified Graduate Remodeler, Certified Graduate Associate, Graduate Master Builder, Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist, Field Superintendent Designation, Certified New Home Sales Professional and Georgia Real Estate Commission Accredited Courses.

  7. Does the professional make safe jobsite practices a priority? HBA members are encouraged to utilize ongoing training and safety practices.

  8. How many years has the professional been in business? HBA members provide this information upon membership and annually thereafter.

  9. What is the average scope (number of jobs and volume of each job) of the professional projects each year? HBA members provide this information on an annual basis.

  10. Is the professional a member of the HBA? HBA members can be located by visiting www.atlantahomebuilders.com.