Building a Team Series: How to Choose a Home Builder

When people start thinking about building a custom home, the first step is often finding an architect or designer. But after 20 years in this business, I can tell you, the single most important decision you’ll make is choosing your builder.

That may sound biased coming from me, but here’s why: the builder is the one constant through the entire process. We’re the bridge between design and execution, the person managing hundreds of details every week, and the one still answering your calls ten years after you move in.

The right builder doesn’t just build your house, they build your confidence, your team, and your experience.

The Builder Sets the Tone

Every role on a project is critical, the architect, the designer, the trades, but the builder is the hub that connects them all. My job isn’t just to manage construction. It’s to evaluate a client’s personality, goals, and budget, then assemble the right team around them.

At this stage in my career, we don’t start a house until the team is fully assembled and most of the selections are made. That might sound extreme, but it’s essential. I can’t give you a true price until everything from architecture to interiors is defined. At the high end of custom homes, that level of clarity upfront saves time, money, and stress later on.

I tell clients all the time: the builder is probably there the longest. We stand behind our homes in Minnesota for at least a decade, and we aim to build houses that last 100 years or more. Choosing your builder early gives you peace, continuity, and a smoother process from start to finish.

What to Look for (and What to Avoid)

The number one quality to look for in a builder is communication.

There’s no single “right” communication style, but it needs to be consistent and clear. If you constantly have to ask your builder for updates during the building process, that’s a red flag.

Our rhythm is biweekly. Every two weeks, we hold a 90-minute meeting with the client, architect, and designer either on-site or in our office. This keeps everyone informed and moving forward. Early on, we might meet more frequently. Some architects prefer weekly, and that’s fine. The key is having a predictable schedule.

Beyond communication, I’d also ask about bandwidth. How many projects does the builder handle at once? How do they manage change orders and budget updates? What’s their process for warranty work or long-term follow-up? These questions matter!

Ready to choose a designer? This will help!

The Builder Should Be Involved from Day One

The most successful projects I’ve been part of are the ones where the builder, architect, and designer were involved from the very beginning.

You can’t ask a custom home builder to control costs but keep them out of design. If we don’t see the plans until they’re finished, we’ve missed the opportunity to provide input, build a relationship, and ensure the design aligns with your budget.

Architecture and interior design constantly influence each other. When the builder is part of those conversations early, the entire team can create a cohesive plan that honors both your vision and your investment.

What a Healthy Builder–Client Relationship Looks Like

At the core of every great project is trust.

We spend a significant amount of time together throughout the construction process, so respect and communication are everything. I love our biweekly meetings, but we also try to sit down with clients every six months for a meal with the entire team. It’s a simple way to say thank you and connect as people, not just project partners.

We’re intentional about boundaries, too. We avoid evening and weekend meetings so everyone, clients and team members alike, can show up to the process refreshed. Building a home should be exciting, not draining.

And when that relationship works, it’s special. I still remember a client who sent us a sympathy card after their project wrapped up. They wrote, “I miss it. I miss our relationship. I miss seeing you guys.” That meant a lot. The process matters just as much as the product.

Find out how to choose your architect here!

Why Team Chemistry Matters

I think about the build team like a sports team: you can’t swap out key players midseason and expect perfect chemistry.

Having your builder, architect, and designer all in sync from day one makes a huge difference. We know how each other works, we trust the process, and we can make adjustments in real time. We also run price tests along the way, adjusting plans to match the budget before things get too far down the road. That kind of collaboration only works when everyone’s aligned.

We’re always open to new partnerships, but having a well-oiled team gives the client a better construction experience every single time.

The Bottom Line

Choosing your builder isn’t just a box to check, it’s the foundation of your entire custom home experience. The right builder creates structure, fosters trust, and helps assemble the team that will bring your vision to life.

For me and my team at Mark D. Williams Custom Homes, that’s always been the goal. From Edina remodels to new builds across Minnesota, our approach is simple: start with trust, communicate clearly, and build something that lasts.

Want to work with us? Reach out today!