Top Home Builders in Waukesha, WI 53188
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Tim O'Brien Homes
By NotaTimObrienFan June 04, 2014
I am submitting this review as a rating adjustment to my previous post. ...read more
Tim O'Brien Homes
By NotaTimObrienFan June 04, 2014
I have to say that me and my wife had a horrible experience with Tim O'Brien.We bought a spec house in the middle of construction in November November of 2013. The construction was being finished while we were out of town for the Christmas holidays.We were told everything would be done by the closing date.We arrived back in town the day of closing and found numerous things not done and the house a filthy mess do to the deck builder setting up shop inside our basement. Needless to say, we did not close on closing day because the deck wasn't done amongst other things.When we actually got a chance to look at the finishings of the house after closing, we found the attention to detail was horrible.The painter subcontracted to another painter to do our home. Our home was the first home that this subcontractor had painted for the contracted painter and the paint on the outside and inside was substandard at best.They had to come to fix it. I don't know why the project manager approved the shoddy work to begin with. We had numerous problems with most every contractor from heating and air conditioning to painting to drywall and carpet installers.The communication was non existent and follow through even worse.We were so frustrated with our experience that we went to the home office to speak to Tim personally but was told he was not in and would get back to us.He never contacted us, instead the sales agent contacted us.This was a big wake up call for us.It was like Tim didn't care enough to discuss our concerns.Needless to say we are still living the nightmare and would definitely not recommend this builder.We are not the only one that has had a bad experience with this builder.There are several home owners in our neighborhood alone that are disheartened by their experience. In my opinion they have stretched their contractors past their limits and push them to do things faster.I have talked to a few of the contractors that worked on our house and they confirmed they are pushed too fast to move onto the next job and this results in shortcuts that sacrifice quality. Most everyone that has seen what this builder called complete, was astounded.Customer service needs lots of work as well as communication. ...read more
Tim O'Brien Homes
By mandemsmom October 22, 2012
This company might make great homes and we would have loved to work with them, but had poor service from the sales rep (Susan) from day 1. We were looking to build a $350-$400K home with them, but getting any information or follow up from Susan was like pulling teeth. We finally met with her after 8 weeks of communicating, but there was no follow-up to that meeting and we were never sent the documents/requested information she said she would send. My husband and I both work in the service industry, so the fact that she didn't bother following up with us or even provide simple acknowledgments to emails rubbed us both the wrong way. Maybe we just got the bad egg in the group, but the "face of the company" that we were required to deal with, clearly had no interest in making us a valued customer. ...read more
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How to Choose a Builder
Here is a great article on how to select a home builder. However, we feel like we can take that information a bit further. Belman Homes has given several informative seminars in the Milwaukee area at the Metropolitan Builder Association regarding choosing your builder. The topics include selecting the right lot, what questions to ask your builder, and how to choose your builder. We have over 30 years experience building new homes for our clients in Wisconsin. If you would like more advice on how to go about the building process please contact us. Otherwise enjoy our tips on How to Choose a Builder.Where should I start The Building Process?1. Determine Where you want to live.Consider TaxesSchool DistrictsCommute to WorkShoppingAffordabilitySubdivision vs.. Out lot2. Determine BudgetTalk with your LenderYou will need pay-stubs, copies of tax returns, information on savings&investments.Get Pre-ApprovedDetermine what you are comfortable spending3. Consider your current Living arrangementsDo you have to sell first?Or are you going to do interim financing?When are you going to market your home?Do you plan on moving twice if you home sells?If you do sell where might you go?Choosing Your BuilderTypes of BuilderProduction (Limited or No Changes)Semi Custom (Allow changes off base plan)Full Custom (Design from scratch)Spec Builder (Only Do house/lot packages no scattered site)How to Check out your builder:1. Ways to Check out a BuilderAsk your BankerCheck with your Lawyer Liens/JudgementsBetter Business BureauMBARealtorsHome showsInternetPrevious customers experiencesTalk to some of their contractors2. Previous CustomersAsk them about adherence to schedulesAsk about adherence to budgetAsk how the home is holding upSee if they would do things differentlyAsk if they encountered any problemsSee if they had any communication issues3. Talk to a few of the Builders Contractors on siteBe a detective. Visit a job site of the builders during the day and ask a few questions of the contractors.Do they enjoy working for their builderAre they getting paid in a timely fashionHow long have they been with the builderHow many jobs have they done for him4. Model HomesModels are a great way to see a builders work…..But……Find out if they build their models the same way they build your home. Check with their previous customers or ask to see a home that they are building for a client.Tips when viewing a model home:Try to ignore and look past decoratingLook beneath the window treatments because that is how your home is really builtFurniture can distort a room size (giant crayon)Try not to look at the decorations, but focus on the core features such as casings, cabinets, faucets, fireplaces, etc.Look at the framing in exposed areas such as in garages, basements, attics. Does the lumber look straight, is it wet or knotty?Open and close a window, try the patio doorLook inside the cabinets, check the hardwareOpen and close doorsTry out a faucet/flush a toiletWalk all over the homeDoes it feel solid? Check the spacing of joists, walls studs.Listen to the home. What sounds does it make.On a cold day put your hands near the walls. Do you feel drafts.How many windows does it have, is the size and placement okayLook at the furnace and air conditionerWhat brand is it, see the label for the efficiency rating?Check out the electrical panel, is the wiring done neatly and marked?Look at the plumbing is it put together well and placed well.5. Questions to ask your builder:How long will it take to build?Do I get a warranty? How does it work? How long is it covered?How do they handle changes & change orders?Allowances what items are allowances and how much do they mark them up?Experience of the builder, how long has the builder been around?Quality & type of materials usedPricing and how long is it guaranteed?6. ContractsReduce all agreements to writing and Ask the builder for copies of their paperwork before coming to an agreement.ContractsChange ordersWarrantySelection sheetSpecifications7. What to watch out for with your potential builderConflicts between DocumentsAre the Allowances realistic?Base Price, have a good feel for the standard featuresVerbal AgreementsVague/Incomplete DocumentsContractor bait and switch8. Ask a lot of questionsIf you don't know something don't be afraid to askEven builders have questions and don't know everything.There are always new products, techniques, codes, etc.9. Consider Energy Efficiency / EnviornmentDoes the builder offer ENERGY STAR® HomesCan they build a "Green Home"Does the builder know and understand the registration processHas the builder worked with some of the "green" products and technologiesRemember: These things are great but you have to pay for that certification. Is it worth it to you? Does it enhance the value in the long run.10. Final TipsShop for Quality and Value.The home is an important investment.Consider appreciationRemember: Just because the home is expensive doesn't mean it is quality.PriceDon't just select a home based on priceConsider value and resaleConsider how long the components will lastConsider how the equipment and design will effect your heating and cooling bills©2010 Belman Homes Inc. Do not copy this article in full or part without expressed written permission of Belman Homes Inc. All rights reserved. ...read more
By Don Belman Homes, Inc. March 12, 2010
Find Us on Facebook
Waukesha's most respected builder Belman Homes is now on Facebook. Become a fan now and find out all the latest happenings, new homes, discounts and more! http://www.facebook.com/pages/Waukesha-WI/Belman-Homes/205659454885?ref=ts You can also follow Belman Homes on Twitter: http://twitter.com/BelmanHomes Finally See us on Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/companies/580645 ...read more
By Don Belman Homes, Inc. March 04, 2010
Belman Homes make top 25 Metro Milwaukee area Builders
Don Belman Homes came in #11 as the Largest Metro Milwaukee area Builders by the Business Journal for 2009. Belman Homes offers new homes, condominiums, lots for sale, Real Estate Services, Green Building, Energy Star certified homes and More. ...read more
By Don Belman Homes, Inc. March 04, 2010