Unity Blog

How We Help Clients Find and Select a Local Builder

Choosing the builder, or general contractor (GC), when building a new high-performance Unity Home is one of the most important factors for a successful outcome. This is why we provide clients with pre-vetted options for builders based in their area, so they can choose from a curated list and avoid the stress of finding a builder on their own. Each project needs a local builder to join the team as they install the foundation and finish the home after we assemble the weather-tight building shell and interior partition wall framing. While clients have the final decision as to which pre-vetted builder they ultimately work with, Unity makes the process easy by providing a list of trustworthy builders with specific experience building high-performance homes. 

WHEN TO CONNECT WITH A BUILDER

Unity typically provides options for pre-vetted builders once a client enters the initial design phase, since working with the builder early on is beneficial. Occasionally, there may be clients building in remote locations where we haven’t previously worked with a specific builder. In this case, we help research a builder through our extensive network, trade partner organization referrals, and peer networks focused on green building techniques. Finding a builder early in the home building process also ensures the builder’s timeline aligns with our fast-moving offsite prefabrication schedule, and their scope estimates fit the client’s budget.  

HOW UNITY VETS BUILDERS

There are a lot of decisions to make when building a home, which is why personal chemistry between the client and the builder is key. Ensuring a good communication flow and value alignment from the beginning will create a solid foundation for the relationship. Builders vary in experience, knowledge, and skills, especially when it comes to high-performance homes. This is why Unity pre-vets builders to ensure a quality experience and a quality finished home. We can also put clients in touch with other past clients who have worked with the same builder they are considering, so they can get additional feedback as they weigh their options. We have a rigorous and thorough vetting process to ensure a positive experience for clients, evaluating the builders by asking the following questions:  

  • How do they ensure their projects stay on time and on budget?  
  • Have they built a high-performance or energy-efficient home before? 
  • How do they handle unexpected issues?  
  • How often do they plan to communicate and check in? 
  • How do they manage the finishing process and who does the work?  
  • Do they sub-contract all the work or self-perform some of it?  
  • Who does the site supervision and how often is that person on site?  
  • How long have key members of the builder’s team been working together?  
  • Who is the main point of contact?  
  • Do they have a regular meeting schedule during the project?  
  • Are they responsive? 
HOW UNITY SUPPORTS BUILDERS

Unity provides extensive support and communication to builders throughout each project. Many of our pre-vetted builders have already built one or more Unity Homes and understand the building science behind energy-efficient homes. Each client also has a dedicated Project Manager who regularly meets and communicates with the builder and is always available to answer questions. We provide all the necessary documents for permitting, foundation work, and site work so everything runs smoothly ahead of the shell being raised. The envelope of the home is prefabricated offsite and assembled with Unity’s building system’s crew, which saves the builder a lot of time and effort. We think of our pre-vetted builders as partners, since we work closely together to build an energy-efficient home that will last for generations.