Find the Best Home Builders in Detroit, MI

How to choose a home builder in Detroit

For the sake of your home’s safety, value, appearance, function and resale, hire an experienced and highly skilled home builder in Detroit. To limit delays and surprise costs, it’s important they have integrity and character too. Luckily, Detroit is home to many honest, high-quality tradespeople.

Read reviews of home builders in Detroit who specialize in the type of home you want. Then, look for specific information, such as project descriptions, names, locations and images.

Pay attention to the home builder’s transparency and note which builders offer clear-cut information on:

• Guarantees
• Warranties
• Professional affiliations
• Certifications
• Education
• Experience

Most home builders in Detroit avoid estimating cost and timeline upfront, as they need to evaluate the job site and project details to offer an accurate quote. However, they should be forthcoming about as much information as they can. Be leery of builders who offer vague promises or don’t provide any information upfront.

Next, look into whether the construction company offers energy-efficient or eco-friendly options and if they employ their own gas, sewer, plumbing and electrical contractors.

Finally, verify a home builder’s license with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. While there, click on the builder’s name to view any disciplinary actions against them.

Questions to ask a home builder

Once you’ve completed your research, call several Detroit home builders you like to inquire about consultations and availability. While you’re on the phone, try to get additional information by asking:

• How much experience do you have with this style or feature?
• Do you have experience working in my area?
• How many years have you been in business?
• Do you offer new home warranties?
• Do you only build from floor plans you supply?
• What standard features do your homes include?

During your consultation, inquire about references, request to see pictures of the home builder’s work and ask about the construction company’s processes, timelines and availability. Also, consider asking:

• What other features and upgrades does the company offer?
• What major energy-saving features does the company provide?
• When will I know the final price for my home?
• What additional fees can I expect along the way?
• How long will it take to build my home?
• Who will oversee construction?
• How much access will I have to the build site?
• Is landscaping included?
• Is there an HOA?
• Does the company guarantee your work?
• What does the warranty cover and for how long?

Before signing a contract, call the home builder’s references to confirm the contractor is everything you expect.

How much does it cost to build a home in Detroit?

Detroit and the inner-tier suburbs have little open land available for new development by home builders. However, there are a number of redevelopment sites scattered across the city.

If you’re looking to build a new home in the Detroit area, chances are you’re looking in communities where ready-to-build lots are readily available like Chesterfield, Macomb, Washington, Oakland, Commerce, Highland or Orion townships.

Depending on where you’re building, the average price for building a home in the metro Detroit area is between $250,000 and $500,000 or $100 - $150 per square foot. However, since the local home builder market is slowing, builders are beginning to offer homes in the $200,000 - $250,000 price range as well, and prefab or modular homes start at as little as $26,000 and up to $120,000.

The biggest price factors in building a house are the materials, labor costs, site condition, architectural features and choice of builder. Other price factors include:

• Square-footage
• Build schedule
• Design features
• Finishes
• Appliances
• Quality of blueprints or floor plans
• Insurance requirements
• Local regulations

While it doesn’t hurt to opt for a less expensive design or smaller size, skimping on materials, hiring cheap labor or working with inexperienced architects or contractors can have costly and dangerous side effects.

Industry experts may recommend tacking on an extra 10% above the estimated cost to cover contingencies as well.

With research, planning and a good understanding of the building process, you can make working with a home builder in Detroit as exciting as move-in day.