“As I walked the Market days this past weekend, I noticed big city builders set up on the square. And as I drove around town, I noticed local subdivisions working with out of town builders. Times are tough everywhere, but once again, I have to talk about support to our locals. So, I thought it was time to re-run an article I did back in December 2008.”

Support your local builder is part of economic development for your community. Just as shopping local, support local business. How do you find your local builders? Check the Chamber of Commerce; look in the local papers and magazines, and word of mouth.   

There are always pros and cons with going with the small guy verses the large guys. Yes, the large guys can probably build your home cheaper. They get their material in bulk, have large accounts established, and more. Most are track builders and have many floor plans for you to choose from. Do they have the time to spend with holding the owners hand and making sure the home is built by specifications and quality… maybe? The small guy is usually more eager for the work, plus taking care and building with pride. The small guy is also more likely to have additional time to spend with the owner. The large guys most likely bring the workers from the big city or other towns. The small guys try to use more local workers within their town or surrounding towns. 

Some of the local builders could have built in big cities, million dollar homes, commercial buildings, and more before they made it to your town. Others could have grown up around it with their families in your town. Whatever the case, they are living and working in your town now. Get to know them and let them give you a bid on your construction, just as the big guys. Can you trust your local builder verses the big guy more?    

Think about this scenario: If you own a local business, don’t you want everyone to shop, eat, bank, etc. with your business? The local builder is a business, too. The same goes for your other local trades, realtors, etc. Supporting and patronizing local will help the economic development of our/your community. By supporting your local builder, money stays in your town.  The builder pays the trades, the trades eat and shop local, live, and so on in your town. It is the ripple down effect. 

Support your local builder, but check out their work and references. Are they licensed and insured? Ask both the big and small builders for references, specifications on the construction, time lines, insurance, and warranties. Get a couple bids and compare; see what each one can provide. Always ask questions. What is your gut feel? First and foremost – protect yourself!  

Think about getting those bids from your locals. You might be surprised at what you can get and have that personal touch. This is a big expense, so let us all help you make it a pleasant one. What a great way to make a start and make an impression in Blanco, by using one of it’s own to build your dream. Help grow Blanco’s economy by using locals

For all your real estate and building needs or questions, call Debbie at 830-833-4249 or 713-818-6658, or send an email to debbie@ vallonerealestate.net.