Registered Master Builder

Look for a
Registered Master Builder

Having a home built or remodeled is a very large investment- probably the largest investment you will ever make. Who you choose to do the work for you will decide the quality of the finished product. So, it is important for you to research which building contractor will do the best job for you.
Idaho currently does not have a law requiring home builders to be licensed or registered: therefore, the Idaho Building Contractors Association created its own registration program. This vountary protram is known as the Registered Master Builder. The RMB program sets the highest ethical standards in the residential new construction industry.

What is a Registered Master Builder?

  • A builder who has at least a year's building experience in Idaho
  • A builder with favorable references from loocal subcontractors, suppliers and home buyers.
  • A builder who is reviewed annually by the RMB Board.
  • A builder who carries worker's compensation and general liability insurance.
  • Abuilder who offers a written limited warranty or is in an approved insured written warranty program.

Protect Your Investment!

While experience shows registered contractors generally cause few serious problems, violations may still arise. Some of those are:

  • Abandoning a contract without legal excuse.
  • Willful or deliberate disregard or repeated violation of applicable building codes.
  • Committing fraud, deceit, gross negligence, incompetence, or misconduct in the practice of contracting.
  • Diverting funds or property received to complete a specific contract.
If this should happen with an RMB Builder the REgistered Master Builder has procedures allowing for disciplinary action to address the issue.
  • Always ask trusted friends, relatives, and business associates who they would recommend. Then look into the builder's reputation and quality of work.
  • Check with your local builder's association to see if the contractor is a member. Call the Better Business Bureau to find out how long the builder has been in business.
  • Finally, be sure to call the Idaho Building Contractors Association for a list of Registered Master Builders.

More Tips
Once you've chosen a builder make sure you get what you want .Follow these guidlines:

  • Will you have a working relationship with the contractor? Does the contractor listen to what you have to say?
  • Do not pay more than one third of the total contract price when making the down payment.
  • Ask for a complete set of plans.
  • Do not hire an agent or a manufacturer who is only out to sell a particular brand.
  • Before allowing work to begin, check with the bank to make sure you can finance the project at terms you can afford.
  • If your home improvment work is the result of damages covered by insurance, check with your insurance company before signing the contract.

Signing the Contract
Include everything you want the contractor to do in the contract. The contract should cover:
  • The Contractor's name
  • All work to be done
  • The quality or grade of materials
  • When the work will begin and end
  • The costs
  • The terms of payments
  • Any verbal agreements
  • All warranties
  • All contractor insurance requirements
  • The contractor's agreement to comply with local building codes
  • The process to change or cancel the contract
  • Read the contract carefully, if possible, with the help of a lawyer
  • When signing a contract, be sure no spaces are left blank
  • Use "Not Applicable" where appropriate
  • When making any changes while work is in progress, make them in writing and add to the contract
Do Not Sign the closing papers until you are absolutely satisfied
  • The job was done according to the contract, or
  • You are satisfied that it will be properly done, and
  • Local building authorities properly completed all inspections.
Buying a new home is the largest investment you'll ever make. But when it comes to finding a contractor to build a new home, Idaho's mood for many years has been "Buyer Beware" it takes time to choose the right building contractor. So, look for the Registered Master Builder logo-a logo that stands for a mark of excellence- a mark that instills trust.

 

 

 
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