Building a home takes the right team to make your dream happen. You need different experts depending on what kind of home you want. A builder or contractor manages the whole project, while specialists like plumbers and electricians handle specific parts. 

For custom homes, you may need an architect, while master-planned communities may have already decided on the team for you.

There are many types of new construction homes, and your choice will dictate who you need to hire. 

Quick Tips for Hiring Your Building Team

• Find a good home builder first—they oversee everything from permits to final touches
• Get a general contractor for major projects—they manage all the different workers
• Talk to at least three builders before deciding—compare their experience and prices
• Check all credentials and past work—never skip this step
• Ask family, friends, and real estate agents for trusted recommendations

What Does a Home Builder Actually Do?

A home builder creates houses from the ground up. They handle everything from getting permits to finishing the last details. In growing regions, like many of the top cities in Tennessee, the construction industry is thriving. 

Prospective new-construction homeowners in most parts of Tennessee (and other growing states) have plenty of reputable builders to choose from.

Home builders work with designers and hire specialists like electricians and plumbers. They make sure your house follows all building codes and meets quality standards. Some builders handle everything themselves. Others focus on specific parts of construction.

Different builders specialize in different types of projects. Production builders create many similar homes in planned communities. They offer some customization choices, but work faster and often cost less.

Custom builders work with you to design a completely unique home on your own land. Some focus on luxury homes with high-end materials. Others specialize in sustainable housing construction and energy-saving homes. Many also handle major renovations or tear-downs, where they build a new house on an existing lot.

What Makes a General Contractor Different?

A general contractor manages any construction project, not just new homes. They might oversee building a house, adding rooms, or remodeling projects. They don't usually design homes or develop whole neighborhoods like some builders do.

Remember: All home builders act as general contractors, but not all general contractors specialize in building entire homes.

Who Are Subcontractors and Why Do You Need Them?

Subcontractors are specialists who handle specific parts of building your house. Each brings unique skills, such as plumbing, electrical work, or roofing.

Having the right subcontractors for each part of construction means your home gets built properly and passes all home inspections.

Types of Subcontractors You'll Need When Building

• Foundation Experts: Dig and pour your concrete foundation
• Framers: Build the basic structure and walls
• Roofers: Install shingles or other roofing materials
• Electricians: Handle all wiring and electrical systems
• Plumbers: Install water pipes and fixtures
• HVAC Techs: Set up heating and cooling systems
• Drywall Installers: Put up and finish interior walls
• Insulation Pros: Add insulation for energy-efficient temperature regulation
• Flooring Specialists: Install hardwood, tile, carpet, or other flooring
• Painters: Handle interior and exterior painting
• Masonry Workers: Work with brick, stone, and concrete
• Cabinet Makers: Install kitchen cabinets and built-ins
• Window Installers: Put in windows and glass features
• Landscapers: Handle yard grading, plants, and outdoor features
• Pool Builders: Design and install swimming pools and outdoor spaces

How to Find and Hire the Right Home Building Team

Finding good builders takes some work. Ask people you trust for names, look at homes you like, talk to several builders, and compare prices to make a smart choice.

Ask People You Trust

One of the best ways to find good builders is through personal recommendations.

Talk to local real estate agents who know which builders have good reputations. Ask friends and family who recently built homes about their experiences.

Visit local home shows where you can meet builders face-to-face and see their work. Take time to read online reviews and join community groups where people share builder recommendations.

Find Out Who Built Homes You Like

Notice a newly built house that catches your eye? Look for builder signs in the yard or nearby. Popular local homebuilders are typically easy to find by word of mouth.

Stop by open houses to talk with homeowners or sales agents about their builders. Check local real estate websites and local builder associations to find companies that build in styles you like.

Social media groups often share builder recommendations, too. Home shows let you see different builders' work and learn about how they operate.

Talk to Multiple Builders and Compare Costs

Always talk to at least three different builders before making your choice. This helps you find fair prices and set a realistic budget.

Ask for detailed written estimates that clearly show what work they'll do. Compare their experience, professional memberships, and credentials.

Call their past clients to learn about their experiences. This homework helps you find a builder who meets your needs and budget.

Check Contracts and Payment Plans

The advantages of new-construction homes are abundant, but the added responsibilities and due diligence required when building a new home can be difficult. After picking potential builders, carefully review their contracts and payment schedules.

Get everything in writing with clear details about the work, materials, and specifications. A common payment schedule starts with a 10% down payment, then three 25% payments during construction, and a final 15% payment when the work is done.

Make sure the contract covers unexpected costs and changes. Avoid any builder who doesn't want a formal contract—you need this protection to avoid problems later.

Common Questions About Hiring Home Builders

What Should I Look For in a Builder?

Experience, communication, and referrals are big ones. A good builder will be able to refer you to happy clients, and those clients can tell you what working with the builder is like.

Here's what not to look for: the cheapest bid. Hiring a professional, well-regarded builder usually saves money over time. Their knowledge helps prevent expensive mistakes, manage your budget better, and finish construction faster.

Ensure the builders you’re considering are insured and licensed by your state’s Board for Licensing Contractors.

Who Should I Contact First When I Want to Build?

Start by contacting local builders or design firms. Research their background, read reviews, and ask for recommendations to find someone reliable.

A few information sources you might not think of: who do the builders subcontract? How do the local home inspectors feel about their work? Are they in good standing with their suppliers? All these sources can give you clues to the builder's professionalism and work quality.

Do I Always Need an Architect?

Not always. It depends on your project. For a fully custom or unique home, you need an architect to create detailed plans that match your vision and meet building codes.

If you're buying in a planned community with set floor plans, you probably don't need an architect. Some custom builders offer in-house design services to modify existing plans without hiring a separate architect.

Whether you need an architect depends on how customized and complex your home will be.

Putting Together Your Home Building Team

Finding the right team makes all the difference when building your house. Start by choosing a builder who understands what you want. Don't forget a good general contractor to manage the process. 

Also, consider whether you need an architect, whether you’ll be handling your own landscaping, and who will execute the interior design of your new-construction home.

Take time to research and talk to several professionals before deciding. These steps will help ensure that your new home turns out exactly how you want it.

Nashville New Construction Resources

• The Pros & Cons of Buying a New Construction Home
• Who Do I Hire to Build a House?
• Designing Your Dream House: 4 Interior Design Tips for New Construction Homes
• Search Nashville New Construction Homes For Sale