I get what you’re saying—references can feel like a highlight reel, but I’ve found they’re still worth a shot. Had a builder once who gave me a list, and yeah, most folks raved, but one person actually mentioned delays and how the builder fixed things after. That honesty helped me know what to expect. If you dig a bit and ask about problems, not just the good stuff, you can learn a lot. Site visits are awesome, but sometimes people are more candid over the phone.
ARE BUILDER REFERENCES REALLY THAT HELPFUL OR JUST FLUFF?
- Had a project where the builder’s references were all glowing, but I pressed for specifics—asked about what went wrong, not just what went right.
- One guy admitted the builder messed up the grading, but fixed it fast and covered costs. That told me more than any “they’re great” ever could.
- Site visits are good, but you’re right—people open up more on the phone, especially if you ask direct questions.
- References aren’t perfect, but if you dig past the surface, you’ll get real info. Just don’t take the list at face value.
