What Most Buyers Get Wrong When Comparing Builders

When most people start comparing home builders, they naturally focus on the number at the bottom of the bid.

Price feels like the easiest way to compare.

But in residential construction, price alone is one of the least reliable indicators of value.

Because two builders can give you dramatically different prices for what appears to be the same home—while the actual differences in construction quality, energy performance, insurance coverage, contract structure, and long-term durability can be significant.

If you’re building in Oklahoma City, Edmond, Deer Creek, Yukon, or anywhere across the OKC metro, understanding how to compare builders correctly can protect you from cost overruns, risk exposure, and long-term maintenance issues.

 

Why Price Alone Is Misleading

A lower price can mean many different things:

• Reduced structural specifications such as a code-minimum build
• Lower quality materials
• Minimal insulation or energy performance
• No city or state inspections
• Limited supervision or project management
• Lack of proper insurance coverage
• Or simply a builder who underbid the project

Sometimes a lower price simply means something was missed.

As we often explain to buyers, it’s not always that one builder is dramatically more efficient—it’s that another builder forgot to include something critical in the bid. In cost-plus builds, this can become a major budget issue.

We see this frequently even in trade pricing. For example, when we review multiple lumber framing quotes, the lowest bid is often the one that left out key components or scope items. Once those items are added back in, the price difference usually disappears.

This is why comparing builders strictly on price can be misleading—because not all bids include the same scope, materials, or level of quality.

A builder can be cheaper on the front side and much more expensive on the back side.

The goal is not to find the cheapest builder. The goal is to find the best value and lowest risk for your investment.

Learn more about our approach as a custom home builder in Oklahoma City .

 

The 6 Areas You Should Compare Between Builders

Quick Builder Comparison Checklist

• Strong reputation and financial stability
• Defined construction standards
• Clear contract structure
• Energy performance targets
• Proven communication process
• Insurance coverage verified

1. Experience, Reputation, and Financial Stability

You are entering a 6–12 month partnership with your builder. At Two Structures Homes, that relationship extends an additional 24 months through our warranty period.

• Years in business
• Homes built per year and current active projects
• Online reviews and client testimonials
• Trade partner relationships
• Financial backing and banking relationships

2. Construction Quality and Building Standards

Not all homes are built to the same standard, even if they look similar on the surface. The true quality of a home is found in the systems behind the walls and the decisions made during construction.

When comparing builders, you should evaluate:

• Framing methods and structural design
• Foundation system, including post-tension versus conventional slab
• Insulation type, placement, and overall strategy
• Air sealing and moisture management details
• Window performance and installation quality
• Roofing system and exterior envelope durability

These elements directly affect:

• Long-term durability
• Energy efficiency
• Comfort inside the home
• Ongoing maintenance costs
• Resale value

3. Contract Structure: Cost-Plus vs Fixed Price

The contract structure determines:

• Who carries financial risk
• How change orders are handled
• How transparent the pricing is

Cost-plus contracts offer transparency and flexibility. Fixed-price contracts offer cost certainty but less flexibility.

Cost-Plus vs Fixed Price Home Building in Oklahoma 

 

4. Energy Efficiency and Operating Costs

The cost to live in the home matters just as much as the cost to build it.

• HERS score targets
• HVAC sizing and design
• Duct placement and sealing
• Insulation R-values
• Air tightness
• Ventilation strategy

At Two Structures Homes, we build better as an energy efficient home builder in Oklahoma—delivering homes that typically perform in the HERS 40–50 range for lower utility costs, better comfort, and healthier living environments.

 

5. Builder Process and Communication

A builder’s process will determine your experience. Ask:

• How often will I receive updates?
• How are selections managed?
• What is your timeline control process?
• Who is my point of contact?

6. Insurance and Risk Protection

Before anything else, verify:

• General liability insurance
• Workers’ compensation insurance
• Builder’s risk coverage
• Subcontractor insurance verification process

Red Flags to Watch for When Comparing Builders

• Provides unusually low bids compared to others
• Avoids detailed specifications
• Has very few recent builds or cannot provide recent references
• Refuses to explain allowances or pricing structure
• Has inconsistent communication
• Pushes you to sign quickly without clarity
• Cannot provide proof of insurance

Start With a Conversation

Two Structures Homes is a locally owned Oklahoma City custom and on-your-lot builder focused on quality construction, high-performance energy-efficient homes, and a transparent process that protects your investment—because we build a better home that is healthier, more efficient, higher quality, and designed around how your family actually lives.

Contact Two Structures Homes to schedule a consultation. Call or text (405) 509-9435 or email sales@twostructureshomes.com.