ne important criterion for selecting a builder is the warranty provided on the home. Most builders offer some form of written warranty. Many builders back their own warranties on workmanship and materials, typically for one year. Other builders offer warranties backed by an insurance company. Ask to see a copy of the builder's warranty. Although reading legal documents is tedious, read the warranty to understand what protection you would have. Don't wait to read it until after you move in and a problem arises. If you have any questions about the coverage, ask the builder. Also, find out from each builder and what kind of service you can expect after the sale. Typically, a builder makes two service calls during the first year after you move in to repair non-emergency problems covered by your warranty. The first call is usually 30 to 120 days after the move in; the second is around the 11th month -- right before any one-year warranties on workmanship and materials expire. For emergencies, the builder should be able to send someone to your home right away. Some other questions you might ask builders:

• How long has the company been in business?
• Whom do you contact for customer service after the sale? Should requests be in writing?
• What responsibility does the builder assume for the work of subcontractors? Who will be responsible for correcting problems with major appliances?
• Does the builder belong to the local builders association (affiliated with the National Association of Home Builders)?
• Does the builder use state-of-the-art energy features? Equipment, insulation, design and landscaping can all affect a home's energy efficiency.