Sound daunting? Well, it doesn't necessarily have to be. Doing your homework and planning ahead before choosing an Atlanta homebuilder will allow the process of building your Atlanta dream home to be an exciting one.

What you can do to ensure that you land a trustworthy, competent Atlanta homebuilder:

? Local homebuilders rely on positive word of mouth for business. Therefore, the best first step to take is to ask friends, family members and colleagues for recommendations. Informal referrals are often the most honest, straightforward ones, as they involve personal experiences.

Your goal should be to find several companies which are known for their quality construction and strong customer service.

? After you have assembled a list of local homebuilders, continue on by checking their qualifications. Your first step should be with the Atlanta Home Builders Association, as they can let you know if the homebuilders you have chosen are part of the HBA. Members of the HBA strive to meet the standards of the HBA, and are bound by a strict code of ethics.

You should also check with your local BBB to find out if there are any complaints against the builder. In addition, contact your local licensing board to check on the builder's license.

? Next, look for finished work by the builder. This may include model homes, custom homes or homes currently under construction. If the home you are interested in is part of a community, take the opportunity to ask residents about their experience with the builder and their overall level of satisfaction (hint: take a ride through the community on a weekend afternoon to catch homeowners outside).

? Make an appointment with the builder and be prepared to ask many questions. Find about the builder's area of expertise, particularly if you are interested in building a particular type of construction.

Ask the builder about the warranty offered on the home, the level of after-sales services and details of their contract. Review the contract carefully, as well as the warranty and the warranty standards.

Ask the builder for promotional information, as well as information about the company and the types of homes they build. In addition, check the Internet or your local library for more information and news about the builder. If the builder is local, chances are good that you will find pertinent information related to the builder's company and service within the area.

? After your meeting, reflect upon your conservation with the builder. Did the builder take the time to answer all of your questions? Did the builder seem informative, patient and easy to talk to? Was the contract and warranty easy to read and straightforward?

Keep in mind that your relationship with the builder will likely be a long-term one, so carefully consider whether you had a good, comfortable rapport with the builder.