You’ve made your decision – You’re ready to buy a condo, and you want to purchase one that’s new. But with literally thousands of builders of all shapes and sizes to choose from, how do you know which builder is right for you?

Choosing the right builder can be just as important as choosing your new condo. When you purchase a home, you also “buy” the company that will build it for you. Their experience, skills and commitment to customer service will play a key role in determining how satisfied you are with your condo and with the whole buying experience.

Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. (CMHC) offers the following tips on how to find and select a new-condo builder that will meet your needs and expectations:

To begin your search, check the Homes section of your local newspaper to find out which companies are building in your area, the types of homes they offer and the prices you can expect to pay. (Editor’s note: Condo Guide is a great place to start!) Ask friends, family members and co-workers for names of reputable builders they have dealt with. You can also check the Web sites of the Building Industry and Land Development Association (BILD) or Tarion.

When you visit a builder, ask how long they have been in business, how many homes or condos they build each year and what kind of background and experience they have.

Make sure the builder belongs to an industry organization and has the licences and registrations required for your province. Ask for references, and contact them to find out if they are satisfied with the homes they bought and the service they received.

Once you have narrowed down your list, visit the builders’ models. Go through each one in detail, carefully noting down what you like and what you don’t. Take your time, and if you feel you don’t know enough about construction, bring someone with you who does.

Read through each builder’s Web site and other information materials to get a clearer picture of the company and what they have to offer. If possible, request a tour of a work site to look at a condo that is currently under construction.

If you’re considering buying in a new development, go on a tour of the community or take a close look at the master plans. Ask yourself if this is the type of community where you could see yourself living or raising a family for years to come.

Always bring a notebook or even a camera with you. Ask as many questions as you can think of, and write down the answers to review later. After all, you’re choosing the place your family will call “home” for the next five, 10 or perhaps many more years.

Take your time, and make sure you make the choice that’s right for you.

For more information or a free copy of the About Your House fact sheet, Selecting a New Home Builder, or for information on any other aspect of owning, maintaining or buying a condo, visit the Web site at cmhc.ca or call CMHC at 1.800.668.2642. For more than 60 years, CMHC has been Canada’s national housing agency and a source of objective, reliable housing expertise.