A key decision in the process of building a new home is figuring out whether you want to work with a national builder or a local one. While national builders may have larger resources behind them, local builders say they can provide homeowners with distinct advantages.

According to local builders, the cash spent to buy a home stays in the local community. While national builders have local representatives, the funds ultimately end up at the home office. With a local builder, the representatives and crew building the home are based nearby.

Local companies tend to have leaner structures and less redundancy. For example, Pacific Ridge Homes began as a group of guys, family members mostly, committed to building homes tailored to the needs of their neighbors and friends. It was a simple philosophy, one based on understanding the Puget Sound environment and what matters most – people.

“I walk through every home we build,” said Justin Goff, one of the company’s four partners. “We’re not a huge corporate conglomerate with homes spread across the country. We live here. We raise our families here. We think that makes a big difference.”

In 2012, the company began partnering with local high schools to support interior design classes.

“Bringing the students on-site, we were able to give them practical examples of how to utilize space and maximize visual appeal. Helping those right in our community. That’s something special,” said Mike Kinney Jr., co-owner.

Pacific Ridge Homes is a sponsor of Real Estate Today on KIRO Radio 97.3 FM