What to Ask a Custom Home Builder Before Hiring Them

What to Ask a Custom Home Builder Before Hiring Them

Choosing the right custom home builder is the first step in building your dream home. Since you’re about to make one of the most significant investments in your life, it’s wise to interview a few different builders and ask detailed questions to find the best fit for your needs. 

The thrill of personalizing your custom home with a host of choices is just ahead, but first, arm yourself with questions to ask the builders you’re interested in.  

Here are some questions to get you started: 

Ask Home Builders These 14 Questions, and the Right Fit Will Be Obvious

1. How long have you been building custom homes, and how many homes have you built?

You’ll gain knowledge of their experience level quickly with these two questions. 

2. May I see a copy of your liability and workers’ compensation insurance? 

A builder must carry these insurance types for your and their workers’ protection. If they don’t have these, continue your search. 

3. May I see some of your recent projects and talk with some recent clients?

The builder should be willing to give you some references of people willing to talk with you about their building experience. Ask the referrals if the builder was easy to work with and if they finished on time and within budget. Find out how satisfied they are with the finished product

4. May I tour a construction site? 

Although seeing a model home is helpful, ask if you can tour a construction site. You’ll learn more about the builder that way. Notice if the site is clean and safe. 

5. What standard features do your homes include?

Once you understand the standard features, find out what options and upgrades you can select. 

6. When do I make decisions about customizing the materials and design of my new home?

When can I visit your design office and meet with your design team to personalize my home’s details and select my finishes? It’s best to do all the planning of your materials and design features before you break ground (as opposed to making changes during construction). You’ll save time and money with all the decisions solidified upfront. 

7. How long does your team take to build a custom home like my desired one?

This will give you a good idea of the timeline you can expect. 

8. Can you tell me about the plans in and around my lot’s area? 

The builder you hire should have a good sense of what is happening in your area over the next several years and how it will impact you. Are there any major developments going on in the area? Will that help the value of your home? Ask about the Homeowners Association (HOA) fees and Architectural Review Committee. 

9. How often do you finish a custom-built home on time? 

You are likely living in a home you need to sell before moving into your custom-built home. For your transition from your current home to your new one to work out smoothly, you must ensure you’re working with a builder who delivers on time. The weather, material selection, design, and construction can all cause unexpected delays when building homes. While you may need to be flexible, at least find out the builder’s goal so you have a target to shoot for with your home sale and transition. 

10. What recommendations do you have for building within my budget?

There may be smart tradeoffs the builder can recommend so you can get your dream home and stay within budget

11. Can you help me understand what is and isn’t included in your price?

Nobody likes surprises. Knowing what to plan for financially is important—before, during, and after your home is built. Is the cost of pulling permits up to the builder or you? Will they leave the landscaping for you to take care of once your home is built, or do they include it? Does your lender require an appraisal, and if so—does the builder cover that? Is a warranty included in the builder’s price?

12. Can you tell me about the home warranty? 

A home warranty gives you peace of mind. Look at the warranty information in writing, and learn about the process necessary if you have to use it. Ask questions about your warranty period. And understand what the builder can repair once construction is done. 

13. What type of communication should I expect once the building process starts?

As you interview the builders you are considering, notice how your communication flows. Do you feel comfortable communicating with them? Do they take the time to listen to your concerns and provide information to help you understand the building process, your timeline, your material selections, and more? 

Is there a project manager who will regularly update you on your home’s progress? How often should you expect to hear from them? Will they send pictures? Can they let you know if a delay is anticipated? 

14. How often will I have access to my home while it is being built?

With all you’re investing in your new home, you’ll naturally want to tour it as progress is made. Ask when the best time is to see your home, so the crew knows you are coming. 

Enjoy a Seamless Home Building Experience 

At Distinctive Homes, we install premium products you can trust for years, like James Hardie fiber cement siding, Certainteed Vinyl siding, and 50-year shingles. If you want a home with close to zero maintenance, we can provide that. We’re simply the guide who helps you compare your options so you can decide what’s best for your Chester County & Southeastern Pennsylvania home.
Schedule your expert consultation today.

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