Part 3 - Custom Home Building: Questions to ask your custom home builder
Dec 31, 2017
Whether you are building a custom home or remodeling your existing home, finding and choosing the right builder will make the process run most smoothly. Through your selection process, it’s important that you consult with several builders. Two to three is probably enough because the more you talk with, the more confusing it may get.
How do you choose between multiple builders who all say they will provide a quality home?
Below are 20 questions to ask when interviewing building companies. This will give you an idea of the experience the builder has and how he works with his/her customers. Keep in mind that if you are discussing costs, be careful to ensure that you are comparing apples to apples and that the specifications are the same.
The bottom line is that you need to feel comfortable with who you choose. This isn’t like buying a television. The entire building process from design to completion could take 6-24 months so you’ll be establishing a long-term relationship with your chosen builder.
- How many years have you been in business?
- How many homes have you built?
- Are you licensed (where required) and insured?
- Do you have a home that I can tour?
- Can I bring my own set of plans?
- Who will supervise the construction process?
- Can I choose any of the subcontractors?
- What kind of warranty do you provide?
- What is the process for making changes or upgrades before and during construction?
- How often (and when) will I have access to the home during the building process?
- Is it ok for me to visit the construction site?
- How often can I expect to receive updates from you?
- What is the best way to communicate? Emails? Phone?
- How many homes do you have under construction?
- Once we have a contract, how long will my home take to complete?
- Do you finance the construction or do I need to obtain a construction loan?
- Will you work with our architect and designer to ensure the house is built as designed?
- What is the process for making selections like paint, flooring, lighting, plumbing fixtures, cabinets, etc?
- Have you ever owned a construction company under a different name?
- How do you handle issues that arise after we’ve moved in and project is complete?
This should serve as a good starting point when engaging with builders to build your home. There may be other important questions you wish to ask, so feel free to add them.
We would be happy to discuss your building project and address these and any other questions you might have. Contact us today for a free consult.