You have made the decision to build a custom home... now what? That's the number one question we get. Besides designing your home, choosing your builder will be one of the biggest decisions you will make. Below is a list of questions to ask builders when meeting with them to determine if they are the right fit for your home.
General Questions
What is your available start date?
Estimated length of construction?
Can we choose our own subcontractors or vendors?
Do you offer a warranty and what does it entail?
Ask for references/tour homes they have built. Make sure to follow up with references if provided.
Are they fully custom or have they pre-selected some items and you have limited design options?
How many homes will they be building simultaneously, and do they provide a project manager specifically for your build?
Do you use the same subs for every job?
Do you provide a timeline of when decisions need to be made (cabinets, flooring, roofing, etc.)
Do you have a designer on staff to help with decisions? Do you require the use of a designer?
Financial Questions
What is the average price per square foot of your last three homes and how big were they?
Is the price is fixed or can change based on material inflation?
Types of materials used? (Joists, ductwork, insulation, etc.)
What does the price exclude?
What all is included in the build? (landscaping, septic, irrigation)
Do you charge for change orders?
Do you carry insurance? If so, what does it cover and are you required to carry additional insurance?
If the builder is selling the land and build as a package, make sure they have title to the land. Your county will have this information.
Do you have an escalation clause in your contract?
Do you offer any financial assistance if the build goes past one year and loans need to be extended? (Construction loans have a 1 year term)
Who is responsible for costs that are left off the bid? If they forget to budget a driveway or other major factors of your home, who is responsible?
Have questions? Post them below.