Choosing the right home builder can be a huge task if you’re new to the home building process. Building a custom home is a challenging proposition, but it is also a wonderfully rewarding one. Finding the right home builder can be difficult, but asking the following questions of your potential custom home builder will help you find the right builder for your project.
You’re entering into a partnership with your home builder. You’ll be spending a lot of time talking to the builder who will take these conversations to heart so they can build you the perfect home for your family and budget. Asking these questions will help you have a better understanding of what both of you can expect throughout the project.
Questions to ask when selecting a custom home builder:
- How long have you been in business? There’s nothing wrong with working with a new home builder, it’s just good to know up front. Experience is great, but someone who is a little less experienced can bring some great ideas to the table, so don’t discount someone just because they haven’t been in business as long as some other builders.
- Are you licensed and insured? If the answer is “no” then it’s on to the next potential builder. Don’t waste your time with a company that is not insured or licensed.
- Do you have references that you’d be willing to share? Not all prior home owners will invite you into their home, but they may talk to you on the phone. Ask for references, and then be sure to check them out.
- Where do you build? Many custom home builders only build in certain areas so before you get too set on a builder find out where they build. If they don’t build in your area ask them if they can recommend a builder who does.
- How long will it take to build my home? Most builders will give you an estimate of when the home will be completed, and most will be right on schedule. Be aware that any estimate of completion is based on their schedule when they give you the estimate. If you wait months before you get started they may be booked up.
- How much will it cost? Before signing any agreement make sure you know exactly how much the builder will charge you for the project but also extras such as change orders as well as any fees that might be incurred because of the changes. Once a project is rolling changes can increase the cost of the project exponentially so know what you want before you break ground.