Unlike buying a home, you need to consider many things when building a custom home from the ground up. Especially if you are a first-time homeowner, the most crucial decision is selecting a custom home builder. While there’s a wide range of home builders out there, only a few will be able to meet your specific preference and tick all your boxes.
You’ll have to interview a couple to find the one custom home builder you are compatible with. But as you prepare to meet your potential custom home builder, you might wonder exactly what you should ask them.
After all, finding the right questions to ask can be intimidating unless you are a home builder. To identify the best candidate for the task, here’s a rundown of potential questions you should ask potential custom home builders.
1. How many years of experience do you have building custom homes?
When finding a potential custom home builder for your future home, you want to ensure you’re working with someone with experience in the field. Asking this question helps you understand how qualified your potential custom home builder is for the job. Nelson & Son Construction Service Inc has been building homes in Denver Metro Area for over 30 years!
2. Do you have a portfolio of your previous projects?
Most of the time, a custom home builder will have a model available for tour. But if they don’t have one, you can inquire if they have a portfolio of their previous projects that you can look at.
3. How do you accurately budget for the cost of building my custom home?
When selecting a custom home builder, it’s crucial to ensure the builder’s team leaves no holes in their budgeting process. Therefore, their budget estimate should be set after securing comprehensive bids from multiple vendors and subcontractors.
4. What kind of licenses and insurance do you have?
In some states, licenses aren’t a must-have for custom home builders. All in all, for your peace of mind, inquire about their licenses and insurance. Working with an unlicensed home builder puts you at risk if anything goes wrong and their operation is shut down.
5. Are you flexible to make changes during the build process of my custom home?
This question helps you determine how flexible your custom home builder is throughout the construction process. Sometimes unprecedented changes may be required. Therefore, finding a custom home builder who can accommodate changes is essential.
6. How long will it take you to build a custom home?
This question will help you determine how long it has taken your custom home builder to construct a house like yours in the past. Of course, the timeline will be unique to your design, but it will give you a general idea of when to expect the project to be complete.
7. Do you perform inspections during the construction process?
When building your dream home, quality assurance inspections are vital. When interviewing your potential custom home builder, you should verify if they perform quality assurance checks during construction.
8. When can I expect to move into my new custom home?
Do you have significant life events coming up, and would like to have moved into your home by then? Well, ask your custom home builder if the house can be ready within that time.
9. How long does the warranty period extend?
Make sure you discuss the warranty period with your custom home builder. That will help you understand what they can fix or repair after they’ve completed the construction. Also, that will give you peace of mind and avoid any confusion later.
10. Can you work closely with my architect and interior designer?
When building your dream custom home, you want to work with someone who can easily collaborate with your architect and designer. That will ensure the entire team works together to build a home that reflects your personality.