5 important questions to ask when selecting a home builder

Determining if a builder is the right fit for your project is essential. But how do you know if you're focusing on the right things?

Here are five important topics that will help you find the right match. Remember to use a checklist and ask lots of questions!

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Questions to ask a potential home builder

1. Experience

   Ask about their experience specific to the type of home you intend to construct, not just as a general builder. A builder specializing in similar construction projects or methods can rely on prior experience to ensure your project goes smoothly.

2. Reputation

   You can shorten your list of potential builders by focusing on industry reputations and reviews. A builder with a good reputation will have healthy relationships with sub-contractors, inspectors, and suppliers, all of whom help your project stay on track.
   
   Ask the home builder to provide documentation of any licenses they hold and a couple of industry associations where they are members. Doing this will allow you to research their reputation among their peers. Also, ask the builder to provide contact information for any recent clients willing to share details of their construction experiences. If the reviews come back mixed, pose clarifying questions to the builder about those experiences. They may have made a mistake, learned from it, and improved their process.

3. Services

   Depending on the complexity of your project, you may want to start from a builder's plan or consult an architect. Or you may prefer to work with a design center to select finishes. Builders may have model homes or provide 3D modeling solutions to help visualize and configure the final product.
   
   Ask the builder to provide a list of all their services or refer you to their list of preferred vendors. A builder who can provide in-house services or preferred partners can help manage costs and ensure that all the necessary teams work well together.

4. Process

   Familiarize yourself with a general understanding of the stages required for the style of construction you desire. When meeting with a builder, ask them to describe their process and communication style. For example, will there be a single point of contact where you can view status updates and budget/project visibility? This knowledge is crucial.
   
   New construction homes take time to complete. There will likely be unforeseen obstacles to overcome as a team. Having a connection with your builder, trusting that they're responsive, will communicate clearly, and provide knowledgeable answers to your questions will help ease some of the stress you may encounter during the build.

5. Costs

   Before your meeting, understand what you can afford. When setting a budget number, make sure you have a contingency for issues that may arise. Ask the home builder what is and isn't included in their estimate. If you're interested in add-ons like a third garage bay, patio, etc., be sure to ask for estimates for those as well. Can you buy your fixtures and materials yourself? How does the builder handle change orders and manage delays?
   
   No one likes surprises when building a new home. Setting clear expectations, clarifying assumptions, and a shared understanding of the final budget will result in a house you can afford.

Finally, consulting a realtor is another excellent way to identify reputable builders, find available communities, or learn more about the area you're considering. Touring model homes and nearby communities can also help you determine your style preferences, understand average home prices in your area, and present you with new construction home options.

Discover new home communities and find the right one for you today!

Building a semi-custom home in a planned community is a popular alternative to the lengthy and often stressful process of constructing a fully-custom home. Asking the right questions early and often can help make your home-building project even more streamlined and efficient.