One of the most important choices a homeowner can make is deciding on a custom home builder. This will be the person who will build your dream home. You have to make sure you pick the right one. But how do you do that? When interviewing potential builders, it helps if you’re asking the right questions. Here are the 20 most important questions to ask a custom home builder.

How long have you been a custom home builder?

It’s important to choose a home builder that is experienced in the trade. Ideally, they should have at least five years of experience as a residential builder. You also need to check how long they’ve been building in your area. They’ll be familiar with the location’s building codes, permits, terrain and more. A custom home builder should be a valuable resource to you. They need to know their stuff.

What is your reputation like?

Just because a potential builder may have over 10 years of experience doesn’t mean you should hire them right away. Be sure to ask about their reputation. Along with looking online for reviews, you should also ask to speak to previous clients. They’ll most likely be willing to talk to you and will be honest with their experiences, both good and bad. 

How often do you finish projects on schedule?

Homeowners who are having a custom home built have to juggle selling their old home and preparing to move into the new one. This usually involves adhering to a strict schedule. Find out how often the homebuilder meets their target dates. If they often go over schedule, then they might not be the one for you. However, do try to be flexible. There are a lot of factors that can impact a building schedule. You should talk to the builder and settle on a move-in date based on their experience and road map.

Do you have a portfolio?

Ask to look at previous works a builder has done. They should be able to provide you with a portfolio of custom homes. By looking through their works, you can get an idea of what their style is and if they’re capable of creating your vision. While you’re at it, see if you can look at a home that’s currently being built. You’ll be able to see their process and gain an understanding of how your home will be constructed.

Who will be in charge of my project?

Learn who is overseeing the construction. Will the custom home builder themself be in charge, or do they have superintendents that will oversee it in their place? If they do use superintendents, find out how often they inspect the job site. You must know what the builder’s role is before picking them.

Do you have a great crew?

A builder is only as good as their crew. Even if you like the home builder, if their crew isn’t up to stuff then you should pass. They’ll be in charge of building your home after all. Ask about the crew’s skill set, how much expertise they have and if they are dependable. The builder can easily answer these questions.

Are you licensed and insured?

This may sound like a no-brainer, but make sure the residential builder is licensed and insured. Any reputable home builder will happily show you their paperwork when asked. If you meet resistance or they aren’t insured/licensed for residential work, look elsewhere.

Can my lawyer review the construction contract?

The construction contract should clearly outline the building process and thoroughly explain aspects such as insurance, warranties, financing, liabilities and more. Ask to let your lawyer review it before signing the contract. They should be able to properly understand it and advise you on any concerns. Any custom home builder should say yes.

Can you help me pick a home site?

If you haven’t yet decided on where to live, some builders will be happy to help you choose. They’ll be familiar with the area and can guide you in the right direction. If you’ve already decided on a lot, ask if they can instead inspect it. If there are any problems, they’ll let you know.

Can I change things once the building starts?

Usually, you and your residential builder have agreed to construction before it starts. Ask what happens if you change your mind about an aspect of the house. Do they allow changes after the building begins? If they do, be aware that any changes will impact the cost and timeline.

What’s the process for building in my budget?

There’s a budget for everything, especially for your dream home. Be sure to have budgetary conversations with your home builder. How will they work to ensure they stay within budget? Does this involve changing product selections? Go into a deep dive. For example, Bourré Construction Group’s four-phase process includes having an open discussion with customers about their budget goals. We also discuss the change order process and what can impact the budget in the future.

Are you a certified master builder?

If you want the best of the best, try choosing a custom home builder that is a certified master builder. A certified master builder is an elite home builder who is dedicated to building and client satisfaction. Those who have this certification are held to higher standards than regular contractors. You can rest assured that your home is in good hands.

What is your warranty?

Each builder will have different warranties. Most will at least have a one-year warranty. Others may also include a ten-year structural warranty. Be sure to learn the ins and outs of what the residential builder offers. You should also ask what isn’t included in the warranty. By being aware, you’ll know what to do should problems arise in the future.

What’s included?

There are so many variables in building a home. It’s important to know what is included in the contract. Does the home builder include landscaping? What about permits fees or surveying? You don’t want to assume something’s included then end up with an extra fee you weren’t expecting. Learn exactly what is and isn’t included in your contract.

Can I have detailed specifications?

You need to know what exactly is in your construction contract. If you need specifications on anything, ask. The worst thing you can do is not get all of the information necessary before signing. There might be something important left out. You may have also signed off on an aspect that you’re not a fan of. You must ask for clarification when needed. Ask to get everything down in writing. That way you know precisely what is going on with your dream home.

Can you help me pick out furnishings?

Starting construction on your home is just one step. You still have to decide what will go inside. There are cabinets, paint colors, counters, lighting fixtures, etc. It can be formidable. See if the residential builder has experienced designers on hand. They can help you make those crucial design choices.

How do you communicate with homeowners?

Communication between you and your custom home builder is crucial. Ask them how they will keep you informed on the construction progress. Will they update you weekly? Or will they only contact you when there’s a problem? It’s important to figure out how accessible the builder is and how often the two of you will talk.

Can you make my home energy efficient?

Once you move into your new custom home, you’ll have to start paying ongoing expenses. In the discussion process, ask the builder what features will impact your gas, water and electricity usage. Some items you may have wanted originally could end up costing you big time in the long run. Residential builders should be able to help you pick features that keep the cost down.

Will you conduct a walk-through of the house?

Any honest custom home builder will perform a walk-through of the home with you once construction is complete. This is your chance to ask questions and point out any issues to them. If they are unwilling to or say there aren’t any problems, that should be a red flag. There is always the possibility of a mistake. A good home builder should recognize that and work with you to fix it.

What makes you different from other custom home builders?

This is the time to learn what makes the builder stand out from the masses. What makes them unique? Some might be a one-stop-shop, while others may subcontract the work. Bourré Construction Group is a full-service general contractor with almost two decades of experience. A potential home builder should be able to tell you how they’re different from the competition.

Deciding on the custom home builder you’ll trust to build your new home is challenging. In a market with multiple options, this can make or break your home. Bourré Construction Group was founded on a simple principle: build with integrity. Hopefully, these questions we’ve provided will help make the interviewing process go by easier.