Building a new home is a major commitment, not just financially but emotionally. It’s like starting a new relationship – you need to establish trust, clear communication, and mutual understanding. Unfortunately, many problems during the home building process arise because homeowners didn’t ask the right questions or weren’t properly prepared for what’s ahead. To make sure you get off on the right foot, here are some key questions to ask your builder before you sign any contracts.
- What type of Builder are you? : Understanding the type of builder you’re working with is crucial. There are various types, including volume-based, semi-custom, full custom, or general contractors.
- Do you have certain architects and designers that you use?: Some builders work closely with specific architects and designers. Ask about their preferred partners and whether you’re required to work with them or if you can choose your own.
- Do you use mostly subcontractors to build or in-house contractors?: Most builders rely on subcontractors for certain tasks. If they do, ensure they have a strong network of reliable, high-quality subcontractors. If they use in-house crews, it can help ensure more consistent quality and fewer delays. Understanding this aspect can give you insight into how the build will progress.
- What is your building process from start to finish?: A well-defined process is essential to keep things moving smoothly. Ask the builder about their workflow from the moment you sign the contract to when you move in. If they have a written document outlining the process, that’s even better! Knowing exactly what to expect at each stage will help you stay on track.
- What is your business deal? : Do you have a cost plus or are the charges fixed? How much are allowances? Are allowances shown in the models or are those all upgrades? If so, how much were they upgraded? Are the allowances figures realistic? There are all sorts of ways the business deal could happen, it’s important for you to understand exactly what the business structure is up front.
- Can you provide recent examples and references of Build Projects in or around our area and budget?: A solid builder should be able to provide recent references – preferably from the last 12-18 months. Don’t settle for testimonials or videos; speak to past clients directly. When you talk to references, ask about their experience, challenges, and how the builder handled an issue when one arose.
- Do you have a typical spec or features sheet for your homes?: Ask if the builder provides a standard specification sheet, which outlines the features and finishes included in your home. This will help you understand what is included and whether there are any costs for upgrades.
- Who will actually be building my home on a day-to-day basis? Who is my main point of contact with your company?: You’ll want to know who will be overseeing the daily progress of your home and who your main point of contact throughout the building process will be. This clear communication at the start will keep you in the loop.
- How does your selection process work?: From flooring to finishes, there are a lot of choices that need to be made during the home-building process. Builders may either have a set selection of materials or allow you to choose from a list of options. Make sure you understand how the process works. Will there be a change order if you decide to upgrade, and if so, how does that impact the timelines and costs?
- How do we go about making changes during the Build Project? Is there a fee and/or change order to make changes? Is there a “lock in” period?: It’s common for changes to occur during the construction process. Whether it’s a design modification or a material change, it’s important to know how change orders are handled and how those will affect your timeline and budget.
- What are the typical extras with your company? What do typical customers add or upgrade?: It’s helpful to know what typical customers tend to upgrade or add during the construction process. This will give you insight into how much flexibility you have with your home’s design and the potential for additional costs.
- What does your Warranty include, and who on your team handles warranty items and when?: The Home Builders Association (HBA) of Greater Cincinnati has the limited warranty, which a lot of builders actually use. But some builders have their own or don’t have any at all. Be sure to ask about the specifics, including how long the warranty lasts and what it covers.
- What is your typical build time?: Builders often deal with external factors that can cause delays, such as weather or supply chain issues. Ask for a detailed timeline and how they manage delays if they happen. Understanding how flexible they are at adjusting timelines and how they’ll communicate any delays is important.
- What is the worst thing to happen in the past 12-18 months, build?: No build is without its challenges. Ask the builder to share a real example of a significant issue they encountered and how they resolved it. This will give you insight into their problem-solving abilities and how they handle tough situations.
- What sets you apart from other Builders?: Ask the Builder what sets them apart from others in the industry. Whether it’s their approach to customer service, quality of materials, or unique design options, you should understand why they’re the right choice for your project.
With these key questions, you can ensure you’re working with a builder who aligns with your goals, budget, and timeline. If you are looking to build a home, look no further. Oyler Hines is the Top New Construction Group in the Greater Cincinnati Area, we offer our clients access to more new homes and lot opportunities than anyone around.
