Deciding to build a home is a big deal. Choosing the right builder is just as big of a deal. After all, you’re going to be placing a lot of trust in their hands to make your dream home a reality. So to help you make the right decision when hiring a builder, here are some simple questions to put to a builder before you enter into a contract.
- What are your qualifications? Every builder should be licensed, insured, and be willing to tell you how long they have been building homes, how many they have built and some examples of their work, so you can drive by and have a look.
- Can you provide me with some references? Just like any job, you want to know what other people have to say about the person and their work. Building a home is a big investment and a lengthy process. You’re going to want to talk to people who have already been through the building process with the same contractor. Any professional builder should have references, including those from their materials provider and other contractors with whom they previously worked.
- How much will it cost? The builder should be able to give you a fairly reasonable and comprehensive estimate of how much it will cost to build your home. After all, you will be working on a budget. Ask what materials will be used in the construction. And before you sign a contract, you need to make sure the costs are clearly spelled out.
- When will the home be finished? Naturally, you’re going to want to know how long it is going to take to complete the project. Your builder should provide you with a time frame and a schedule for when the work will be finished.
These questions are just the beginning of vetting a homebuilder. Other crucial questions to ask: Who will run the job? Will workers be there all day? May I visit the job site? These are all interrelated questions you may want to ask up front. It is important to know if the builder will be personally running the job site or handing it over to a project manager. You will want a contact person you can call to answer any questions you may have as the work progresses.
You also want someone who is going to be hands on when supervising the building of your home. Workers will be coming and going on the job site, and most will be subcontractors hired by the builder. But also remember there may be times when no one will be on the job site. That’s why you will want to have a schedule. You will also want to be able to visit the job site to see how things are coming along.
Asking questions about your new home construction will give you peace of mind that your building project is in good hands, and your builder is competent and professional. It is best to shop around for builders and to interview several before making a choice. Pick one you are comfortable with, because building a house is a long and complicated process and you want to have confidence that the job will be done right. Before you sign a contract, make sure all of your questions have been answered.