There are a lot of good reasons to build a custom home. You don’t have to worry about the home’s history, previous owners, hidden damages, or necessary repairs in the near future. Your new house will also come with a number of warranties to provide you with peace of mind.
However, the success of your home build depends heavily on the new home builder you hire. Not all companies are created equal. Some home builders are more qualified, professional, and affordable than others.
To find the best home builder for your next house, you need to ask the right questions. What should you ask prospective companies to determine the best builder or your needs?
Keep reading to find out.
1. Will You Give Me a Free Quote?
Like most homebuyers, one of your top priorities is keeping the build within the limits of your budget. Just because you’re building a new home rather than buying an old one, it doesn’t mean you have unlimited funding. As such, reach out to local home builders to get a free quote for your next house.
However, it’s important to pay attention to what’s included in the quote. Does it include warranties, appliances, or any other features? What about lot size, house size, and materials?
Try to keep your plans as similar as possible to keep everything on a level playing field.
2. Can I Submit My Own Design Plans?
Next, when talking to new home builders, ask about their policy on working with customers on the design of the home. Are you able to submit your own design plans? How much of the build is within your control?
For example, does the new home builder have a set of design plans that you can choose from, or can you dictate the layout of the home, number of rooms, and size of rooms? Can you decide where things like doors, windows, lights, and outlets are located?
3. Do You Have Samples of Previous Projects I Can See?
When hiring a home building company, it helps to have a reference for their services. Ask to see samples of the previous homes they’ve built.
This is important for finding a company that can deliver professional results. It’s also a good way to see if you like their overall styles and aesthetic designs.
For example, check out our custom home galleries to get a better idea of what we have to offer.
4. Are You Licensed and Insured?
When hiring a custom home builder, you need to verify their licensing and insurance. First, they need to have a professional business license through the state. They should also carry the appropriate licensing and certifications based on the work they’ll be doing on your house, such as:
- Contracting
- Plumbing
- Electrical
- And more
Just as importantly, the new home builder you hire must be properly insured. They should have professional liability insurance which will protect your financial interests. If any of your possessions or property is damaged during the building process, this coverage should reimburse you for your expenses.
The home builder company should also have worker’s compensation insurance. Construction work is inherently dangerous. Their contractors need to have insurance coverage to provide financial assistance in the event that they are injured on the job.
5. What Types of Home Warranties Do You Offer?
Before you sign with a new home builder, ask if the home comes with a warranty. More importantly, what does the warranty cover?
In most cases, a new home warranty covers the major structural and functional components of the house. This includes the foundation, roof, plumbing, and electrical. However, some home warranties extend to cover appliances.
Make sure you know what’s covered in your warranty and the process for filing a claim.
6. How Long Do You Expect the Build to Take?
Based on the new home builder’s experience, they should be able to give you a fairly accurate estimate of how long the build will take. However, keep in mind that things outside of the builder’s control can come up.
For example, inclement weather can delay house construction. As can unforeseen problems with the foundation, supply issues, and more.
That being said, timing is important. While building a new home takes time, you don’t want to hire a company that’s going to drag its feet and take longer than necessary to complete your home.
7. Do You Have Any References or Customer Reviews?
One of the most important things to look at when choosing a new home builder is their customer reviews. What do other homeowners have to say about the company? For example:
- Were they happy with the services provided by the new home builder?
- Did they find any issues with the home concerning workmanship or other builder errors?
- Do any of their past customers complain about hidden fees or inaccurate estimates?
- Did the new home builder complete the home in a reasonable amount of time?
You should be able to find the answers to these types of questions by finding the company’s customer reviews. You can find these online. Alternatively, ask the company to provide you with a list of references.
8. What Do You Do to Verify the Condition of the Home?
Finally, ask the new home builder about their final walkthrough and inspection process. How do they verify the condition of the home before handing it over to the customer?
Do they perform their own inspections? What if you want to hire an outside home inspector for an unbiased inspection of the house?
If any of the final inspections of the house uncovered a problem, what will the builder do to fix the issue? Will they go the extra mile to ensure your home is perfect before they officially complete the build?
Are You Looking for a New Home Builder?
If you and your family are looking to custom-build your next home, take your time during the hiring process. It’s essential to find the right new home builder for the job. Ask the questions listed above to vet your options and find the absolute best professional contractor for your home.
And if you’re ready to get a quote and start talking about your options, contact us today We would love to work with you to make your vision come to life.