10 Questions You Should Ask Your New Home Builder

Buying a new home can be an exciting experience, but building one is a massive commitment. That’s why choosing the right home builder is just as important as finding the right location (or even coming up with the right floor plan). The one you choose to work with will be your primary point of contact for the next couple of months, as you go through the process of building a custom home. A good builder will be able to give you the house of your dreams. But, if you make the wrong choice, you can experience a great deal of stress and frustration.

Here are some questions you should ask any new home builder before you make your final decision.

#1: How Long They Have Been in the Business

It’s important to ask this question, because it will give you an idea about the builder’s qualifications. If they have the knowledge and experience necessary to keep their business going and to make their customers satisfied, you could be one of their happy clients. A company that has only been in business for a short time may not give you the same level of service as a company that has been building custom homes for over four decades.

#2: How Many Homes They Have Built in a Particular Style

It’s good to know if your home builder has built a home in the style you want. A builder whose focus is on bungalows or infills may not be the perfect choice if you want to build a duplex. Make sure your builder either focuses on the style you want or has experience in a variety of building styles.

#3: If They Are Fully Licensed and Insured

If person you hire for building a custom home isn’t fully licensed and insured, you’re taking on more unnecessary risk. You could lose your deposit and even more money if something went wrong. You’re also held liable for unlicensed workers, so make sure your home builder is legitimate and legal.

#4: What They Offer That Other Builders Do Not

This is a great question to ask if you’re trying to choose from a couple of different builders. It’s good to know what the perks are, because the little details that make your builder go above and beyond what others offer can make the steps in building a custom home more special.

#5: The Most Important Benefits of the Homes They Build

This is similar to the previous question, because it gives you information on what they do that goes “above and beyond” other builders. You want to know what they’re homes will have that you can’t get if you hired someone else — whether it’s in the finishes and design, a stronger foundation, or better appliances.

#6: What Kind of Warranty They Offer

The bigger the purchase, the more you want to know about your warranty options. Because building a custom home is one of the largest investments in your life, a good warranty program will give you more peace of mind if something goes wrong. It will also give you more faith in your builder’s level of workmanship.

#7: If They Have Any References You Can Contact

In an investment as big as building a custom home, asking to verify claims with outside sources is a reasonable request. A good home builder will have a list of references from happy customers and will allow you to listen to what they have to say about the person you’re considering.

#8: If They Have Any Show Homes or Other Properties You Can See

Energy-efficient homes can save you a lot of money every month. So if a home builder can make your home more efficient, you should take that into serious consideration.

#9: What Standard Features Their Homes Include

Every home builder is different. If you don’t know what’s included in your builder’s fees, you won’t know how to put together your budget or mortgage request. Make sure you know exactly what you’re getting into, so you don’t have any added expenses that can make the process more stressful. Ask them about things like landscaping, decks, garages, and fencing.

#10: Additional Options and Upgrades They Have Available

Like all the standard features, you want to know about any upgrade options you have available. Being able to add a double sink to your master bedroom, add an ensuite to your spare bedroom, upgrade (or even downgrade) your kitchen appliances, or install hardwood floors are good things to know and is something that your home builder can help you with.

If you’re looking for one of the best custom home builders in Corpus Christi, be sure to get in touch with Devonshire Custom Homes.