When it comes to building a home, one of the most important parts is selecting a builder. The process of designing and building a home is based a lot on personal preferences. The goal is to create a home that suits your unique needs while also reflecting your personality and style. Every project is different and not every builder has the skillset or experience to bring your vision to life. Trusting the wrong builder can lead to disaster, so knowing how to select a qualified builder is essential. With that in mind, we’ve put together a list of helpful tips as well as questions to ask while interviewing potential builders.
5 Important Things to Keep in Mind
1. Home building is a service industry, not a product. Your builder is providing a service to you which includes acting as a consultant or guide while exploring design and construction options.
2. Always Inspect Their Work. Everyone says they’re skilled or that they do exceptional work. While we’d love to take their word for it, it’s always a good idea to see their work in person. Check out any spec homes or models they have available to see if their design and craftsmanship meets your expectations.
3. Design Matters. The finished home is only as good as the design that inspired it. If the builder doesn’t offer a floor plan or design that leaves you feeling excited, they may not be the right builder for you.
4. Do Your Research. Before selecting your builder, check their references. Hearing first hand from other homeowners will give you a better idea of what it’s like to work with that builder as well as their subcontractors and vendors. In addition, check with the Better Business Bureau for any complaints or alarming feedback.
5. Costs Will Vary by Builder. When building a home, 1/3 of the cost will be material and products. The other 2/3s will be the cost of labor, which is based largely on the expertise and skill level of the builder and their subcontractors. Be prepared for labor costs to vary wildly.
Home Builder Interview Questions
- How long have you been in business?
- What is your educational & experience background?
- Do you have a professional designer(s) to help with space planning and selection?
- Are your carpenters employees or subcontractors?
- Do you have a written scope of work/product installation methods for each trade? If yes ask to see it.
- What professional associations do you belong to?
- Where do you bank and who is your contact person?
- Where do you purchase your lumber and who is your contact person?
- Do you use the same trade subcontractors consistently or receive bids for the lowest price?
- Will you provide a written timetable for project construction?
- Who will be my daily contact? How will they contact me?
- Can I receive a copy of your warranty and homeowner’s manual?
- How long have your key employees been with your company?
- How often will my home be cleaned during the construction process?
- How many homes have you built similar to mine?
- On average, how much do your customers deviate from your allowances?
- What is your change order policy?
- What happens if you miss the agreed upon closing date?
- What guarantees do you offer?
- Why should I choose your company?
To learn more about Triple Crown Homes’ building process, please contact our team. We can’t wait to hear from you!