10 Questions to Ask When Hiring a Builder 

Hiring a builder is often the very first big decision you make when embarking on your dream home project. This decision can be life-changing, as the builder you ultimately choose will play a critical role in turning your dream home into a reality. It’s essential to first ensure you’re making an informed decision by doing your research and having meaningful conversations with potential builders. 

To help you in this process, here are 10 essential questions to ask when hiring a builder.

1.  Are You Insured?

Proper insurance is non-negotiable when hiring a builder. Insurance protects both you and the builder in case of accidents, damages or other unforeseen issues during the construction process. 

2. What Is Your Experience in Home Building?

Experience with your specific type of project is a key factor in ensuring that your builder has the skills and knowledge necessary to construct your home according to your specifications. Builders often specialize in certain types of homes, such as custom designs, luxury homes or energy-efficient models, so it’s important to choose one with experience relevant to what you’re looking for. Ask the builder about their experience with projects similar to yours. For example, if you’re building a custom home, inquire about the number of custom homes they’ve built in the past few years.

3. What Is the Estimated Timeline for Completion?

The timeline for your project will affect everything from your living arrangements to your financial planning. Understanding the builder’s estimated timeline, including a grace period for potential delays, helps you manage your expectations and plan accordingly. Request a detailed timeline that outlines each phase of the project, from obtaining permits to the final walkthrough. Ask the builder how they handle delays caused by various factors or unforeseen challenges on the site. A good builder should provide a realistic timeline and be transparent about any potential factors that could affect it. (By the way, at Chris Gorman Homes, we consistently communicate project details and keep our clients informed through an easy-to-navigate online tool.) 

4. What Is Your Process for Building? 

It’s important to get a sense of how each builder approaches the design and construction process. For example, at Chris Gorman Homes, we guide our clients every step of the way from ideas and rough sketches through to professional design and meticulous construction of their finished home. 

Once our clients decide on a budget, we begin working with them on the design phase, This is the phase where the dream home takes shape. During the design phase of a custom home project, the vision comes to life as ideas, sketches and photos are transformed into detailed construction plans. Careful consideration during the design phase allows the builder’s team to perfect ideas and position the build for success.

The next step for Chris Gorman Homes’ clients after the design phase is construction. During this time, the builder works with local building authorities to arrange for necessary permits and inspections. Once the project is underway, your builder may use an online portal to help you keep tabs on the progress with updates and photos. 

Further questions to ask each builder might include: 

• What is your warranty policy? 
• Will you provide information on warranties for our systems and appliances? 
• What if we discover things that need to be fixed after the home is complete? 
• What is the punch list process? 
• How does the closing process work? 

5. What Warranties Do You Offer?

A warranty is a critical aspect of your investment, ensuring that the builder stands behind their work and that any problems will be addressed promptly. Ask the builder to provide details on the types of warranties offered, including the length of coverage and what is specifically covered. Additionally, inquire about the process for making warranty claims and how quickly you can expect issues to be resolved. Understanding the warranty terms will help you feel confident in your investment and the builder’s commitment to quality.

At Chris Gorman Homes, for example, we offer a full one-year warranty on all our work. Before we hand over the keys to our clients, we walk through every square foot of the home, explaining the operation of major systems and discussing warranties on appliances and other elements. Our goal is to address any outstanding issues promptly. We want all our clients to be thrilled with their new homes.

6. How Do You Handle Change Orders or Modifications?

It’s common for homeowners to want to make changes to the original plans as the construction progresses, or for conflicts to arise that require certain changes. Understanding how your builder handles modifications will help you anticipate the impact on your budget and timeline. Additionally, make sure you understand the builder’s policy on whether changes can be made after certain phases of construction have begun. Clear communication about modifications will help you avoid misunderstandings and keep the project on track, so you can move into your dream home ASAP.

7. Who Will I Work With on Your Team? 

The person supervising your construction project will have a significant impact on the quality and timeliness of the work. It’s important to know who will be on-site, making decisions and ensuring that everything is done according to plan. Ask who will be the project manager or site supervisor, and inquire about their experience and qualifications. It’s important to know how often they will be on-site and how frequently they will provide updates. You should also ask about the chain of command and who you should contact if you have questions or concerns. A strong supervisory presence on-site ensures that the work meets the agreed-upon standards and that any issues are addressed promptly.

8. Can I Visit the Job Site During Construction?

Visiting the job site allows you to monitor progress, address any concerns and ensure that everything is being built to your specifications. It also gives you an opportunity to catch potential issues before they become larger problems. Discuss with the builder how often you can visit the site and what safety protocols you’ll need to follow. Some builders have specific days or times when site visits are allowed, while others may offer more flexibility. Being open to site visits shows confidence in the builder’s work.

9. How Do You Resolve Disputes?

Even with the best planning, disputes can arise during construction. Understanding how your builder handles disputes is essential to ensuring that any issues are resolved fairly and promptly. Ask about the builder’s dispute resolution process, including whether they prefer to handle disputes through mediation, arbitration or litigation. Make sure the dispute resolution process aligns with your expectations and that you feel comfortable with the builder’s approach to handling potential conflicts.

10. Can You Provide References? 

Speaking with previous clients offers valuable insights into a builder’s customer service. Additionally, a builder’s past projects can give you a glimpse of what you can expect from your own project. Ask the builder to provide references from multiple projects similar to yours. When contacting these references, inquire about the overall experience, the quality of work, how issues were handled and whether the project was completed on time and within budget. Pay attention to any recurring themes in the feedback, both positive and negative, as they can help you gauge what it might be like to work with this builder.

Bonus Question: What Makes You Different From Other Builders? 

The answer to this question should give you a sense of each builder’s mission and values. For instance, the Chris Gorman Homes difference is the values we bring to the table. We are committed to being honest, transparent and professional, and that commitment shows in every decision we make. We don’t just sell a project; We bring all the professional, dedicated resources we have curated for many years to your new home project. This approach gives our clients peace of mind; they know their new home is in the hands of trusted and experienced experts. 

Hiring a Builder Shouldn’t Be Stressful

If you’re in the process of hiring a builder, we have the track record of satisfied customers and a portfolio of luxury homes you need to make the right decision. To learn more about how Chris Gorman Homes can take on your dream home project, book a discovery call.