Questions to Ask Your Custom Home Builder’s References

When choosing a custom home builder, most people understand that it is important to ask for references. After all, you are looking for someone who can build you a home where you and your family can be happy for many years. What many people are less clear on however is what kind of questions they should be asking those references. Beyond, “are you happy with your custom home,” what do you say when you get to talk to a reference?
Here are a few questions that you should be asking when you talk to references for a custom home builder:
1. How accurate were the original estimates?
Obviously, you are going to have a certain budget for your new home, and there should be room for contingencies within that budget, but you still want to work with a custom home builder whose final cost is fairly close to their estimate.
2. Was the project completed on time?
Time is money. While your custom home builder may not charge you extra for a project that goes over time, it is possible that you will have to spend more in terms of rent or that you may not be able to close on the sale of your current home in a timely manner if your custom home is not completed on time. You want to be assured that your home builder can deliver within the timeframe that they estimated.
3. How did the builder handle problems or stressful situations?
Every building project is unique and things rarely go 100% according to plan. How your builder handles upsets on the job is important.
4. Did the custom home builder communicate well with your throughout the process?
A custom home is a large investment, so you will want to work with someone who communicates clearly when needed. For example, if there are unavoidable delays, are they clearly communicated?
If you have questions or need to get in touch with the builder, are they receptive or do they seem annoyed? Do they return your calls or emails within a reasonable time period?
5. Did the custom home builder use any sub-contractors that you would request again (or avoid)?
If the reference was especially happy (or unhappy) with a particular aspect of the job you will want to know. You can then request that certain sub-contractors be considered or avoided depending on the feedback that you get.
Remember too that references are not the only place you can get reviews of a custom home builder. You should also check with your local Better Business Bureau and Home Builders Association.
If you are considering hiring a custom home builder for your own dream home, call the team at Superior Construction today at 905-805-8883.