5 Questions to Ask When Building a Custom Home
Hammer out the details before the foundation is laid
You’re ready to build the custom home of your dreams—but first, you need to find the right builder to make your vision a reality. That process all starts with a simple conversation. To find a custom home builder near you that’s the right fit, you’ll need to know what questions to ask when building a home and what answers will help your builder take your ideas from blueprints to reality. Let’s dive into some common questions your prospective home builders may ask and the answers that will help you determine which person is the right fit.
1. When would you like construction to start?
Different home builders may have different availability to start new projects, so it helps to know when your ideal groundbreaking is for your custom home. Once you provide them with your ideal start date, home builders will look at their schedules and see if they can fit you in or not. If they’re booked, they may have to push your project back to accommodate you.
2. What is the approximate budget for the home (excluding land)?
Some builders only work with specific budgets so that they and their clients are on the same page. Considering the cost to build a house and creating a budget beforehand can help weed out any builders who are out of your price range or not accustomed to working on higher-end projects that require more work. Plus, once your budget is fleshed out, home builders can show you other homes they’ve built at similar price points so you can see the work they’re capable of.
3. Do you plan to build a modular home?
A modular home built in a factory takes much less time than one built on land from the ground up. Some home builders specialize in modular homes and can make that process a breeze, while others will have less experience. When building a custom home, consider whether you want a modular home so that you can move forward with the right builder.
4. How many bedrooms do you want in your custom home?
A modest three-bedroom house versus a sprawling five-bedroom house with bathrooms to match can make a big difference in the timeline and budget for your custom build. When finding a custom home builder, have an ideal number of bedrooms in mind. Also, consider various bedroom layout ideas—should all bedrooms be on one floor or would you rather split them up? Once you have a plan, your builder can show you examples of similar homes they’ve built to see if your vision matches their style.
5. Do you own the land where the home will be built?
Buying land for the project is a whole other beast when it comes to building custom homes, which is why it helps to know whether you already own the land you’re building on or if you’ll need to purchase it. If you already own the land, know whether or not it has the necessary infrastructure to put plumbing, electrical, and other utilities in place for a house to run properly. The more details you can provide to your builder, the easier it will be for them to put together a scope, timeline, and budget for the build.
