5 Questions to Ask When Building a Custom Home

Hammer out the details before the foundation is laid

engineers looking at blueprint
Photo: NanSan / Adobe Stock
engineers looking at blueprint
Photo: NanSan / Adobe Stock
Get quotes from up to 3 pros!
Enter a zip below and get matched to top-rated pros near you.
Geo Icon

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. 

Need professional help with your project?
Get quotes from top-rated pros.
The homeowners guide to home building services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
A luxurious pool house behind a house’s swimming pool
May 16, 2025
May 16, 2025
Having a dedicated space to retire after a day in the pool may seem like a pipe dream. Learn about pool house costs to see if you can make that dream a reality.
A single-storey wooden house
May 16, 2025
May 16, 2025
Modular homes are more affordable than stick-built homes, but by how much? Learn about modular home costs to see if they fall within your budget.
A construction site on the exterior of a house
May 14, 2025
May 14, 2025
Wondering how much it costs to build a house? Use this guide to cover all your bases, from permits and planning to construction and finishing touches.
modular home on land
May 7, 2025
May 7, 2025
Prefab and modular homes have a lot in common, but also some key differences. Learn about prefab vs. modular homes and which is the best choice for you.
A modern concrete house
May 8, 2025
May 8, 2025
Concrete is a more durable building material than lumber. Learn how much a concrete house costs to build and what factors may affect your pricing.
Newly built custom home
May 17, 2025
May 17, 2025
Building a house is a complex process, and it’s important to get it right. Learn how to build a house to help make the process easier and more straightforward.