The time has come… whether you are purchasing a home already constructed or building from scratch, the decision starts and ends with the builder. Today we will walk you through the top, critical questions to ask your potential builder.
However, before the interview kicks off, you should know that you can always learn more about the builders in the SW Washington area by visiting the neighborhood pages on the New Construction Market Experts website!
Top, Critical Questions to Ask Your Builder
Types of Homes:
Type of homes do you typically build?
Do you have model homes to check out?
Do you build homes only from your own home plans?
Customization:
What standard features come with your homes, and what add-ons are available?
What features are included in the opening price?
What extra available energy-saving and sustainability features do you offer?
What is your policy for additional upgrades once construction has started?
Interpersonal:
Who oversees the construction, and who will be the main line of contact when building starts?
What policies do you have regarding the frequency of home visits and tours once construction has started?
Financing:
Do you offer any special financing offers?
How and when will final prices be determined?
Let’s Hear the Elevator Pitch!
After you’ve researched the builder with New Construction Market Expert’s builder portfolios, cover the basics first:
What experience do they have outside of building?
How many homes have they built?
What are the most significant benefits, features, and stand-out qualities of the homes they build. What sets them apart?
The builder should provide you with the following critical documents — ensure you have the following or ask when you will receive the following documents before moving forward:
Appropriate insurance
Builder’s warranty
Written example of common timeline
Types of homes
Type of homes do they typically build? Luckily, we have you covered on this front. Check out the builder’s past builds at the New Construction Market Expert’s builder profile page. If you are intrigued by a particular past build, this is your opportunity to inquire about details on the process of building a home with these features.
Do they have model homes to check out? Many builders either have model homes for these reasons, however if the builder does not, ask if they can set up an appointment to show you a home built for another customer. Home tours will provide insight on what type of products they use, the level of detail, and how their craftsmanship comes forth in the home.
Do they build homes only from their own home plans? What level of customization are you looking for? Are you interested in complete customization, or taking a step back and letting the builder work his magic?
Customization
What standard features come with their homes, and what add-ons are available?
In purchasing a production home, many internal finishes are chosen for you. However, a semi-custom or custom home allows opportunity for personalization, such as countertops, cabinets, flooring, tiles and more. Typically, your options for custom homes include:
- Using the builder’s on-staff designer and decorator
- Hiring an independent interior designer to coordinate with the builder on interior finishes.
- Finding suppliers and finishes independently
What features are included in the opening price? Some features may be included in the base price, while others are available in packages to add on. While some builders’ base prices may look like a steal, they likely omit critical interior features, which if added on will raise the price significantly. Keep in mind whether the following finishes are included:
- Plumbing for appliances
- HVAC
- Electrical
- Cabinets
- Tile
- Countertops
- Hardwood floors
What extra available energy-saving and sustainability features do they offer?
Here are a few of our favorites:
Sustainable building options:
- Prefabricated homes
- Reclaimed wood
- Low VOC paint
- Local material usage
Energy efficiency options:
- High-performance insulation
- High-efficiency windows and doors
- Natural ventilation systems
- Heat recovery ventilators
- Solar panels — Great resource for solar panel effectiveness in Washington State, click here.
- Water supply systems — with an average of 74 inches of rainfall, and over 150 average days a year, Southwest Washington is a perfect location for rainwater collection!
- Green roofs
- Energy star appliances
- LED lighting
- Efficient HVAC
What is their policy for additional upgrades once construction has started? You will want to have a crystal clear understanding of their flexibility for changes during construction.
Interpersonal
Who oversees the construction, and who will be the main line of contact when building starts? Consider also how much communication is expected and preferred between the builder and client. Remember that, although this is a professional, contracted relationship, the interpersonal relationship is important for keeping both parties comfortable throughout the home building process.
What policies do they have regarding the frequency of home visits and tours once construction has started? Additionally, what is the inspection process at key points of construction, at final walk-through, and to address any matters that need to be corrected or finalized?
Financing
Do they offer any special financing offers? Keep an eye and ear out for special financing packages. For example, the builder might offer a lower interest rate than the going rate you will find at other lenders, or an extended rate lock at no charge. It can often take months to finish the construction when doing a new build, especially if you are custom building. Lenders typically will only lock a rate for 6-8 weeks before they will charge you significant additional fees. Having an extended rate lock when building a new home is a nice perk!
How and when will final prices be determined? Critical and straight to the point!
Ready to get started? Before your first introduction, browse our interactive map of new construction and list of wonderful builders in SW Washington!
To learn more about available and upcoming new construction SW Washington, click here. New Construction Market Experts is your direct source for every new construction project in SW Washington and the resources you need to secure your dream home seamlessly. Get in touch with us here.
