So you’ve finally found the perfect plot of land and are ready to build your dream home. Congratulations! This is an exciting time. But before you get too far ahead of yourself, there are a few important things you need to do first – namely, find a reputable builder who can turn your vision into reality.
To help you with this task, we’ve put together a list of questions you should ask any potential builder before you sign a contract. By asking these questions up front, you can avoid builders who cut corners, over-promise, under-deliver, or simply aren’t a good fit for your project.
50 Questions you should ask the builder before you sign a contract:
- How long have you been in business?
- What is your experience?
- Do you have any references I can contact?
- What type of construction projects do you specialize in?
- What is your availability?
- Do you work with a team or alone?
- How do you charge for your services?
- What’s included in your quote?
- What’s your estimated completion date?
- Are you licensed and insured?
- Do you have any experience with Energy Star construction methods or LEED-certified buildings?
- What kind of warranty do you offer on your workmanship?
- Have you worked on a project like mine before?
- How do you handle changes or errors during construction?
- How do you communicate with clients during the construction project?
- Who will be my main point of contact during construction?
- What happens if I need to make changes after construction has begun?
- What are your policies regarding payment schedules and deposits?
- Can I visit one of your current construction sites?
- Can I see some photos or examples of your previous work?
- Do I need to provide anything for the project, such as tools or materials?
- What’s your building philosophy?
- Have you ever had a project go over budget or behind schedule? If so, what happened and how did you handle it?
- What kind of support can I expect after move-in?
- Can I see a list of your current and past projects?
- Do you guys have a model home I can tour?
- How do I make selections for my new home (e.g., cabinets, appliances, fixtures, etc.)?
- Can I provide my own plans or must I use yours?
- Are there environmentally friendly/energy efficient construction methods and how much will they cost me?
- Are your subcontractors insured?
- What financing options do you offer?
- Will I enjoy working with you and your team throughout the process?
- What’s the estimated completion date?
- Have you ever had a complaint filed against you with the Better Business Bureau or another professional organization? If so, what was the outcome?
- What are your policies for material change orders (MCOs)?
- If I change my mind about something after the work has already started, how does that affect the price and timeline?
- Do your employees undergo background checks?
- Am I responsible for providing snacks and drinks for your workers while they’re on-site?
- Can I visit the job site while the work is being done? If so, when and how should I schedule this so as not to disrupt the workflow?
- What are your company’s standards for cleanliness during and after a project (e.g., cleaning up at the end of each day)?
- What are your company’s policies on safety and security?
- What’s your confidentiality and non-disclosure policy?
- What are your payment terms and conditions?
- Are there any hidden fees or costs we should be aware of?
- Who’s responsible for obtaining permits?
- Who’s responsible for utility hook-ups?
- When can I expect to receive a copy of the contract?
- What materials will be used?
- How many workers will be on-site each day?
- Who’s responsible for site preparation?
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of a building contract?
Building contracts are used to establish the terms and conditions under which a particular building project will be carried out. These contracts typically involve two or more parties, such as contractors, builders, architects, engineers, and homeowners.
The purpose of a building contract is to outline the responsibilities and obligations of each party involved in the construction and to set forth any conditions that must be met for the project to proceed. This can include things like timelines and budget requirements, as well as specifications for materials and construction techniques.
A building contract helps ensure that everyone involved in a construction project is working toward the same goal of completing a successful project on time and within budget.
What to know before signing a contract with a builder?
If you’re considering signing a contract with a builder, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, it’s important to do your research and carefully evaluate the builder’s past work and reputation. This will give you an idea of their level of experience and skills, as well as their ability to deliver quality results.
It’s also important to take a close look at the contract itself. Be sure to read through all of the terms carefully and look for any hidden fees or additional costs that may be associated with the project. You should also try to get estimates from multiple builders to compare prices and choose the one that fits your budget.
By following these steps, you can ensure that you’re working with a reputable and experienced builder who can provide you with quality results for your project.
What are the 5 essential elements of a construction contract?
The five essential elements of a construction contract are the scope of work, payment terms, schedule, liability and insurance requirements, and dispute resolution process.
These elements are important to ensure that both parties involved in the contract are clear about their responsibilities and obligations and how to handle any problems or disagreements that may arise during or after construction.
Including these elements in construction, the contract helps ensure that all parties are working toward the same goals and that everyone is held accountable for their actions throughout the project. Ultimately, a well-drafted construction contract is necessary to ensure a successful outcome for all parties involved.
Conclusion
If a builder has nothing to hide, they shouldn’t mind answering any of these questions (and probably have already answered them many times). The answers will give you valuable insight into their business practices, expected level of service, and whether they’re a good fit for your needs – which is exactly what you want to know before you sign on the dotted line and start building your new home. Good luck!
