When you’re building a home from scratch, there are many things to consider. Unfortunately, the sheer range of choices can also become overwhelming, leaving you to wonder if you’re making the correct decision.
To make things easier for home buyers, the Icon Building Group team compiled this list of questions to ask a custom home builder. These are a good start for those wanting to learn more about building a custom home.
Questions to Ask a Custom Home Builder
What is your industry experience in this area?
You should ideally look for a specialist custom home builder. The best candidate has several years of experience in building tailor-made rather than generic homes.
Why?
An unusual design has different structural requirements than a traditional house. A contractor with extensive experience here will be easily able to adapt their approach and solve potential issues. Also, ensure that their previous work matches your project type.
Can you show me examples of your previous work?
A reputable company will have a portfolio of work to demonstrate its skills. Some might also have an example of a built home for you to walk through to give you an idea of the result.
How much leeway is there to customize?
This is one of the most important questions to ask a custom home builder. They’ll work off a basic design to start with, and you need to know which aspects you may alter and the costs you’ll incur.
Some customization options, for example, extend only to the finishes and features rather than the floorplan. If you want something completely different, you must ensure that your home construction team can deliver it.
As an addendum here, also ask if you may alter the design during the building process.
Can you help me select the correct plot of land?
Choosing the right area for your home is an essential part of the design. Will the soil support the structure you wish to build? Is there a problem with excessive moisture levels or subsidence?
Some construction companies will assess the property for potential problem areas before they start to build. This helps them adjust the design and make allowances for these issues.
Are you licensed and insured?
Check the credentials of the business. Are their licenses and insurance up to date? Are they properly qualified to build your house up to code? Do they have any affiliations to professional organizations that regulate their member’s conduct?
Do you subcontract the work?
Subcontracting the work can be a good thing if the builder partners with skilled, qualified tradespeople. They should, however, be upfront about whom they’ll contract the work to and why.
What kind of after-sales service do you provide?
Of all the questions to ask a custom home builder, this tells you the most about the company. A reputable firm will provide warranties on different aspects of the building. They’ll also be willing to fix anything that breaks due to a manufacturer’s defect or incorrect installation.
Now that you know what questions to ask a custom home builder, put us to the test. Contact Icon Building Group’s custom home builders at 847-773-1200 today to discuss your dream home.
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