Choosing the right builder for your new home is a vital step toward realizing your dream living space. It’s not just about the bricks and mortar; it’s about trust, understanding, and commitment to the project. This article has the details on 16 insightful questions to ask a builder, helping you to make an informed decision. With this list of questions to ask at your disposal, you can ensure the builder you select has the necessary skills, experience, and work ethic to bring your vision to life.
1. How long have you been in business and how many homes have you built?
The builder’s experience and reputation in the industry can give you crucial insights into their reliability and quality of work. It’s in your best interest to ask a potential builder about their history:
- How many years have they been building homes?
- Do they have a solid reputation for quality and reliability?
- Can they provide references from past clients?
- Do they have a portfolio of completed homes you can view?
- Do they have any accolades or awards from industry or consumer groups?
This information can help you gauge if the builder is trustworthy and capable of delivering the quality of home you desire.
2. Are you insured and registered with the Canadian Home Builders’ Association (CHBA)?
A reputable builder will always carry insurance, and it’s perfectly okay for you to ask to see proof of it. Registration with the CHBA means that the home builder agrees to follow their guidelines for doing business according to established standards. This will help you feel confident that the builder is committed to professionalism and ethical practices.
3. Can I check your references?
Most quality home builders will gladly provide references that speak to the quality of their work. They won’t shy away from letting you talk with former clients. If they had a great experience, they’ll be more than happy to share it! It’s helpful to find out if their build went as planned and how the builder handled unexpected problems.
You should also check online for reviews and testimonials from independent sources to see if there is a pattern of good experiences so you know what to expect if you work with them.
4. Which features are standard and which ones are upgrades?
It can get confusing knowing what’s included in the base price of a home when you tour show homes and browse brochures. These advertising tools are the builder’s chance to put their best foot forward, and it’s likely they’ll include more than the standard features. Make sure you get a clear description of what to expect so there aren’t any surprises when it comes to the purchase price.
5. What do you offer that other builders do not?
This is a great question to ask when deciding on a builder. It gives them the opportunity to showcase what sets them apart from other builders in the industry. Perhaps they offer a unique design service, use environmentally friendly materials, or have a reputation for exceptional customer service. This question can also help you determine if their values align with your own and if they are truly committed to delivering the home of your dreams.
6. Do you offer customization options to meet specific design requirements?
For many homebuyers, the ability to personalize a new home is essential. Ask if the builder allows for changes to the standard plan, such as adding a room, altering the layout of the interior, or including specific features to cater to accessibility needs.
If you want a lot of customization for your new home, you should see what a custom home builder has to offer. Make sure to understand any associated costs and how alterations may affect the construction timeline.
A builder’s willingness to accommodate specific design preferences often speaks volumes about their customer service approach and commitment to customer satisfaction.
7. What are the energy-efficient features of your homes?
Given the increasing importance of sustainability and cost-effectiveness, this question is key. Ask about energy-efficiency measures the builder incorporates into their homes, such as insulation, heating and cooling systems, windows, and energy-efficient appliances.
This factor not only impacts the environmental footprint of your home but also ongoing utility costs. Request for energy ratings or certifications from the builder if available, as these can provide tangible evidence of a home’s energy performance.
8. What is the timeline for completion?
It’s beneficial to know how long the builder anticipates it will take to complete your new house. This can help you plan accordingly and avoid any unnecessary delays or frustrations. Ask about their process for handling potential setbacks and if they have a dedicated project manager who will oversee the construction timeline. A good home builder will communicate with you if dates need to be revised, and get them in writing.
9. When do I need to make final decisions on things like flooring, cabinets, paint colours, and lighting?
You may have a pretty good idea of how you want your new home to look, but it could change as construction progresses. Make sure you know when the cut-off is for decisions, and write down those dates. You must be provided with enough time to make decisions, but it’s also equally important that you don’t go over the budget. The last thing you want is a delay that could affect your final price.
10. How is the design process managed?
The design process is a crucial part of your home building journey and understanding how the builder manages it can give you peace of mind. Does the builder have a team of in-house designers or do they collaborate with external design firms? How involved can you, as the homeowner, be in the design process?
You should also inquire about the flexibility of their design process. Are you able to customize the floor plan or choose finishes that are not in their standard package?
Some home builders might offer a design center for you to explore or a dedicated design consultant to guide you. Having a clear picture of the design process from the outset can help ensure that the final product aligns with your vision and expectations.
11. How often will I get progress updates and can I visit the construction site?
Some builders allow you to view the construction site at certain times during the construction. Your builder should be open to letting you visit regularly, as long as you give advance notice. They should also have a system in place for providing you with regular progress updates and addressing any concerns or questions you may have throughout the build process.
Communication is key, so make sure to establish how they will keep you informed about your home’s progress and what channels of communication are available.
12. Do you perform quality assurance inspections during construction?
A reputable home builder should be able to give you a detailed explanation of their quality assurance process and how they address any issues that may arise during construction. This will ensure that your home is built to the highest standards, giving you confidence and peace of mind.
Ideally, a third-party inspector should also conduct inspections during crucial stages of construction to provide unbiased feedback on the quality of the build.
Ask for details on what you can expect from quality assurance inspections and how often they will occur. As a potential homeowner, knowing that your home is being built with quality in mind should be a top priority.
13. How do you handle change orders during the construction process?
Changes are commonplace in the construction process, and understanding how they are handled is crucial. Some builders may allow changes without any issue, while others might have strict policies in place. This is one of the key questions to ask a builder. You need to know about their process for handling changes, including who needs to approve them, the related costs, and how they might affect the project’s timeline. Understanding this upfront ensures a smoother building process and helps to avoid potential misunderstandings.
14. How do you manage communication during the construction process?
Transparent and consistent communication is essential during the home building process. Ask the builder about their communication method. Will they provide you with regular updates via email, phone calls, or meetings? How quickly can you expect responses to your inquiries?
It’s also important to know who your main point of contact will be during the construction – will it be the site manager, a sales consultant, or a dedicated customer service representative? Understanding the communication process can help set expectations and ensure a smooth and satisfying home building journey.
15. What is your policy on post-construction service and support?
After you’ve moved into your new home, you might discover minor issues that need addressing or have questions about maintenance. To ensure a smooth post-construction phase, it is pivotal to understand the builder’s service and support policy.
Ask about the type of service or support they offer after the build is complete. Do they provide any follow-up visits to check on the home? How quickly do they respond to service calls or inquiries? Having a builder who stands by their work even after the construction is complete can be a significant advantage.
16. What kind of home warranty do you offer?
Find out what’s covered by the home warranty and how long the period is. At a minimum, your new home should be covered for labour and materials for a full year. Heating, plumbing and electrical systems should be covered for two years, and the exterior should have a five-year warranty. Major structural elements like the frame and foundation generally have a ten-year warranty. Most reputable builders offer the 1-2-5-10 coverage through the Alberta New Home Warranty Program.
When embarking on the journey of constructing your dream home, you should arm yourself with as much information as possible. Asking your home builder these crucial questions will ensure you make an informed decision, setting the stage for a smooth home building experience. The process can seem daunting, but with the right builder by your side, you can look forward to the day you walk through the doors of your new home with anticipation and joy.
And if you’re looking for some recommendations, check out our lists of Edmonton and Calgary home builders.
Originally published Jan 9, 2018; updated Sep 12, 2023
