Building a home is one of the biggest investments you’ll make, and choosing the right builder can make all the difference. Whether you’re working with home builders in Texas or elsewhere, you want to ensure your builder is reputable, transparent, and aligned with your vision.
To help you navigate the process, we’ve compiled essential questions to ask your home builder. These will help set expectations, avoid surprises, and ensure your new construction home is a smooth experience.
Before You Meet Your Builder: Do Your Research
Before committing to a new construction home, take time to:
- Research home builders in Texas to find experienced and reputable professionals.
- Find out how many years your builder has been in the business and how many homes they have built.
- Make sure they are licensed and insured.
- Get some client references. You can always ask the builder, but also feel free to look on Yelp, Angi (formerly known as Angie’s List), the Better Business Bureau or get some references from homeowners already in the community.
Key Questions to Ask Your Home Builder
1. What standard features do your homes include? What options and upgrades can I select?
Model homes often have upgrades already included, so you’ll need to ask what’s included in the base price of your new construction home and what costs extra.. Know that upgrades can also be part of a negotiation when making an offer. Often upgrades are a better deal than trying to reduce the price when buying a new home.
2. Who will oversee the construction of my home? Who should I contact with any questions I may have?
Designing and building your new home takes a team of trained professionals. From the home builders in Texas to the developer and key trade contractors, these professionals are involved in every step of the home construction process. You need to be aware of who does what and who you need to contact with questions or concerns. Check out this great article for an explanation of these roles.
3. How and when can I make changes to the construction plans?
Every builder is different with how they handle changes or upgrades; they can also be costly depending on what you’re changing. Ask your builder up front what the process is for changes or amendments to the contract. Your builder should be able to give you a timeline and costs associated with each change.
4. Can I visit the construction site while the home is being built?
Home builders in Texas allow site visits, but safety protocols and scheduling requirements may apply. Always check with your builder to ensure you’re following their safety guidelines.
5. How will you report construction progress to me?
Your builder should keep you informed on the construction progress and do a status check on an estimated time of completion. Along with this information, your builder should also inform you if the costs of labor or materials change from the original bid. Ask your builder when you can expect to hear from them and if the communication would be better in person, via phone, or email.
6. What type of warranty do you offer?
When buying a new home, you’ll want to understand what is covered under the builder’s warranty. Make sure the warranties you receive include limitations and coverage duration. You should also receive any manufacturer’s warranties if the home comes with a washer and dryer, hot water heater, air conditioner, and kitchen appliances.
7. Does the community have an HOA?
Each homeowner’s association has its own bylaws, Declaration of Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&Rs). Ask for copies of all the information, including fees and payment schedules. Sometimes builders cover fees as an incentive to buy a new home.
8. What’s your inspection process at the final walk-through? Is there a checklist provided?
As a final inspection of the home, you and your builder will do a walk-through, which provides an opportunity for both of you to identify items that need to be corrected or fixed. You will also learn about any new features or appliances in your new construction home. Many builders may ask you to sign a form stating that all surfaces have been inspected and that there is no damage; this is why it’s important for you to ask for a checklist ahead of time.
9. When will my home be ready?
The average home build takes six months. You may have an ideal date for your home’s completion, but be sure you are aligned with the builder. Also, feel free to ask your home builder how the weather or the seasons will affect construction. If you’re looking for a home that’s ready sooner, explore the latest ready-to-move-in home listings on homes.travisso.com.
Communication is Key
In a situation like building a new construction home, overcommunication is perfectly acceptable. Building a home isn’t just about construction—it’s about forming a partnership with your home builder. Open and frequent communication will help ensure that your new home meets your expectations. At the end of the day, you want to feel confident and comfortable you are working with more than just a vendor; you’re working with a partner to build the home you love.
If you’re ready to start your custom home build, Travisso’s award-winning builders, Taylor Morrison and Toll Brothers, are ready to partner with you on your first, or your next, home build. Explore their lineup of model homes and connect with a builder when you’re ready to take the next step toward buying a new home.
