Deciding to build a custom home is a big investment, and it can be complicated. Because of this. You want to be sure you’re working with a highly capable building company that will give you the best possible construction quality and customer service. Asking a custom home builder the following questions before hiring them can help you make an informed decision.
“How long have you been in the business?”
When it comes to construction, experience is important. Especially when it comes to a more high-end project like a custom home, you want to feel confident in your builder’s expertise and abilities, and a company that has extensive experience on a wide range of projects is more likely to be able to handle anything you ask of them.
“Can I see a portfolio of your finished custom homes?”
Make sure you like the work that a potential builder has done in the past. Looking through a portfolio, which is often available online on a company’s website, is a great way to familiarize yourself with a builder’s specialties and design style.
“Can you share any references?”
Asking for references is a reasonable request, and a potential builder should be able to provide you with contact information for a few customers that had jobs similar to what you’re asking for completed in the last several years. Speaking to these individuals allows you to get a more realistic understanding of how the company you’re considering operates with regard to communication, timelines, and other factors.
“How much can I customize my home?”
The benefit of a custom home is just that– that it’s customized. Make sure you understand exactly how much of a role you can play in the design process, and find a more flexible contractor or plan if you think you might want to change any decisions later in the design or building process.
“Are you licensed and insured?”
Working with a company that is properly licensed and insured is extremely important, as a lack of insurance means that you could be financially and otherwise liable if anything goes wrong. A high-quality building company should be able to validate these credentials by showing proof of insurance. Some states don’t require licensing, but others do.
“Do you regularly use any subcontractors?”
Many custom home builders regularly utilize the services of one or more subcontractors. This isn’t a bad thing, but you might want the information on these individuals or companies to vet them as well as part of your decision-making process.
“Do you provide any warranties on the properties you build?”
Providing a warranty is a sign that a custom home builder is willing to go above and beyond, and is confident in the quality of the homes they construct. Richardson Brothers Custom Homes provides a 10-year new home warranty program.
“Can I see the materials we’re considering using in the home?”
One of the benefits of opting to build a custom home is that you can pick exactly which materials you like best, and that’s easier to do when you can see them in person. It should be no problem to see samples of the materials you may be using for flooring, countertops, cabinets, and other areas of your home, and buildings can share what is called ‘specification sheets’ so you can see and feel these materials in real life before making your final selection.
“How long will my custom home take to be built?”
Timelines are rarely exact, but a good custom home builder should be able to give you a fairly accurate prediction of when each stage of the design and building process should be complete. Ideally, they’ll be able to use their experience building homes similar to the one you’re desiring to give you a more accurate representation.
Custom Home Builders in St. George, Utah
Richardson Brothers Custom Homes is based in St. George, Utah, and has more than 25 years of experience providing southern Utah residents with premier quality custom homes that provide the ultimate in both design and function. On each of our custom home build projects, we provide exceptional workmanship and attention to detail, efficient construction work and timelines, and unbeatable customer service. Contact us today to learn more.