5 Questions to Ask Your Home Builder Before Signing a Contract

Building a custom home is a major investment, and choosing the right builder is essential to ensuring a smooth, successful project. Before signing any contract, it’s important to have a clear understanding of your builder’s approach, communication style, and project management process. Here are five key questions to ask your home builder to help you make an informed decision and set your project up for success.

1. What Is Your Experience with Custom Home Projects?

Experience is crucial in custom home building. A builder with a strong portfolio of completed projects is more likely to understand the complexities of custom builds and anticipate potential challenges. Ask your builder about their experience with similar projects, including examples of recent custom homes they’ve completed.

Why This Matters: Experienced builders bring valuable knowledge, skilled teams, and streamlined processes that help ensure your home meets the highest standards.

2. How Do You Manage Project Timelines and Budgets?

Building a custom home involves managing numerous details, from coordinating contractors to sourcing materials. A reliable builder will have a structured approach to project management, keeping timelines and budgets on track. Ask about their timeline management strategies, how they address delays, and what they do to keep costs in check.

Why This Matters: Knowing that your builder has a proactive approach to managing time and expenses gives you peace of mind and confidence in the progress of your home.

3. Can You Walk Me Through Your Communication Process?

Clear and consistent communication is essential in any custom home project. Ask your builder how they keep clients informed and engaged throughout the building process. Will you have a dedicated point of contact? How often will you receive updates? Do they use project management software or other tools to facilitate communication?

Why This Matters: Open communication helps you stay informed and involved, ensuring that you and your builder are aligned at every stage of the project.

4. What Is Covered Under Your Warranty?

A reputable builder should offer a warranty that covers both materials and workmanship. Ask for details about the warranty, including what’s covered, the duration of coverage, and how they handle post-construction support. This will give you a clear idea of the level of quality and support you can expect after move-in.

Why This Matters: A comprehensive warranty shows the builder’s commitment to quality and provides you with added security and peace of mind.

5. How Do You Handle Changes During the Build?

Even with a well-defined plan, changes may arise as construction progresses. Whether it’s adjusting a layout or updating finishes, flexibility is key. Ask your builder about their change order process, including how they document changes, update timelines, and handle cost adjustments.

Why This Matters: Knowing how your builder manages changes will help you understand the potential impacts on the project timeline and budget, ensuring there are no surprises.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right builder is about more than just signing a contract; it’s about finding a partner who values quality, transparency, and your unique vision. By asking these essential questions, you’ll be able to make a confident decision and move forward with a builder who’s ready to bring your dream home to life. At Cherry Hill Custom Homes, we’re committed to providing expert craftsmanship, clear communication, and a seamless home-building experience. Contact us today to learn more about our process and how we can help build the home you’ve always wanted.