After years of planning, it’s finally time to build a custom home.
Even though you have all the plans laid out, however, doesn’t mean there aren’t still questions that are begging to be answered. In particular, questions you should be asking your home builder.
Your new custom home build is like your child, and you want to make sure it grows up to be strong and safe. Because of this, just any mediocre custom home builder won’t do.
With that in mind, here are the top 6 questions you need to ask about your custom home (before ground is broken on it).
#1: “Can my Builder Accomplish My Wants and Needs?”
As someone planning to have a custom home built, you’re likely familiar with the concept of new home wants and needs. Generally, these are written down on a list where they can be compared with the budget you’re operating with. The needs are subtracted from that budget first, and then the wants are added on until you run out of room.
This process does well to show you what things you actually need in your home versus what would simply be nice to have. Not only does this save you money in the long run, but it also helps make sure your expectations are nice and grounded.
With that in mind, though, you don’t want to get into a contract with a builder that forces you to further compromise on the wants you thought you were going to be able to have—or worse, the needs you can do without. This question helps to prevent that issue and set realistic expectations.
#2: “How Long am I Going to be There?”
This question is important because not everyone is going to stay in their custom-built home forever. For some people, moving just about every year is like delicious Christmas caramel popcorn—they just can’t get enough of it. And while you may stay in your custom home for just a bit longer than that, it’s important to know how long you expect to stay.
Depending on whether you plan to be there forever or not can affect how the home is designed. For example, if you plan to sell it, you might do a few things that lend it to having a higher selling value.
If you’re staying, on the other hand, you will want to cater to your own needs as closely as possible.
#3: “Does my Builder Seem Like They Have my Best Interests at Heart?”
These days, it’s all too common for home builders to take advantage of their clients by suggesting them to include add-ons they don’t really need or overcharge certain services and pocket the money.
For this reason, it is crucial that you pay attention to the things your builder is saying so you can tell immediately if something seems off.
#4: “Do I Know Where I Want to Build?”
Look for land that’s for sale in the area that you’re planning on building in. Doing so will help identify potential issues before they occur.
By doing this before you find a builder, you can also consult with a few different potential new home construction experts and figure out who is best able to help you with your project. Your custom home build contractor will also be able to tip you off if something is amiss with the land and might cause issues later.
#5: “Can I View One of Your Past Builds?”
Asking your builder to see their work, as well as if they have any references they can give you, will help to establish their validity as an expert in the field. If they’re truly good at what they do, they shouldn’t have any issue at all providing you with what you’re asking for.
If your custom home builder refuses or tries to convince you that you don’t need to see either of those things, it is a major red flag and you should find someone else to build your home.
Final Thoughts
This list is not all-inclusive by any means but should serve to at least get you started in finding the right home builder in Port Charlotte, Florida for your custom home build.
If you’re looking for a custom home builder in Punta Gorda, FL to bring your project to life, you can contact us today or come to our street location for a free consultation and quote where we can provide you with expert advice and help you plan you plan your dream home.