🏡 10 Crucial Questions to Ask Your Builder Before You Commit.
The must-ask questions that can save you time, money, and future headaches when building your dream home.
Thinking about building a custom home?
Before you sign a contract or hand over a deposit, you need more than just a quote — you need clarity. Not all builders operate the same way, and not asking the right questions upfront can lead to misunderstandings, budget overruns, and unmet expectations.
This free guide gives you the 10 essential questions to ask any builder so you can confidently move forward.
✅ 1. What’s Included in Your Estimate — and What’s Not?
Why it matters: Inclusions and exclusions vary wildly. Understand whether appliances, permits, landscaping, or utility connections are part of the estimate.
If you don’t have a thorough understanding of what is included in your builder’s price, you run the risk of missing key items that could cause you to go overbudget.
✅ 2. What’s Your Process from Design Through Completion?
Why it matters: A clear step-by-step process helps you understand what to expect, from site evaluation and permitting to construction and handover.
Design is a key part of any custom home, no matter the size. If you don’t have clear construction plans and specifications, all the way down to the paint color on each wall, you could end up paying unexpected costs for things that weren’t planned from the start.
✅ 3. Can I See a Sample Contract and Timeline Before I Commit?
Why it matters: Reviewing a contract upfront helps you understand expectations, change order policies, and deadlines — before you're legally bound.
Your contract protects EVERYONE involved. If you don’t have a thorough contract that extensively explains what you and your builder are responsible for, you might run into headaches.
✅ 4. How Do You Handle Design Revisions or Upgrades?
Why it matters: Costs can balloon quickly with changes. You’ll want to know how changes are approved, priced, and communicated. You can’t plan for EVERY detail in a custom house, (although you should try!) so when the unexpected arises, how does your builder handle changes? Know how to approach this make certain to maintain open lines of communication to help all parties involved.
✅ 5. What Kind of Warranty Do You Offer After Move-In?
Why it matters: A good builder stands behind their work. Get clarity on structural warranties, workmanship guarantees, and service procedures.
✅ 6. Who Will Be My Main Point of Contact Throughout the Build?
Why it matters: You want consistent, timely communication. Know who you’ll talk to and how often you’ll get updates. Understanding how to communicate with your builder is key to a smooth planning and construction process.
✅ 7. Do You Use Subcontractors or In-House Crews — and How Are They Vetted?
Why it matters: Quality depends on the people doing the work. Ask how the builder ensures professionalism and craftsmanship across the board. You should know which experts will be working on your project and you should want the best person for the job.
✅ 8. Can You Provide a List of Recent Clients or Homes to Visit?
Why it matters: Talking to past clients and visiting completed projects gives insight into real-life experiences — not just promises.
✅ 9. What Sets You Apart from Other Builders in the Area?
Why it matters: This helps you see if the builder’s values, communication style, and craftsmanship align with your priorities.
✅ 10. What Happens If There’s a Disagreement or Issue During the Project?
Why it matters: You need to understand how the builder resolves issues, honors commitments, and maintains professionalism when things get hard.
🎁 BONUS: Want a Printable Checklist of These Questions?
Download your FREE Builder Interview Checklist now and take it with you to every meeting — so you can compare apples to apples and feel fully prepared.
At Beckman Construction, we love when clients ask smart questions.
We believe the best relationships start with transparency and trust. Download the checklist and let us know if we can help you navigate your next steps.