Home Builder – Crucial Questions to Ask

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Home Builder – Crucial Questions to Ask

To use a home builder or not?  Remodeling or building a new house from scratch can be a rollercoaster experience. It is always a thrill to have something built.  It can get incredibly stressful too. Whether it is new home construction or a simple remodel to install custom bathroom vanities, hiring an experienced builder will give your home project a better chance of going smoothly which means less stress for you.

The following questions are crucial when using a prospective home builder:

  1. Do they have a license to build?

Surprisingly, some home builders do not have the license to operate as such.  Always ask potential builders if they have one. Do not just wait for an affirmative answer. You should also ask for documents proving they are, indeed, licensed builders.

  1. Do they have insurance?

As contractors, builders are responsible for any personal injury or property damage that occurs within their work area. If the builder’s workers accidentally or intentionally damage anything, granite countertops installation for example, the builder will be liable to pay for it. The same goes if anyone—including you, the homeowner—sustains an injury while on the worksite. Builders must have general liability insurance at the very least to make sure you and your property are protected.

  1. Can they show you their most recent work?

You can’t hire a builder if you haven’t seen work samples. Ask to see a portfolio which will allow you to judge for yourself if the quality of his or her work is up to your standards. If possible, speak with some of the builder’s past clients if you manage to get their contact details. Usually, past clients will be honest about a builder’s workmanship. They aren’t likely to hesitate raving about the way their kitchen now looks with the new custom kitchen cabinets your potential builder installed, or ranting about how the builder left such a mess in their home when the work was done.

  1. How long have they been in the construction business?

Experience always counts. The longer the potential builder has been in the construction business, the higher the possibility that he or she does quality work.

  1. Are they up-to-date on building code requirements?

One of the worst things that could happen to any construction project is to have everything that was built taken down because of local and state building code violations. If you don’t want to find yourself in the middle of this not so pleasant scenario, then you must make sure the builder you are hiring is up-to-date on all building codes.

  1. Do they offer a warranty for their work?

Most reliable builders offer a 1-year warranty for their work, so ask the prospective builder if he or she does the same. If you are lucky, you might stumble onto a builder who provides a structural warranty that lasts for 10 years. Still, if you want better coverage, you can buy an additional warranty.

  1. What is their timetable for the project?  What is the final cost?

A good builder will not only tell you when construction starts and when it is supposed to end but will also give you periodic updates all throughout its duration. You will also be notified in advance of any delays, so you can prepare to deal with them. How and when the final price for your home will be determined is also a very important question.

These are just some of the vital questions that you need to ask builders when you are shopping for one. See if you can come up with other questions that will ultimately help you find the right builder for your new home or remodeling project.

Samantha Jones is the content specialist at Superior Stone and Cabinet, the go-to source for custom cabinets and countertops in sunny Phoenix, AZ. She is an experienced writer within the Real Estate and Home Construction Industries. When not in the office, Samantha really enjoys gourmet cooking and traveling with her pup. She is also an avid reader

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