Important Questions to Ask Your Homebuilder

Your home is your largest investment. That’s why finding the right builder and asking the right questions is crucial; especially in the mountains of Western North Carolina where building can be exciting and challenging.

As a custom home builder with nearly two decades of experience building in Western North Carolina, we felt this list of questions would help prospective clients get off to a confident start.

Key Questions for Choosing Your Homebuilder

Experience and Expertise

1. How long have you been in the custom home building industry?
2. Have you built homes in Western North Carolina, specifically in the Asheville area?
3. Can you provide examples of past projects that are similar to what I’m envisioning?

Understanding of Local Regulations

1. What are the challenges with local regulations and will they impact the price and duration of my build?
2. Can you guide me through the permitting process and handle necessary approvals?

Site Evaluation and Selection

1. Will you assist with evaluating potential building sites and assessing their suitability for construction?
2. What factors should I consider when choosing a site, such as topography, soil conditions, accessibility, and environmental impact?
3. Can you show me some of your most challenging builds?

Design and Architectural Services

1. Do you offer in-house design and architectural services, or do you work with external architects and designers?
2. Can you help translate my vision and ideas into a cohesive design that meets my needs and preferences?
3. How do you incorporate energy-efficient and sustainable design principles into your projects?

Budget and Pricing

1. How do you handle project budgeting and cost estimation?
2. Can you provide a detailed breakdown of costs, including materials, labor, permits, and any additional expenses?
3. Do you offer fixed-price contracts or cost-plus pricing, and what are the payment terms?

Construction Process and Timeline

1. What is your typical construction timeline for a custom home project in Western North Carolina?
2. How do you manage the construction process and ensure timely completion?
3. Will I have a dedicated project manager or point of contact throughout the build?

Quality of Craftsmanship and Materials

1. What quality standards do you adhere to in your construction practices?
2. Can you provide information about the materials and products you use, including their durability, sustainability, and energy efficiency?
3. Do you have relationships with reputable suppliers and subcontractors in the Asheville area?

Communication and Transparency

1. How do you communicate with clients throughout the building process, and how often can I expect updates?
2. What is your approach to addressing changes or unexpected challenges during construction?
3. Will I have access to an online portal or platform where I can track progress, review documents, and communicate with your team?

Warranty

1. What type of warranty do you offer on your workmanship and materials?
2. How do you handle any issues or repairs that may arise after the completion of the project?
3. Do you provide guidance on home maintenance and upkeep to ensure the longevity of the property?

Client References and Testimonials

1. Can you provide references from past clients or testimonials from homeowners who have built custom homes with your company?
2. Are there any recent projects I can visit or view to see your work firsthand?
3. What sets your custom home building firm apart from others in the Asheville area?

At the end of the day, it’s about seeing your vision through to the end. You need a builder that understands and appreciates your vision. We believe these questions will help you evaluate custom home builders thoroughly and select the right partner for your project in the Asheville, NC, area.

If you’re in the market to find a custom home builder in the Asheville, NC area, contact us. We’d love to learn more about your project.