Once you have reviewed videos of several builders and remodelers and selected a few that seem to fit your needs, use the following as a guide to get the information you need to make good decisions.

Questions to Ask of Each Builder/Remodeler:

Are you licensed? (See proof)
How long have you been building/remodeling?
Can we see some of your previous work? (Ask for a list)
What were some of the challenges in previous homes and how did you solve them?
Can we speak to some of your past customers? (Ask for a list)
What is your role in the building process including your responsibility vs our responsibility?
How do we get answers when we have questions?  How do we communicate to you our desires?
What is considered an “extra” to the contract?
How do you work with us to keep us informed?
Who selects colors, patterns, coverings, flooring, etc.?
How do you handle disputes?
Do you provide landscaping and if so are there any guarantees?
When and how can we change things and what does that do to our costs?
What about on-site inspections?
If there is a dispute, can we stop work till it is resolved?
Can we bring in a third party should we disagree on any aspect of the process?
What is a lien and who can file it?
What sort of guarantees and/or warranties do you give on each home you build?
What is our responsibility in this process? 
Who handles each step?  Architect…foundation…electrical…plumbing…appliances…etc.
Are there any hidden cost in this process?
What is your building time-line and what happens if you miss it?

Make sure you check out your contractor thoroughly (review work they have completed and talk to references – previous building clients – what did they like and what did they not like). Some things are unchangeable such as the foundation and structural system so make sure you check with references whether their homes have any issues.  You will be relying on the knowledge and experience of your builder so know what they have done and know how they deal with people through the process.

Are you about ready to make a decision?

Building or remodeling a home in most cases involves committing a significant amount of money.  So read this before you continue.

Now that you are getting close to a decision, make sure you do not give up any of your legal rights in any contractual arrangement and make sure you know and understand those legal rights.

Read the contract and understanding it. Make sure it covers what you expect in return? And make sure it ensures that you get what you expect?

WRITE EVERYTHING DOWN! You can bet the builder will keep track of what you add to the house outside of the contract.  Make sure you keep track of every addition and subtraction.

Require proof of compliance (many jurisdictions issue Certificates of Occupancy) at the closing of your mortgage. This indicates accord with the MINIMUM code and safety standards.

If something does not appear right then question it.  It is your home.

If you have a concern and don’t feel you are getting the right answer, seek some reliable, outside, impartial advice.

Listen to your contractor and understand and weigh the consequences of what you may be losing or gaining.  Remember, this is your home and it is your money and you could be living with your decision for a long time.

Always remember that things come with a price tag so be sure you understand the cost of any changes before you give your approval. 

Understand that there are always changes in the building process because of some things that are out of the control of the builder.  Make sure to always ask questions and understand the consequences.

Understand that errors will happen.  Consider compromising on the small things but don’t give in on glaring issues.  Remember that you have to live with them.

Keep Records

Write everything down and make sure that both you and contractor are in agreement each step of the way.  If you don’t you could face litigation as well as conflict in the process.  A good rule of thumb is to restate the issue and the resolution and then follow that up in writing.

Be redundant; leave nothing to chance. Follow up verbal discussions and instructions with written verification. Keep records, receipts, record each phone call, all correspondence, samples you approve, sales slips, model/type/style numbers, and so on.

The more time and effort you spend up-front in planning, designing, and understanding the process the better chance for a smooth construction period with satisfactory results.

Be Businesslike

Always remember that the builder is working FOR you; you are not seeking them as new friends.

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