Top Questions to Ask When Selecting a Custom Home Builder
Top Questions to Ask When Selecting a Custom Home Builder
February 6, 2017 | No Comments
On the journey to your dream home one of the key steps is to select a custom home builder that has the expertise and dedication to see your vision fulfilled. Building a custom home is one of the largest investments you make, so choosing a builder who can give you confidence makes the process more enjoyable.
Homeowners say builder promises and guarantees in writing are very important to them. This home probably is not the first home you’ve ever lived in. It’s also possibly not the first home you’ve built. From your past experiences, you may have your own questions to ask the builder.
Here are a few more to complete you interview questions.
Do you charge for providing a quote?
Putting a quote together can take a lot of work. If you are serious about selecting a home builder to help you build your dream home, know all the costs involved. Grayson Homes does not charge for providing a quote.
What is your price per square foot?
Most homeowners want to really determine how much home can they afford. Unfortunately there is no set price that a builder can provide Too many variables cause this number to drastically fluctuate, such as the style of home, a ranch or 2 story, or including a basement.
How many years have you been in business?
Grayson Homes has been building custom homes for customers since 2002.
Are you licensed and insured?
Grayson Homes holds an Unlimited License and is able to build any size home you can dream of.
A Building Contractor or “General Contractor” license is required in North Carolina when the project exceeds $30,000.
The Limited License has a financial limit per project of up to $500,000.
The Intermediate License has a financial limit of up to $1,000,000 per project.
The Unlimited License is not restricted to the value of the project.
How do you compare yourself to other builders? What are the most important benefits of the homes you build?
A standard Grayson home is energy efficient, which includes spray foam insulation, sealed crawlspace, sealed attic, Energy Star certified, tankless hot water with recirc pump, higher SEER HVAC, 2×6 wall construction, mechanical ventilation and whole house dehumidification. Our features add to a good Indoor Air Quality the home.
What type of warranty do you offer?
We offer a standard 1-yr builder warranty for our homes.
Do you provide references from prior home buyers?
We have several testimonials on our website. Click Here.
What are the major energy-efficient features of homes you build?
Our homes have earned the ENERGY STAR® label which means our homes have been designed and built to strict standards set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
A complete Thermal Enclosure System that includes comprehensive air sealing, quality-installed insulation, and high-performance windows, to deliver improved comfort and lower utility bills. Grayson Homes utilizes Spray Foam Insulation and Argon filled windows.
A high-efficiency Heating, Ventilation, and Cooling System that is designed and installed for optimal performance. Grayson Homes uses dedicated return air ducts in all bedrooms to help with temperature balancing. No more hot rooms in the summer months! Grayson Homes also uses whole house dehumidification and mechanical ventilation for added Indoor Air Quality.
A comprehensive Water Management System to protect roofs, walls, and foundations from moisture damage. We utilize damp proofing, French drains, and sealed / tempered crawl spaces in all of our homes.
Energy-efficient Lighting and Appliances to help keep utility bills low, while providing high-quality performance and longevity. Dimmable LED lighting is standard in our homes.
Do you build only from home plans you supply? Or can I provide my own set of plans?
Grayson Homes customers either bring their own home plans or we can recommend an architect to create plans from their vision.
Who will oversee the construction of my home? Who should I contact with any questions I may have?
We are a small company, but we have dedicated people with certain roles. We do have an onsite Project Manager that is available almost every day. We have an Office Manager that can help with scheduling and selections. You can always call the President, as he is always accessible to the customers.
How do you handle changes during construction?
We do allow customers to make changes during construction. If the change is a deviation from the original plans and specs, there will likely be a charge associated with it.
How and when will the final price for my home be determined?
The contract price is set before we start the build process, and everyone has agreed to and signed it. The final price can get altered if there are changes to the specs during the build process and / or the customer spends more or less on allowances for cabinets, lights, etc. Again, this is communicated during the build process so that there are no surprises at the end.
How often (and when) will I have access to the home during the building process?
We do not keep our customers from going inside their homes. We just remind them that there can be workers working while they may be touring their under construction home, so be respectful of them and their work, and be careful.
How long will my home take to complete?
Typically 6-7 months.
What’s your process for inspection at key points of construction, at final walk-through, and to address any matters that need to be corrected or finalized?
We encourage feedback during construction, however, after our final walk through with the homeowners, we typically will address all their concerns at that time.
Also, during construction, we do let our customers go over placement of lighting with the electrician, and any closet or trim needs with the trim carpenter.
Who handles financing during construction?
In most cases, the customer will put down a 10% deposit, and Grayson Homes will provide construction financing until the home is completed. Some homeowners that may own their own lot can finance the construction of the home.
Don’t be afraid to ask the builder questions.
I sense homeowners may be afraid to ask us questions, such as ‘what is next to get going on the project’ or ‘How do we get plans drawn?’ We build homes every day, so you can feel confident that we will guide you every step of the way. If there is something you don’t understand or are questioning why it’s a certain way, then don’t be afraid to ask any questions. We are here to help make the process simple and as enjoyable as possible.
For more information, contact Grayson Homes click here.