Questions to Ask a Builder Before Buying
As you build your new home, you’re bound to have a lot of questions along the way. However, it’s also good to start your search with a list of questions that will help you narrow down your choices to find the builder that’s right for your family. We’ve come up with a list of questions we think it’s smart to ask any builder before you decide to work with them.
How much experience do you and your workers have?
You’ll find many of the builders around Winnipeg will proudly state the fact they’ve been in business for many years. That’s great, but how long have their workers been doing their jobs? If the person laying your floors or installing your windows is only doing it for the first time, there’s a chance it won’t be done right. Look for builders who have experienced contractors working at each stage of the build. Workers may be inexperienced, but there should be an experienced person working side-by-side to see that the job is done correctly.
How much will the home I want cost?
Builders always advertise their homes with “starting from” prices. This price is based on how much that home would cost to build using all of the standard options. In many cases, the showhomes you actually see include home upgrades, which will cost more than the “starting from” price.
It’s hard to know how much the home you want will cost without getting some details from the builder. If you want a home that includes several upgrades, then your home might cost more than the base price. However, if you don’t need all of the upgrades you see in the showhome, your home could cost less than the price they’re quoting. It’s smart to have a good sense of what you want and what you need in a home, then ask the builder how much that home would cost.
What can I customize?
A lot of builders offer customized homes, but that can mean different things to different people. With one builder, you might be able to completely change the layout of the home. Another might only let you customize by making choices from their pre-selected inventory. You want a home that suits your needs, and you need to know if the builder can make it happen.
What is your building process?
Ask about what it’s like to work with the builder. What is the timeframe of your new home build and how long will it take until your home is ready? When do you need to have your financing and down payment? Knowing the answers to these questions helps you envision what your life will be like until you can move into your new home.
How can I make good design choices?
Some people have very strong ideas about what they want in a home. Others worry the flooring they choose will clash with the cabinets. It’s hard to feel responsible for making the all design decisions in your home build. A good builder will have a design centre that allows you to see all of your choices. They’ll also offer consultations with interior decorators to help you make those important choices
Are there customer testimonials?
You want a builder who has many satisfied customers. People who have homes made by a builder you’re considering can give you some good insight into the process. They could let you know if there were any problems during construction and how the builder handled those problems. They’ll tell you how happy they are with their home or if they’ve been disappointed by the way the door sticks or sound travels throughout. These real-life testimonials can help you decide if a builder is right for you.
What does the warranty cover?
All new homes should come with several warranties, but you want to know exactly what those warranties will cover. Aside from the regular manufacturer warranties that accompany your appliances and systems, a good Winnipeg builder will back their work by providing each and every one of their home owners with a new home warranty. This will in many cases cover the builder's work and materials, giving you peace of mind.
To choose the right builder, you need to go in prepared. It’s fine to browse, but when you’re ready to get serious about buying a brand-new home, it’s smart to do your research ahead of time. Prepare your questions for the builder, and don’t choose a builder unless you’re satisfied with their responses.
