Building a custom home is a commitment. For many home buyers, it starts with the process of finding construction companies in Utah County. The best custom home builders in Utah can be hard to find, but asking the right questions can help you find a professional that will build a home you can be proud of and enjoy for many years to come.
The questions you ask will help you evaluate the quality of the builder, including their experience and their fit for your needs. Before meeting with your builder, start by making a list of questions that will help you learn more about that builder's experience, work ethic, and quality of work.
1. What makes your company different from other Utah home builders?
There will probably be many Utah home builders that you consider before settling on the right builder for you. When you're trying to determine whether you've found the right builder, consider factors such as customer service, one-on-one attention, pre-construction process, excellent communication, and many years in business.
Businesses that are well-established will likely have more mature processes overall, including seamless communication skills and top-notch customer services practices.
2. How long have you been in business?
Find out how many years your home builder has been servicing homeowners in your area. Builders with many years of experience will know how to help their customers through the complex home building process, from start to finish.
3. Can I see your portfolio?
Your builder's portfolio will show you what they're capable of. An experienced home builder should have many pictures of previous projects. From these pictures, you should be able to determine the builder's style, the level of workmanship that they usually demonstrate, and what kind of quality you can expect for your custom home.
4. Can you help me pick a good home site?
Some home builders offer more help than others. If you need help finding a plot for your new custom home, then find out whether the builders you're interviewing will offer that service. At the very least, your custom home builder should be able to refer you to some resources that can help make the land-buying process easier.
5. How long does it take to build a custom home?
Some custom home builders work faster than others. Smaller teams sometimes work more slowly, as do teams that have many simultaneous commitments. If you're in a hurry to get your home built as soon as possible, find out how long your builder will take to design and build your custom home.
6. When can work begin?
Another important question to ask, especially if you're on a tight timeline, is how long will it take before work can begin? Homebuilders who take on many projects at one time can get backed up, leaving long lead times and start dates that are many months down the road.
Of course, the start date also depends on how long it takes for the design to be made and for you to approve it. Your builder should be able to tell you approximately when the work can begin, but some of it will depend on you.
7. How customizable is the home?
Some builders use templates to build their homes, and only allow homeowners to customize certain aspects of the home they're buying. The buyer may be able to choose from a limited number of materials, choose from a limited number of designs, and so on. If you need or want a fully customizable home, then you need to be aware of the builder's processes upfront.
8. Do you work with energy-efficient materials?
If energy efficiency is very important to you, then it's important to find a contractor that is comfortable working with energy-efficient materials. Get examples from the builder that you're considering to find out which materials they're most comfortable working with.
9. Do you have references?
Local builders who have been in business for any length of time should have references that can attest to their skill and prowess as a home builder. Get at least three references from the builder you're considering working with, and then call them. Ask the references questions such as:
- When did this home builder work for you?
- Were you satisfied with your home?
- Is your home holding up well?
- Was the project completed within the established budget? If not, why not?
- Would you work with this builder again, or refer them to others?
10. Who will be on the worksite - employees or subcontractors?
Some builders work with a large team of employees while others rely more heavily on subcontractors. It's important to know if your home builder is working with a team of well-trained employees, so now is the time to find out.
11. Will the price of the contract be guaranteed? Under what circumstances will the price go up?
Cost of building materials and construction lumber prices have been changing regularly. In fact, prices in the home building industry have been fluctuating a lot. Even so, you'll need to know that the cost of your home is set in stone. It's important for your project to be completed for the amount budgeted. Find out from your custom builders in Utah if the price quoted in the contract is final, and if not, under what circumstances you can expect the amount to change.
Ready to start building your custom home? Contact 10X Builders Home Construction to learn more about constructing a beautiful custom home in Utah.
