Ask Maronda: What Questions Should I Ask My Builder Before Breaking Ground on My New Home?

 

Building your dream home is an exciting milestone, but it can also feel overwhelming with all the decisions and details to consider. One of the most crucial steps before you break ground is to have a thorough conversation with your builder. This is your chance to ensure everything is in place, clear, and well-planned.

We’ve compiled a list of key questions that you should ask your builder before construction begins to ensure clear communication during the process and mitigate surprises along the way. 

1. What is the timeline for the project?

The first thing you’ll want to know is the estimated timeline for the construction of your new home. Understand when the project will start, how long each phase of the build will take, and what the final completion date looks like. Builders can sometimes give rough estimates, but make sure to get a clear understanding of milestones, potential delays, and factors that could affect the overall timeline (weather, supply chain issues, permits, etc.).

Learn more about our Construction Process here

2. What’s included in the contract and what isn’t?

Before breaking ground, ensure that you and your builder have a clear and comprehensive contract that outlines exactly what’s included in the project. Does the price cover everything from foundation to finishes? What about site preparation, landscaping, and permits? Asking this question upfront will help avoid any surprise costs down the line. Clarify things like allowances for materials or upgrades, and make sure you’re both on the same page about what is included in the agreed price.

Visit our FAQ Page to explore our most commonly asked questions

3. What kind of warranty do you offer?

It’s essential to understand what warranties are provided on the construction of your new home. How long is the warranty for structural components, and what does it cover? A good builder will offer a warranty that protects you from certain issues after construction is complete. Be sure to ask about specifics regarding how to make a claim, and what might void the warranty.

Learn more about our extensive & transferrable New Home Warranty

4. How do you handle changes and upgrades during construction?

Building a home is a dynamic process, and you might find that you want to make changes or upgrades after the project has already started. It’s important to know how flexible your builder is when it comes to making adjustments. Will these changes affect the overall timeline? Will there be extra costs involved? Be sure to ask about the procedures and costs associated with modifications during construction.

5. Can you provide references or examples of past work?

It’s always a good idea to get a sense of your builder’s reputation and quality of work before committing. Ask for references from previous clients or examples of homes they’ve built. This allows you to see firsthand what their work looks like and hear about others’ experiences. Don’t be afraid to follow up with these references to get a better sense of the builder’s professionalism and reliability.

6. Who will be overseeing the day-to-day construction?

You’ll want to know who will be managing the day-to-day operations on-site. Will it be the builder, a project manager, or a site supervisor? It’s also important to know how often the builder will be visiting the site and how available they will be for questions or concerns. Clear communication is essential for the smooth progress of the project, so understanding who’s in charge and how you can contact them is vital.

7. What steps will you take to stay within budget?

Staying within budget is one of the most critical parts of any building project. Ask your builder how they plan to monitor and control costs. What is their process for pricing materials and labor? Will you be notified of any significant changes that might push the budget higher? Knowing how they handle unexpected expenses can give you peace of mind and help prevent any unpleasant financial surprises.

8. What are the permits and legal requirements?

Building a home requires a variety of permits and adherence to local building codes. Your builder should be familiar with all the necessary legalities and should be able to explain which permits will be required for your project. Ask them how they handle this part of the process—will they take care of it, or is that something you’ll need to manage on your own? Getting all permits in order before construction begins is crucial to avoid legal issues down the road.

Learn more about Permitting here

9. How do you handle subcontractors?

Builders often rely on subcontractors for specialized tasks, like electrical work, plumbing, or drywall. Ask how they select their subcontractors and whether they are licensed, insured, and experienced. You’ll want to ensure that all parties involved in the construction are reputable and qualified. If there’s a specific subcontractor you prefer or one you’ve worked with in the past, let your builder know early in the process.

10. What steps do you take to ensure quality control?

Quality control is critical when building a home. Ask your builder about their process for ensuring that all work is up to standard. Do they have an inspector or a quality control team that monitors the work? Are there checkpoints during the build where quality is reviewed? Knowing what steps your builder takes to guarantee the quality of materials and craftsmanship will give you confidence that your home will be built to last.

11. How do you communicate with clients throughout the build?

Clear and consistent communication is key to any successful home-building project. Ask your builder how they plan to keep you informed throughout the process. Will they send weekly updates? Will there be a portal where you can track progress? How accessible are they if you have questions or concerns? Having a communication plan in place will ensure that you’re always in the loop and can address any issues as they arise.

12. What should I expect during the construction process?

Lastly, ask your builder to walk you through the entire construction process from start to finish. What should you expect at each stage? This will help you prepare for what’s ahead and ensure that you know what milestones to look for. It will also allow you to anticipate any potential disruptions or challenges, such as site preparation, inspections, or weather delays.

 

Asking the right questions before construction begins is crucial for a smooth, successful home-building experience. By understanding the timeline, budget, process, and quality control measures, you can avoid surprises and ensure your dream home is built to your exact specifications. Good communication, clarity, and preparation are key, so don’t hesitate to ask your builder anything that might give you peace of mind or clarity before you break ground.

Maronda Homes has been a family-owned and operated business for over five decades. In that time we have dedicated ourselves to building quality new homes at an affordable price, with unparalleled attention to customer service. Choosing to build your new home with us means that you’ll have our support & guidance throughout every step of this exciting process. We can’t wait to meet you!

 

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