7 Questions to Ask the Builder of Your New Home 

In 2022

If you’re considering buying a new home in 2022 you’re not alone. According to Forbes, one-third of all homes for sale are new construction. This is an all-time high, and the market doesn’t show any signs of slowing down soon. So from a home builder, here are 7 questions to ask the builder of your new home in 2022.

A new home is attractive for a number of reasons. First, you can get it exactly how you want it. Second, a previously-owned home may have outdated appliances or need repairs on big-ticket items like the roof or flooring. Last, (and we may be biased here) building a new home is just fun!

However, not all new homes are equally built. The buying process requires research, especially if you are a first-time homebuyer. Asking as many questions as possible of a potential builder before committing to a purchase will help ensure you know just what you’re getting into.

Does your home builder have a good reputation?

Of course, any builder will tell you they have a great reputation. However, you should still be diligent in making sure that your builder is trustworthy. There are a few ways to find out about a home builder’s reputation including:

• Online Reviews
• Checking for any complaints to the BBB or local Chamber of Commerce
• Calling your local home builder’s association for a reference, or talk to a reputable local real estate agent
• Ask for references from previous customers

A home builder should be experienced in building homes. They should have built many houses before. If you do an online search, you should search both the business name and the builder’s name to see what comes up. 

What type of homes do they typically build?

A custom builder specializes in a particular type of construction. This means they usually build a certain type of house. Some builders do evolve and try out a new style of construction. Either way, it’s important to know what type of builder you’re dealing with before you hire them.

One way you can get a feel for the builder’s style, other than viewing an online portfolio, is to make an appointment to view a model home. Model homes usually will showcase standard features, upgrades, and the builders’ best work. If the builders do not have a model home, you should ask for addresses of completed projects to visit.

Other questions you may have about home types:

• Are the floor plans customizable?
• What type of finishes are available? 
• How many elevations (exterior finishes) are available?
• Is it possible to do a truly custom home—starting from architect designs?

Who oversees construction and what happens once the building starts?

It’s important to know who is doing what work in your house. A builder should be comfortable providing a primary contact person’s direct information so you have someone to call if needed. 

Typically, builders assign a project manager to each home. This person is responsible for managing the entire construction process of a building project. They oversee the work of subcontractors, architects, engineers, and other people involved in the construction process. This is probably the person you’ll talk to the most. In some cases, the builder is the project manager. 

Other questions you may have about construction:

• Am I allowed to visit the build site whenever I want to?
• What is the schedule for my new home construction?
• Who will notify me if there’s an issue, or the project falls behind schedule?
• What if I change my mind about a decision we’ve made?

What are the standard features in your homes and what are the extras?

Standard features are included in every home built. A builder should have a detailed specifications sheet outlining every item included in the home. You should be able to choose what you want to be added or removed from the home. This will help you avoid overspending on upgrades.

When you tour a model home, be sure to take note of what features you like that are standard, and what you like that’s an upgrade. This will help you plan your own budget for building your home. 

A custom home builder should not start building until the design process is finished. This will help avoid any problems during construction. If you want some flexibility, you should ask before starting how many changes can be made once construction begins. Be aware, though, that those changes can cost you both money and time.

Other questions you may have about new home features:

• What features do you recommend upgrading?
• If I choose a standard feature now and then find I have money for an upgrade, can you do it?
• What happens if I’m not happy with a feature once it’s installed?

How long will my home take to build and what happens if you don’t make the date?

It’s no secret that supply chain woes have hit homebuilding pretty hard. Higher prices plus delays in manufacturing and shipping will be taken into account by a good home builder.

Your builder should be able to provide a fairly accurate time frame for construction. He or she should also be honest about any delays or other problems that may arise during construction. On the other hand, you should be prepared to accept some changes to the original plans.

Try to work with a builder who can complete construction as close to your closing date as possible. Missing delivery dates is one of the biggest problems buyers face. 

Other questions you may want to ask about your building schedule:

• How are you handling/planning for delays right now?
• Do you offer solutions for mitigating delays/will you suggest changes to keep the project on track?
• What happens if my closing date comes and goes, and my home isn’t ready?

Do you offer any energy-saving features in your homes?

New homes are becoming more energy-efficient, sustainable, and eco-friendly. Adding energy-saving features increases property value. New homes are built using modern materials such as concrete, steel, and glass. They also feature smart technologies like solar panels and LED lighting. These features save homeowners money over time.

A well-built home should include many energy-saving features such as solar panels, geothermal heating systems, and water-conserving fixtures.

Questions you may want to ask about energy efficiency:

• Are the standard appliances that come with my home energy efficient?
• What type of insulation is used for your homes?
• Do you offer smart home technology?
• Will my home or the neighborhood we are building in offer the opportunity to install solar panels?
• What are the cost savings associated with choosing energy-efficient features?

Does the home come with a builder’s warranty?

Warranties are very important when purchasing a new house. You need to make sure that your warranty covers everything. The best warranties include all the major parts of the house. Some warranties last only a year, but others cover a lifetime.

Builders who do quality work always have excellent warranties for their work. A builder who doesn’t have a warranty should raise a red flag for you.

Other questions you want to ask about warranties:

• What does your warranty cover? What specifically does it not cover?
• Is there an extended warranty option?
• Is there a warranty inspection and if so, who performs it?
• If, after move-in, there’s an issue with an item under warranty, what is the process for correcting it?

At Arista Development, we strive to be as transparent as possible and welcome your questions. Contact us if you’re considering a new home build in Las Cruces.