Top 3 Most Important Questions to Ask Your Builder Before Signing a Contract

Starting the process of building your dream home can be both exciting and daunting. Choosing the right builder is essential to making sure your vision becomes a reality. Before you sign anything, it’s important to ask the right questions to avoid issues later on. At Buffum Homes, we believe that clear communication is key to a successful partnership. Here are three important questions you should ask your builder before moving forward.

1. What Is Included in the Contract?

Understanding what is included in your contract is vital for a smooth building process. At Buffum Homes, we take pride in providing detailed contracts that clearly outline every aspect of the build. This transparency helps prevent misunderstandings and unexpected costs down the line.

What to Look For:

• Standard Features vs. Upgrades: We clearly define what comes standard with your home and what constitutes an upgrade. This way, you can make informed decisions about where to invest more and where to stick with the basics.
• Timeline: Our contracts include an estimated timeline for completion. While some delays may occur, having a clear timeline helps you plan your life around the construction process.
• Warranties and Guarantees: We provide comprehensive information regarding warranties on the home and its components, ensuring you know what protections are in place. This coverage gives you peace of mind, knowing that your investment is safeguarded against potential defects.

By ensuring that all these details are laid out in the contract, we aim to create a foundation of trust and clarity from the beginning.

2. How Do You Handle Change Orders?

Change orders are a common part of the home-building process, but they can lead to increased costs and delays if not handled properly. At Buffum Homes, we understand the importance of flexibility and transparency when it comes to changes.

What to Consider:

• Process: We have a structured process for submitting and approving change orders. This ensures that any changes are documented and agreed upon before implementation, minimizing confusion.
• Cost Implications: Our team provides detailed estimates for any changes, so you can clearly see how they will affect your overall budget. We believe that informed decisions lead to better outcomes.
• Builder App: To streamline the change order process, we utilize a builder app that facilitates tracking and communication. This app allows you to view and approve quotes between clients and vendors, ensuring you have the information you need to make decisions efficiently.
• Communication: We prioritize keeping you informed about any changes and their impacts on the timeline and budget. During the contract signing and our initial meet-and-greet, we discuss our approach to communication, ensuring everyone is on the same page regarding how updates will be shared throughout the project.

By establishing clear protocols for change orders and leveraging technology to facilitate communication, we help you feel more in control of the process and prepared for any adjustments that may arise.

3. What Is Your Communication Style and Availability?

Effective communication is essential throughout the home-building process. At Buffum Homes, we recognize that a strong communication strategy is key to a successful partnership.

Key Points to Discuss:

• Primary Point of Contact: You will have a dedicated project manager who will serve as your main point of contact throughout the build. This ensures that you always know who to reach out to with questions or concerns.
• Setting Expectations: During our contract signing and initial meetings, we go over our communication style and how updates will be shared. This helps set clear expectations from the start, so you know when and how to expect information about your project.
• Availability: We strive to be responsive to your needs. Our team is accessible via phone or email, and we aim to respond to inquiries promptly. Knowing you can reach us easily gives you confidence throughout the process.

By clarifying our communication practices, we create an environment of trust and openness, ensuring that your questions and concerns are addressed promptly.

Conclusion

Choosing the right builder is one of the most important steps in the home-building process. At Buffum Homes, we prioritize open communication and transparency to help you navigate this journey. By asking these three key questions, you can build a solid foundation of trust and understanding with your builder, setting the stage for a successful project.

Are you ready to start your custom home journey? Contact us today to learn more about how we can help bring your vision to life!