Questions to Ask a Home Builder Before You Sign

Ask about what's included, the contract and deposits, the timeline and what happens if it slips, inspections, the HOA, and the warranty. Get the answers in writing. These work at any builder, including the one I work for.

What are some good interview questions to ask a builder?

I work for one builder, so I won't rank builders. Here's how to judge any of them, mine included. Take this list to every model home.

What's included

• What comes standard in this plan, and what's an upgrade?
• Which features in the model are upgrades?
• Are blinds, a refrigerator, a washer and dryer included?
• What landscaping comes with the home, and what happens if plants die in the first year? The National Association of Home Builders suggests asking this one.
• Can I see the standard features list in writing?

The contract and money

• Can I take the contract home to read before I sign?
• How much is the earnest money, and when is it refundable?
• Are there separate deposits for options or upgrades?
• Are there fees for the home or the development I should know about?
• What incentives are available, what do they apply to, and what are they tied to?

Timeline

• When do you expect this home to be finished?
• What does the contract say if the date moves?
• When will I get updates, and from whom?

Inspections and quality

• What inspections happen during construction?
• Can I bring my own inspector, and at which stages?
• Will I get a walkthrough before drywall?
• How does the final walkthrough and punch list work?

The community

• What are the HOA dues, and what do they cover?
• Are there restrictive covenants or architectural rules? Can I see them?
• What's planned for the land around this homesite?
• When will the amenities be finished?

Warranty and service

• What does the warranty cover, and for how long?
• How do I submit a warranty request, and how fast is the response?
• Is there a walkthrough near the end of the first year?

References

• Can I talk to people who bought here recently? NAHB suggests asking for references.

What are some important questions to ask before buying a new house?

Beyond the builder, ask yourself:

• Is this payment comfortable in a tight month?
• How long will I live here?
• Does this plan fit how I live on an ordinary weekday?
• Have I driven the commute at rush hour?
• Do I understand who represents me in this deal?

What is the best home building checklist?

The best one is the one you actually use. Here's how I'd organize it:

1. Before you visit: a lender conversation and a price range.
2. At the visit: the builder questions above, plus photos and notes on each plan.
3. Before you sign: the contract, HOA documents and features list, read in full.
4. During the build: inspection dates, selection deadlines and updates.
5. At the walkthrough: a room-by-room punch list.
6. After move-in: warranty dates and a maintenance calendar.

Get it in writing

A promise in a model home isn't a promise until it's in your contract or an addendum. That's true at every builder. Ask, then ask where it's written down.

Who's writing this. I sell new homes for D.R. Horton at Collins Ridge in Hillsborough, so I represent the builder, not you. This guide is general education from my years on job sites and in sales. It isn't legal, tax or lending advice, and it doesn't describe any specific home, price or incentive. Check the sources linked below, and talk with your own lender, agent or attorney before you decide.