Are you licensed and insured?
This one is crucial. In Michigan, home builders are required to have a residential builders license. Additionally, you’re going to want to make sure that your builder is carrying adequate coverage, in case the worst happens. It’s also important that you know what you could be liable for so you can ensure that you have adequate coverage as well.
What are your terms and conditions?
This is important for any business transaction, and building a home is no exception. Have your home builder thoroughly explain their terms and conditions to you, and make sure you know the expected down payment and payment schedule.
What is your process?
You should always know what’s going on with your home, so ask what the process looks like: what happens first, what happens after that, when does the plumbing/electricity/cabinetry get put in, etc. If you’re curious about why things are done in a certain order, ask! You might learn something interesting and valuable to know as a homeowner. You can find our process on the Our Process page.
How long will this take?
Things happen that can cause delays, sure, but you should be able to get a reasonable timeframe within which the project can be completed. Your builder should also be able to tell you what could hold up the project–like necessary permits and approvals–and the general amount of time needed to secure those things.
How much will this cost?
You should be able to get a strong estimate, within the budget you specified, for the project at the outset. If not, it’s time to look for a different builder.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions when it comes to your new home–after all, it’s your new home, and you should never be kept in the dark, confused, or unaware of what is going on. When looking for a home builder, be sure to ask these questions, and any others you may have, so that you know exactly what you’re getting into and what to expect from your home building adventure.
Woods Builders is an experienced, licensed, and insured custom home builder. Contact us to find out how we can make your dream home a reality.