9 Questions to Ask Your Builder Before Hiring Them For Your Custom Home

Building a custom home is one of the largest investments—both financially and emotionally- you can make. It’s essential to choose a builder who checks all the professional boxes for you build, and who you just click with! Asking the right questions up front can help ensure that your project runs smoothly and that your builder is the right fit for you. Whether you're planning your dream home in Minneapolis or elsewhere, here is a list of questions to ask your custom home builder before hiring them!

1. How long have you been building homes?

Understanding a builder’s experience is crucial. With over 20 years in the home building industry, our journey has been shaped by both successes and lessons learned. While new builders have a lot to offer, experience is an excellent teacher! Look for a builder who has longevity in the industry and can clearly explain their journey and approach to construction.

2. Can I see your portfolio? What are your favorite projects and why?

Reviewing a builder’s portfolio will give you an idea of their design quality and craftsmanship. Ask them about their favorite projects—it will give you insight into their style and what they take pride in. We enjoy showcasing our homes because they reflect our high standards and the strong relationships we build with clients. Most builders will feel the same!

3. How are you different from other builders?

Each builder brings something unique to the building process. For us, it’s our boutique approach, focusing on quality, communication, and creating a personalized experience. We value the relationships we build with our clients and believe that building a home should be a fun, rewarding experience for everyone involved! Your potential home builder offers something individual that can make (or break) your project so this is a crucial question!

4. How do you communicate during the build process?

A good communication style is the foundation of a successful project (and something we’re most proud of in our process)! We schedule weekly or bi-weekly meetings during the design process to ensure everything stays on track. During construction, we hold regular site meetings and provide weekly updates from the project manager. Our software also includes a client portal to track progress, budgets, and upcoming tasks. You’ll need to communicate regularly with your builder, so make sure to find out how they approach lines of communication and who will be your contact person.

5. What warranties do you offer after the home is built?

Warranties vary by state, but in Minnesota, our homes come with a 1-year craftsmanship warranty, 2-year mechanical warranty, and 10-year structural warranty. A reputable builder stands by their work and provides ongoing service to address any issues like settling cracks or mechanical problems. Each builder has different policies, so make sure you understand what’s covered and for how long.

6. How do you determine the cost of my custom home?

Budgeting is one of the most critical aspects of building a custom home. We work closely with clients from the design phase, comparing your vision with past work and performing "price tests" to ensure we are staying within your financial goals. Transparency is key, so ensure your building company walks you through a detailed budget estimate!

7. How long will it take to build my home?

The timeline of the custom home building process depends on several factors, including the size, complexity, and land conditions. For homes between 4,000 to 8,000 square feet, construction typically takes 8 to 14 months, though the design, permitting, and selection process can take an additional 4 to 12 months. Ask your custom home builder for a detailed timeline or building schedule and be sure they include flexibility for unexpected delays.

Tip: It’s also worth asking how many of their projects are completed on schedule!

8. What Comes with My Custom Home (and What Doesn’t)?

To keep expectations in line it’s best to ask specifically what your potential builder offers. At MDW, we include landscaping because it plays a crucial role in achieving that "magazine-ready" look. Early in my career, I saw projects fall short when landscaping wasn’t excluded, so now we emphasize its importance to bring everything together. Not every builder does this, so if it’s important to you, make sure to ask! Furnishings, however, is something we leave to experienced interior designers, and while we’re more than happy to connect you with our favorites, it’s beyond our scope as builders!

9. How do you resolve difficulties when they arise?

Building projects are complex, and challenges will inevitably arise. The key is how those issues are handled. We believe in open communication, empathy, and finding a middle ground that benefits everyone. Choosing a prospective builder who listens to your concerns and addresses them thoughtfully is essential for your peace of mind.

Check Out Our 1:1 Consulting Program

By asking the important questions, you’ll be a lot more prepared to choose the right builder for your project!

For clients who don’t have capacity to run through this entire list themselves, whether because of busy schedules or being based out of state, we offer a 1:1 consulting service. This is ideal for those who don’t have the time or expertise to navigate the builder selection process. We serve as a representative for you, interviewing builders, overseeing the project, and keeping your best interests at the forefront. Contact us today!