What Is Included in the Base Price?
The quartz countertops, upgraded flooring, and custom lighting you see in a model home are pricey. The base price, much like a car, typically reflects the most stripped-down version of the home, with builder-grade finishes and limited customization.
Request a detailed features sheet that breaks down what is standard with the new construction for your builder. This should include flooring type, cabinet materials, appliance brands, HVAC systems, and exterior finishes. Builders sometimes present these documents in packages. For example, a “Classic” package might include laminate countertops and vinyl flooring, while an “Executive” package offers granite and hardwood.
Find out what is not included in the base home model.. Site preparation, landscaping, fencing, and window coverings are frequently omitted from the base cost but are necessary when you move into the home. If the builder is vague about pricing or refuses to provide itemized details, it is a red flag as they should be able to accommodate your request
A real estate agent or construction-savvy advisor can help you assess whether the base price is competitive for the local market. A good builder will be upfront about the difference between what you see and what you actually get.
How Customizable Is the Floor Plan?
Customization is one of the main reasons buyers opt for new construction. But there is a wide spectrum between truly custom homes and production-built properties. Understanding where your builder falls on that spectrum will help you align your expectations.
Some builders offer rigid floor plans with only minor options, such as swapping a tub for a walk-in shower. Others allow structural changes like moving walls, expanding rooms, or repositioning windows. Ask specifically which elements are customizable and which are not.
Also ask about how changes affect the timeline and budget. For example, adding a sunroom may seem simple, but it can require engineering approvals, additional inspections, and months of delay. Builders may charge premiums for custom requests, especially if they deviate from established plans or supplier relationships.
According to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), 37 percent of new home buyers in 2023 sought builders offering high levels of personalization. But the trade-off often includes increased costs and longer build times. Knowing the level of flexibility up front can help you avoid frustration later.
What Is the Timeline — and What Could Delay It?
Construction timelines are often fluid. Weather, labor shortages, material delays, and permit issues can all influence when your home will be finished. Still, it is crucial to ask your builder for a clear projected timeline — from groundbreaking to final walkthrough.
A typical build time for a single-family home in the United States is about seven to nine months, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. However, in areas experiencing labor or supply chain shortages, it can take longer. Ask how your builder manages delays and how frequently they update clients on schedule changes.
Some builders use software platforms to communicate progress and changes in real time. Others rely on email or phone calls. Make sure you understand the communication process and how frequently you will receive updates.
It is also wise to ask what happens if delays occur. Will your closing date shift? Will you need to secure temporary housing? Will the cost of materials be locked in, or could your budget increase mid-build? These questions may seem uncomfortable at first, but they can prevent costly surprises later.
Can I Tour Completed Homes or Speak With Past Buyers?
Few things are more telling about a builder’s quality than the feedback from those who have already lived in one of their homes. While brochures and renderings can be polished, real-world experience is unfiltered. Touring completed homes or speaking directly with past buyers can provide insights into workmanship, builder responsiveness, and how well the homes hold up after the warranty period ends.
Ask the builder if you can walk through homes that are either recently completed or occupied by residents willing to share their experiences. While some builders may limit access for privacy reasons, many maintain a list of homeowners who have agreed to act as references. Their input often reveals what cannot be seen during a model home tour — issues with drainage, insulation quality, or how responsive the builder was after closing.
In particular, look at areas where wear and tear is most likely: trim, flooring transitions, bathroom grout, and exterior caulking. Are the finishes still intact? Are there signs of corner-cutting? A builder who encourages these tours is likely confident in their product.
You might also want to check online reviews, but be cautious. While useful, platforms like Yelp or Google can include both overly negative or unreasonably glowing testimonials. Speaking to someone directly, either in person or by phone, offers a more balanced and nuanced perspective.
Additionally, ask the builder if they are open to third-party inspections during the building process. Independent oversight is another sign they stand behind their work. When builders are unwilling to allow walkthroughs or deflect inquiries about past buyers, it may signal a red flag. Quality builders are usually eager to showcase their track record — and proud homeowners are often willing to talk about their new beginning.
Who Are Your Subcontractors and Suppliers?
A builder is only as good as the people doing the actual work. Subcontractors — the electricians, framers, plumbers, and painters — play a central role in the quality and reliability of your home. Asking about subcontractors is not just about due diligence. It is about understanding how your builder operates.
Ask whether the builder uses the same subcontractors for every project or hires new teams each time. Builders with long-standing relationships tend to have better quality control and fewer construction delays. Also ask how often the builder is on-site to supervise the work and whether independent inspections are welcomed.
It is equally important to inquire about suppliers. Where do materials come from? Are you limited to specific showrooms for finishes, or can you bring in your own preferred brands? In 2022 and 2023, material shortages caused significant delays in new construction across the country. Knowing your builder’s supplier network can offer insight into how prepared they are for setbacks.
A builder unwilling to answer questions about subcontractors or vendors may not be operating transparently. According to the Better Business Bureau, a large percentage of complaints about new home construction stem from poor workmanship — a direct reflection of who is doing the building.
How Are Change Orders and Cost Overruns Handled?
Even the most meticulous plans can shift once construction begins. Whether due to a spontaneous design change or an unexpected site condition, many builds require what is known as a change order. This process, if not clearly defined, can quickly lead to budget overruns and stress.
Ask your builder to explain how change orders are handled — both in terms of logistics and cost. Is there a formal process for submitting and approving changes? How long do you have to make selections before changes become cost-prohibitive? And perhaps most importantly, how are these changes documented and priced?
Builders should be transparent about the fees associated with deviations from the original scope of work. For example, upgrading countertops mid-build may not just involve material costs, but could also trigger labor changes and delivery delays. Some builders charge a flat fee for each change, while others apply a markup to both materials and labor. Without clear rules, costs can spiral.
It is also wise to ask how unexpected costs, such as soil remediation or building code changes, are handled. Will you be notified immediately? Can you opt out or find alternatives? Reputable builders will address these possibilities up front, either through contract clauses or contingencies, rather than surprising you at closing.
According to a 2023 survey by the National Association of Realtors, cost overruns were one of the top three pain points for new construction buyers, following communication delays and quality concerns. The common thread is that surprises, particularly financial ones, erode trust.
Having a clear and enforceable system for managing changes can preserve your timeline, budget, and peace of mind. It also provides an early look at how your builder manages conflict — not with evasion, but with clarity and professionalism.
What Warranties and Post-Construction Support Are Offered?
The relationship with your builder should not end when the final paint dries. Warranties and ongoing support are critical to protecting your investment. A solid builder will stand behind their work long after you have moved in.
Ask what type of warranty is included. Most builders provide a one-year workmanship warranty, a two-year systems warranty for HVAC, electrical, and plumbing, and a 10-year structural warranty. Read the warranty documents carefully. What is covered, and what is not? Are there deductibles? What is the claims process?
Also ask about the builder’s process for handling post-closing issues. Do they have a warranty department? How quickly are service requests addressed? Can you file claims online?
It is common for new homes to settle or reveal minor issues after occupancy. Cracks in drywall, loose fixtures, or appliance malfunctions may arise within the first few months. A builder who responds quickly and respectfully to these problems builds long-term trust.
According to J.D. Power’s 2023 U.S. Home Builder Satisfaction Study, buyers who received clear warranty guidance and prompt post-sale support were 42 percent more likely to recommend their builder to others. That kind of customer satisfaction speaks volumes about a company’s integrity.
Final Thoughts: Treat the First Conversation Like an Interview
Choosing a homebuilder is more than a business transaction. It is a partnership that will affect your finances, emotions, and day-to-day living for years to come. Asking tough questions early on is not adversarial — it is responsible.
Take the time to research builder reviews, visit multiple model homes, and speak to past clients if possible. Do not be rushed into signing a contract. A reputable builder will respect your diligence and welcome thoughtful questions.
Your builder should not just be skilled in construction. They should be communicative, transparent, and responsive. The right builder will help you navigate the process with clarity and confidence, ensuring that your new home is not only well-built but well-considered.
TLDR: Top Questions to Ask Your Homebuilder
- What is included in the base price, and what counts as an upgrade?
- How customizable is the floor plan, and what limitations exist?
- What is the estimated timeline, and how are delays handled?
- Can I tour completed homes or speak with past buyers?
- Who are your subcontractors and suppliers, and how is quality controlled?
- How are change orders and cost overruns managed?
- What warranties are offered, and how is post-closing support handled?
Asking these questions early ensures you walk into your new home with your eyes open and your expectations in check.