Your guide to making a confident, informed decision before breaking ground.
Building a custom home is a significant investment—not just financially, but emotionally and creatively. Choosing the right builder can make the difference between a stressful experience and one that’s organized, transparent, and even enjoyable.
So how do you find the right fit? It starts with asking the right questions. At Peak Construction, we welcome homeowners who come prepared—we believe the best builds happen through open communication and mutual trust.
Here are 10 smart questions to ask before hiring a custom home builder:
1. Are You Licensed and Insured?
This is non-negotiable. A professional builder should hold the appropriate state licenses and have both general liability and workers’ comp insurance. It protects both you and them throughout the build.
2. How Long Have You Been Building Custom Homes?
Experience matters—especially with custom builds that require more detailed planning, flexibility, and coordination. Ask about their background and how long they’ve specialized in custom construction.
3. Can I See Examples of Your Past Work?
Reputable builders are proud to share photos, case studies, or even client references. Look for a range of styles and attention to detail in their past projects that match your expectations.
4. What’s Included in Your Price (and What’s Not)?
Clarity on cost is essential. Ask what’s included in the base price and what would be considered an upgrade. Some builders offer allowances for finishes or appliances—make sure you understand what those allowances cover.
5. How Do You Handle Project Changes or Upgrades Mid-Build?
It’s common to change your mind during the process. Make sure the builder has a clear change order process so you know how it will affect the timeline and budget.
6. What’s Your Timeline and How Do You Stay On Schedule?
While custom homes can vary in length, your builder should offer a rough timeline and outline how they manage delays. Ask how they stay on track, and what could potentially impact progress.
7. Who Will Be My Main Point of Contact During the Build?
Communication is key. Knowing who you’ll be working with day-to-day helps ensure you’re never in the dark. Whether it’s a project manager, superintendent, or the builder directly, you should know how and when you’ll receive updates.
8. Do You Work With a Regular Team of Subcontractors?
Established relationships with quality subcontractors often lead to smoother builds and more reliable timelines. Ask how long they’ve worked with their crew and how they manage trade scheduling.
9. How Do You Handle Walkthroughs and Inspections?
A good builder will invite you to participate in walkthroughs at key stages of the build and explain how they handle municipal inspections. This shows transparency and ensures you’re comfortable with progress.
10. Can You Provide a Sample Contract or Estimate?
Reviewing a sample contract helps you understand how detailed the builder is with planning and documentation. Look for clarity in scope, timeline, payment schedules, and responsibilities.
Ready to Build With Confidence?
At Peak Construction, we understand that choosing a custom home builder is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make. That’s why we take pride in offering full transparency, open communication, and unmatched craftsmanship from start to finish.
If you’re ready to ask the right questions—we’re ready to answer.
👉 Contact Peak Construction to Schedule a Consultation