Building a custom home allows you to actualize your dream, bring your vision to life. It stands to reason that the individual or company you hire to help you with this task is not only qualified to handle this type of project, but also passionate about the job at hand. So before you select a custom home builder, ask them questions about themselves, their company and their work to better gauge whether or not they are the right fit for you – and for your project.
 

 
Start with the simple questions – things that will help you get to know them and their business better. Also, ask questions you know the answers to. For example, the majority of contractors agree that starting a custom build project in spring is ideal over any other season. The reason being, it gives the team handling your project enough time to finish the exterior work before the colder season approaches. If a contractor assures you that starting at any other time will “work out” and you “shouldn’t worry about it” – it’s probably a red flag. Some additional questions you can ask to figure out their legitimacy are:

• How long have you been in business?
• Are your builders and contractors licensed?
• Can I see some of your previous work?

If you like their response, and their previous work – then move onto questions about their role in the project and find out what they are responsible for versus what you are responsible for:

• During what part of the custom home building process do you step in?
• Do I need to acquire the permit beforehand, or can you help me get it?
• Do I need insurance before we can start?
• Do I need an agent before we can start discussing the project?
• What am I responsible for during this process?

 

 
Once those types of questions have been answered to your satisfaction, you can center the conversation around your custom home. Ask questions that will give you the necessary information about the timeline of the project, the costs associated with the project, the things you get a say on versus what they get a say on, etc.

• How much do you charge per square foot?
• How long before we can start the construction process?
• Realistically, how long will it take to build my custom home?
• Do I get a say in the designer of the custom home?

After going through the basic questions, think about the timeline – and about the future. What happens once the construction process begins? Will you be kept in the loop? What about the small details? Even the most meticulously planned projects can go astray due to circumstances beyond anyone’s control. During those times, will you be given updates? Will you be permitted to see the progress? All of these questions are important to know. 

• How frequently will you provide updates?
• Can I come by to visit the home while it’s under construction?
• Do we discuss the finishes of the home beforehand or during the construction process
  

 

 
Upon understanding the details before and during the construction process of your custom home build – you need to think about what will happen once the project is completed. Perhaps even take it a step back – what happens once the project is nearing completion? The last thing you want is to be surprised with unforeseen costs. In fact, it may be appropriate to lay your budget on the table and ask the custom home builders how you can save money. Keep in mind that you are more than welcome to cut costs from one aspect of the project and invest it in another for your custom home. Whatever you save is more money for your future, for other investments. So it is definitely worth asking. In addition, you can even ask about ways to save on money in the long-run. If there’s anything your contractor could install in your custom home so you can cut costs in the future. 

• What are some methods we can use to save money?
• Do you use any energy efficient techniques while building the home?
• How does the payment process work with you guys?

 

 
Lastly, you need to address the elephant in the room. The warranty of your custom home, along with the small possibility that you may not be fully satisfied with your custom home. If your custom home builder can address the questions mentioned above, along with any other you throw their way – then you are likely in good hands. 

At Rovimat Group Inc., our team of professionals can provide you with a free consultation so you can differentiate between what you’re looking for, what you need and what you can realistically achieve given your budget and location. With your satisfaction being our main goal, we will strive to best accommodate your desires, all the while providing you with both energy-efficient and sustainable builds. Operating as custom home builders in Toronto and the GTA since 1991, our services range from renovations to complete custom home builds and everything in between. So, if you’re ready to actualize your vision – contact us and we’ll be happy to help!