Questions to Ask Any Custom Home Builder Before You Sign a Contract
Why This Article Matters
Building a custom home is one of the biggest investments of your life. It’s not just about money—it’s about trust, craftsmanship, and peace of mind.
Yet too many homeowners sign with a builder without asking the right questions—and pay dearly for it later. We’ve seen projects where:
Costs ballooned by hundreds of thousands.
Schedules slipped by six months or more.
Homeowners ended up acting as their own general contractor.
At Pivot Construction, we believe an informed client is the best client. So here are the questions you should always ask before signing a contract with any builder—us included.
1. Who Will Manage My Project Day-to-Day?
Why ask this?
Many companies send a sales rep to win the job—but your real relationship will be with whoever manages your build.
You deserve to know:
Are they experienced?
How many jobs do they manage at once?
Will you have direct access to them?
At Pivot:
We assign either a dedicated Project Manager or Lead Carpenter to oversee every detail on site. You’ll always know who’s accountable.
2. Do You Provide a Detailed Scope of Work and Allowances?
Why ask this?
Vague contracts are the biggest reason budgets spiral out of control.
You should insist on:
Specific materials
Brands and models
Labor costs
Clear allowances for items like tile, lighting, or cabinetry
At Pivot:
Our budgets are transparent. We believe surprises belong in birthday parties—not in home builds.
3. What Happens if Costs Go Over Budget?
Why ask this?
Builders often talk about “allowances,” but what happens if you upgrade materials—or unforeseen costs arise?
Ask:
How are overages handled?
Will you approve changes in writing?
Is there a markup on change orders?
At Pivot:
We communicate costs upfront and use fixed-price agreements whenever possible. Any changes are discussed and documented before work proceeds.
4. Do You Use Subcontractors or In-House Crews?
Why ask this?
Many builders rely entirely on subcontractors.
While that’s normal in the industry, you need to know:
Who’s actually swinging hammers on your project?
How is quality controlled?
Are these long-term relationships or random hires?
At Pivot:
We work with a trusted network of specialists—including our partners at Stoltz Co—who share our standards for quality and accountability.
5. How Long Will My Project Take—Realistically?
Why ask this?
A builder who promises an unrealistically fast timeline may be setting you up for disappointment—or shortcuts.
Ask:
What is the average timeline for a home of this size and complexity?
What factors could cause delays?
How do you handle delays when they occur?
At Pivot:
We provide honest timelines—and communicate any changes proactively. Rushing a custom home leads to mistakes we simply won’t tolerate.
6. How Often Will We Communicate?
Why ask this?
Silence breeds anxiety. The best builders keep you informed.
Ask:
How often will we talk?
Will I get progress photos?
Do you use apps or software for updates?
At Pivot:
We maintain clear communication through weekly check-ins, photo updates, and direct contact with your Project Manager.
7. Can I Visit the Site During Construction?
Why ask this?
A good builder should welcome you to see progress firsthand (safely, of course).
Beware a builder who discourages site visits—there may be something they’d rather you not see.
At Pivot:
We welcome site visits and believe your home should feel like yours at every stage.
8. What Warranty Do You Offer?
Why ask this?
Luxury homes deserve luxury service—even after move-in.
Ask:
How long is the warranty?
What does it cover?
How quickly do you respond to warranty calls?
At Pivot:
We include a one-year warranty—and check back at 11 months to address anything that needs attention.
9. How Do You Handle Changes Once Construction Begins?
Why ask this?
Change orders are inevitable in custom building.
You want a clear process:
How are costs communicated?
How long do changes delay the timeline?
At Pivot:
We treat changes with honesty and care. Nothing proceeds without your written approval and updated timelines.
10. What Sets You Apart From Other Builders?
Why ask this?
You’re investing millions. You deserve to know:
What makes this builder worth your trust?
Do they have processes in place to protect your vision and budget?
How do they handle problems?
At Pivot:
Our reputation is built on old-school values, meticulous craftsmanship, and true accountability. We don’t just build homes—we protect legacies.
Final Word: Don’t Be Afraid to Ask
Your builder should never make you feel uncomfortable for asking tough questions. If they dodge or deflect, consider it a red flag.
When you choose a custom builder, you’re choosing a partner for one of the biggest journeys of your life. Make sure they’re worthy of your trust.
Ready to Explore Your Vision?
