Choosing a Builder: What to Ask

Some builders spend a lot of time with clients going over the plans, discussing finishings (such as flooring, tile, or trim), and showing the client through the home at various stages of construction. Other builders prefer to have all of the choices set before the build starts so that they can focus on finishing the home rather than discussing things with the client as the build progresses.

What kind of relationship do you want to have with your builder? Do you want to have a high degree of choice? Do you want the ability to make changes as the project moves along? Or do you want to make your choices and see the project when it is done?

Because there are thousands of choices that can be made and that affect the cost and time required to build your home, it is important for you to decide what kind of relationship you want to have with your builder. Find out how each builder you talk to likes to work with their clients.

Builders typically walk you though the site at the various stages of completion to explain what is happening. Some builders will always be available to walk you through the home and some will specify the number of visits.

Builders sometimes limit the number of visits to reduce the probability that homeowners will want to make changes that could alter the cost and schedule of the build. Sometimes homeowners want to make last-minute changes to the build based on things they have seen online, in magazines or on reno shows on TV. Last-minute changes can create delays as subtrades are generally busy and sometimes difficult to reschedule. Additionally, specific materials may take time to order in.

Of course, it is nice for builders to always be available to show you around, but increased access almost always adds costs to your build. This is because your builder (who might have several projects underway at the same time) will need to create time in their schedule to show you around.

You should not visit the site by yourself or with your family and friends without the builder. Construction sites can be hazardous for people without knowledge of general and specific site hazards. Construction sites are also workplaces, and they have specific labour rules and regulations that must be followed. Be sure to ask your builder about visiting the site. See the Compliance section for more details.

Most builders require to you speak directly with them (and not the subtrade) if you have a question or concern. You might think that if you are visiting the site and you see something, it is easier for you to just decide something and tell the subtrades right there about a change or a concern. However, giving directions to subtrades can have unintended consequences. There are a few things you should be aware of.

• Subtrades are generally hired by the builder, and they would prefer to take direction and feedback from the builder.

• Some workers on site are just doing what they are asked to do and do not have authority to make changes to their work.

• Some work is completed in a certain order or a certain way to accommodate other things on your site, for example, a subtrade might complete half the job and then return later to accommodate another subtrade.

• Some finishes look different when they first go on (such as paint or concrete) to what they look like when they have fully dried or cured.

If you have a question or a concern, it is almost always best to check with your builder. Ask your builder about talking with subtrades and how best to bring up specific concerns or comments you have with their work.

How custom do you want your custom home to be? Since there are almost an infinite number of material and finishing options, your builder will have a list of normal products that they use for all areas of your home.

You will need to decide what level of customization you are looking for. Are you interested in just picking the colours of the walls, the cabinet doors and counter tops? Or do you want to select things like the type of paint used, the finish on your garage floor or even the type of insulation in the walls?

Generally speaking, the more choices you make, the higher the build cost will be. Make sure that you and your builder are on the same page. Be sure to talk to your builder about the choices that you want to make and what choices you are happy to have your builder make for you.

Some builders will answer the phone at any hour and some like to keep work at work. Ask your builder when they are free to talk and what the best way to communicate with them is. Ensure that you say what your preferences are.