Interviewing Your Builder

Choosing a custom builder is the first important choice you'll need to make in building a new home.

So how do you decide?

We've compiled a list of questions to ask when interviewing potential builders.

• Licensing and insurance: Is the builder licensed in South Carolina and are they insured? These two items are deal breakers if not present.
• Experience: How long has the builder been doing this type of work. Have they worked on a home of your size and scope before? Can they provide references of past work.
• Staff: Who will be your point of contact during the process? What contractors are used?
• Process: How is the budget set? How are construction issues or changes addressed? What type of follow up or walk-throughs are part of the construction process?

In addition to these questions, how do you feel when talking with the builder? This is an important part of the decision making process because good communication with your builder is an essential part of building a custom home.  You want to work with someone who makes you feel comfortable and listens to your requests.

If you've chosen a builder before, what did you look for and how did you decide?