What To Ask Your Custom Home Builder
When time comes to build your custom home, countless uncertainties will surround the experience. With a project so large and expensive, you’ll want to be sure that you’re working with an experienced development team you can trust to ensure there are no surprises along the way.
To get you started, here is a list of the most important questions you should be asking your custom home builder prior to the onset of your project, alongside some example answers you should expect to hear.
With these questions asked, you should now be able to move forward on your custom home build with confidence. To learn more about the Torino Construction team and how we can help you develop the property of your dreams, get in touch with us today!
When will my custom home be done?
You’ll want to get an honest, written estimate from your builder regarding the time requirements for your custom home. Ensure that the timeline isn’t overly optimistic, and that they’re being considerate of your needs and expectations.
How will you ensure you stay on budget?
To guarantee your custom home cost doesn’t run rampant, ask your builder how they plan on keeping costs contained. Will they be gathering multiple job quotes? How will those quotes be charged? It’s important that you feel confident in your builder’s ability to keep costs contained and build a home in accordance with your vision.
Is the lot cost included?
Ensure that your builder has laid out all the costs associated with your custom build, including the lot cost. This will prevent hidden costs from popping up mid project and throwing the budget off.
What makes you different from all the other builders?
This softball question will give your builder the opportunity to explain some of the advantages that come alongside working with them. It will be a chance for you to understand their values and objectives, determining whether they align with your own.
Are you licensed & insured?
This question may seem like a no brainer, but you’ll want to verify that your builder is in fact licensed and insured to complete your custom home before signing any paperwork.
What warranties are provided with the house?
Reputable builders should have a standard warranty of 1-year, with many offering structural warranties of 10-years. Be sure that the team you're working with is willing to stand by their work and provide support down the road.
How do I choose the right home renovation company?
The first step is finding the right home builder. Consider the amount of experience that a builder has and review a few of their previous projects to get a better idea of their work. Meet with the builder to discuss your options and understand their project approach. With the right builder, you’ll receive the guidance and support you need throughout the entire project.
Do you have WSIB coverage?
Yes, we offer WSIB coverage with every home renovation we take on.
Do you offer liability insurance?
Yes, we provide liability insurance for all of our home renovation projects.
Can I live in my house during the renovation?
Whether you choose to stay in your home or leave during the renovation is completely up to you. Many of our clients choose not to stay in the home while the renovation is taking place, especially if it’s a full home renovation.
But you are more than welcome to stay in your home if you choose. We guarantee to keep our clients informed throughout the entire renovation process.
Do I need a building permit for my home renovation project?
A building permit is not required for every home renovation. If you plan to change the structure of the home or add something new to the home, then a building permit is required. Otherwise, if you plan to paint or install new flooring in your home, then a building permit is not required.
What should I do to prepare for my renovation?
Make sure to have a clear idea of what you’d like done for your renovation. Then, start building a plan of action. It’s also important to establish your budget and share that with your contractor. And lastly, make sure to plan for unexpected surprises along the way – this includes anything from uncovering mold and electrical issues that need to be fixed.
What is the difference between a custom home and a regular home?
When it comes to a regular home, you typically don’t have much say in its style. There may be a very limited number of flooring options and interior finishes for you to choose from. There are also restrictions on plumbing, electrical and overall structural composition. However, building a custom home allows you to choose every single detail, so you know you’re getting exactly what you want.
What is the process of building a custom home?
From our first meeting, we will ask you many questions to get a better understanding of your dream home. Next, we’ll work together to find the perfect property to build your new home and this is when we can provide you with a comprehensive estimate of final costs. If you’re happy with the process at this point, we’ll continue to design the home with our team of expert designers and architects. Then, we proceed with construction.
How long does it take to build a custom home?
Every home is different based on each client’s individual needs. Of course, a larger home will take longer to build than a smaller one. But on average, a standard 5,000-square-foot home will take about one year to complete. The clock starts running from the time we secure the proper building permits on your behalf.
What sets Torino Construction apart from other custom home builders in Toronto?
There are many home builders in Toronto, but only Torino Construction puts customer satisfaction and site safety above everything else. We will be in constant communication with you throughout the home-building process, and standing by to answer all of your questions. We line up the permits and obtain the final inspection so you can have a stress-free home-building experience.
Do you offer a warranty on your new custom homes?
We offer industry-leading warranties on all of our work, and will be happy to provide additional details during your initial consultation.
Are you a licensed and insured builder?
As renowned Toronto custom home builders, Torino Construction is a fully licensed and insured custom home builder in Ontario. Our work is also backed up by the strictest regulations and standards in the country. All of our crew members and contractors are registered with WSIB.
What time of year should I build a custom home in Toronto?
We encourage our clients to begin construction of their new homes in the spring or summer so we can get the digging and foundation work done in the warm weather. Starting a home build in the winter can drag out the process with frozen ground and snowfall triggering delays.
May I visit my home during my custom home build process?
Absolutely. House visits are strongly encouraged throughout the building process. We want you to be involved and we want to make sure we’re building your property according to your needs and wants. But we always ask that you give us advance notice so we can prep the space and provide you with personal protective equipment such as hard hats if necessary.
How do I find a custom home builder?
Finding the right builder for your dream home can be done several ways. In most cases, you’ll want to rely on reviews from friends and trusted online sources. If you know anyone who has had a custom home built, talk with them about the company they worked with and inquire about the experience. If you don’t know anyone, a quick Google search will allow you to review builders in your area and determine the one that is right for the job.
What are your material options?
Your custom home can be built in a variety of ways, some more affordable than others. Be sure to ask your builder which material options are available, and the prices associated so that you can successfully budget the project.
Will there be difficulties with a location?
A good custom home builder will be able to assess the properties you’re considering and determine whether or not any issues will arise during planning and development.
What features are most important?
Your builder should be able to navigate you through the feature selection process and ensure that you’re confident with the options you're deciding on.
How long have you been building in the area?
You want to make sure that your builder is reputable, with no less than five years of experience in the space. This will ensure that you’re working with a team capable of building your dream home on time and on budget, as they are familiar with the nuances that come alongside custom homes in your area.
Can you give me clients in the area as references?
Your builder should be able to provide a few past clients who can attest to the quality of their service and work. If this isn’t possible, you may want to reconsider commitment.
Who will oversee my project?
Be sure that you know which team members will be responsible for your custom home development, as you want individuals who will treat the build as if it were their own. Experience is key, and you should aim to have a team that is passionate about building beautiful custom homes.
Do you provide assistance for selecting the home’s finishes?
Your custom home is a major project, and you’ll certainly want support along the way. A builder that’s able to provide assistance through the finishes process will make the experience a whole lot more enjoyable, and it will guarantee that the finished product is beautiful.
What are the standard finishes?
Understanding the standard finishes available, from lighting to counters and more, will give you an idea of how much additional budget room is required to build the home of your dreams.
Are you allowed to purchase your own appliances or materials?
Although many builders will be able to source appliances and materials at discounted bulk rates, it’s worth seeing if you’re allowed to buy your own. This will give you the ability to compare the two options and go with the one that provides the most value.
If you can bring in your own materials or appliances, will you get credits?
If the builder isn’t required to source appliances and materials for you, they should be able to provide cost incentives. Be sure to ask before the final project pricing is established.
Is landscaping included?
Many builders will include professional landscaping to have your dream home looking beautiful inside and out. Be sure to see if yours is willing to add the option.
Does the contract include a cost escalation clause?
Ensure that your builder has incorporated all costs – including cost escalation clauses – into the formal plan. This will guarantee that there are no budget oversights and that you can accurately plan for the project.
Are there any financial incentives for using the builder’s preferred lender?
If you’re planning on mortgaging your custom home, inquire to see if any benefits can come from working with the builders preferred lender. This may bring about some great savings opportunities.