Choosing the right custom home builder for your home project is important. Not only do you want to be sure they are capable of achieving your ideal style and vision, but you want to have an enjoyable experience working together.
The outcomes of your project rely on your home builder — and since projects can take months, you want to be sure you enjoy working with this individual or team as well. The Corbo Group has been building custom homes in Connecticut for generations.
To help you find the right homebuilder, we’re sharing the most helpful questions prospective customers ask us.
General Questions to Ask Any Custom Home Builder
These questions are designed to help you understand if your builder is capable of executing your project to your satisfaction.
How long have you been building custom homes?
This will help you understand their experience. Years of homebuilding experience teaches lessons — some parts of homebuilding you have to learn by doing. A homebuilder that’s been in business for a long time has likely learned a lot about running an efficient project, building a strong network, and sourcing high-quality materials. They can then pass the benefits on to you.
Can you show me examples of completed projects?
While many homeowners automatically prefer companies that have been in business for a long time, you may overlook a great fit if you only consider longevity and tenure. That’s why it’s also important to ask about examples of recently completed projects. You want to look for projects that are similar to your own — whether that’s size, design approach, or location, seeing real examples can give you the confidence you need to make decisions,
Do you have a specialty or focus?
In addition to examples of projects, ask if they have a particular specialty. If your project is unique or complicated, like a historical home restoration, you want to be sure your builder is equipped to handle the specific challenges of your project.
What is your typical timeline for a custom build?
Timing is everything, especially in the world of custom home building. Projects can take months, to over a year — but that doesn’t mean your project should drag on longer than it needs to. Ask your homebuilder for average timelines and schedules.
What is included in your standard build vs. upgrades?
Asking about standard builds and upgrades will help you decide what’s realistic within your budget. In addition, you may find that what one builder considers standard, another treats as an upgrade. Knowing this ahead of time can help you compare pricing accurately when you review estimates.
Questions About Understanding the Design + Build Process
These questions will help you understand how your design will take shape.
Do you offer in-house design or work with architects?
Some homebuilders offer “design-build” services, which means they are your single point of contact for both architectural design and construction. Others require that you work with an architect first to get plans drawn. There are positives to each method, but a design-build process places a high focus on collaboration and planning, ensuring a smooth process from concept to completion.
How much customization is allowed in your plans?
Many homebuilders do not offer fully custom homes. If you are choosing from standard plans, ask how much customization is possible. You may only be able to make small modifications — and if you want a very personalized space, you need to know that in advance. A true custom home builder can design your home from scratch, and tailor your space to your requirements and preferences.
What is the process for making changes during construction?
Field changes, or changes to the plans that happen once construction is in progress, add time and expenses to your project. They are often avoidable with good planning, as well. To be well-informed before you sign a contract, ask how your builder handles these changes to get an idea of their process and perspective.
Questions About Budget
Asking about pricing and what affects your budget is vital information before you choose a builder.
How are budgets established and managed?
Cost estimates and budgets are one of the biggest factors that influence decision making — you be sure you know exactly how your budget will be managed throughout the process. An estimate that seems high upfront may be extremely detailed and unlikely to fluctuate. A seemingly low estimate could easily balloon if mismanaged. Get on the same page with your builder before you get started on construction.
What happens if we go over budget?
Costs of construction projects are always evolving. Even with all due diligence and planning, lumber prices could suddenly skyrocket due to a supply shortage and upend your budget.. Find out ahead of time how each builder you interview handles a situation like this. Transparency is key: prompt communication ahead of budget issues makes projects run smoothly.
Are there fixed-price contracts or cost-plus?
Before you sign, make sure you understand your contract type. Fixed price contracts refer to an agreement with the entire final cost spelled out. Cost-plus contracts include all the costs a contractor incurs on your project, plus a fee or percentage.
Questions About Permits, Approvals, and Regulations for Custom Homes in Connecticut
Learn about the local experience your home builder has and how that will make your project more efficient.
Who handles permits and zoning approvals in Connecticut?
Permitting and approvals can be complicated. Most builders are well-equipped to handle this and know their local regulations inside out. To be sure, find out who is responsible for this process throughout your project.
Are you familiar with building in towns like Newtown, Ridgefield, or Southbury?
When it comes to local builders, you can’t beat someone who knows your area. From making permitting and approvals easier to knowing the environmental conditions and how to work with them, a builder that has operated in your town will have a wealth of knowledge to share.
How do you navigate Connecticut’s energy efficiency and septic/well requirements?
Connecticut imposes specific regulations around construction projects, including requirements for energy efficiency, septic systems, wells, and more. A locally-licensed homebuilder should be able to provide guidance and expertise on how these regulations will impact your home design and budget additional time or expenses as needed before your project starts.
Questions About Communication and Project Management
These questions will help you understand how compatible your work styles are.
Will I have a dedicated project manager or main point of contact?
Different home builders will have unique processes for keeping projects organized. Make sure their version of communication and project management aligns with yours. Being able to communicate in your preferred style will help make your custom home build more enjoyable.
How frequently will I get updates?
This is important to know to set your own expectations. Construction professionals have a responsibility to share status updates and issues with their clients, but it would hinder progress if they are constantly sharing updates over menial tasks. You and your builder should discuss and agree on an acceptable frequency for updates to start your relationship off on a strong foot.
Do you use a project management app or portal?
Instead of sharing updates via text, many builders offer access to project management systems that streamline communications and provide visibility into your project. Learn from your builder if they offer a system like this. You should also ensure you know if you’ll be expected to communicate in your app or portal rather than via phone call or text.
Questions About Warranty, Inspections, and Post-Completion Support
After the project is complete, you want to be sure you have support in case there are defective materials or issues.
What warranty do you offer on the home?
Industry-standard warranties are one year for workmanship and materials, two years for mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems, and up to ten years for major structural defects. However, these are not required and some builders may offer more or less. Generous warranties speak volumes — a builder that offers these is willing to stand behind their quality of work.
Do you schedule walk-throughs or check-ins after move-in?
The final phase of construction should always include a final inspection and walk-through. Learn how your builder plans to work with you after construction is complete for assurance that you’ll be happy with the final product.
What happens if an issue arises within the first year?
Many builders offer assistance after projects are done to address defects. When reviewing estimates, it’s small details like this that can help set one builder apart from the rest.
Why Local Experience Matters
It always pays to work with a local builder. While there are massive, national organizations that have huge crews and seem to put up houses overnight, true quality takes time and comes with a local perspective.
Some things are only learned through experience — like how to landscape a lawn with plants that thrive in your backyard ecosystem, who the most trustworthy plumbing experts in town are, how daily weather will impact your home, and how to perfectly capture timeless New England style in your build.
The Corbo Group has deep roots in Connecticut, with a long history of building homes from New Haven to Bridgewater, including Fairfield and Litchfield. We know which localities are always delayed on permitting, which have the strictest HOAs, and how to ensure your project is always moving forward.
How to Choose a Builder Who Shares Your Vision
Trust, transparency, and a shared vision are essential for a successful custom home build. By asking these questions, you’ll get a well-rounded view of every builder you speak to — and you should be interviewing multiple builders for your project.
We always say gathering at least three estimates is best — it pays off to speak to many different personalities and perspectives to learn what type of builder you’ll work best with.
Ready to discuss your vision for a custom home? Contact The Corbo Group to start the conversation.
