What To Look for in a Homebuilder: 9 Questions To Ask To Pick the Right One

Homebuyers hoping to buy a brand-new home should know that the quality of what they get will depend largely on who builds it. Simply put, not all new construction is created equal.

The first step in a selection process? Find out which builders have offerings in your preferred area. Use my page to search the area(s) where you’re looking to build from there a current list of new-construction listings will display. This will help you figure out what new homes and communities are available (or in the works) in your area.

Once you’ve identified a few builders in your desired locale, you’ll want to delve deeper and compare what they’re offering. To help guide you through this process, here are some important questions to ask when selecting a homebuilder in any new-construction project.

What is the builder’s history and reputation?

The first thing you should do is run a “background check” of sorts on any homebuilder you are considering.

“Most builders will have a website with past and present communities they have built. This gives good insight into how long they have been in business, what types of homes they build, and whether they seem to be a good match for what you’re looking for.”

Beyond any testimonials you can find on the homebuilder’s website, also see if there are external reviews for a less biased perspective.

From there, it’s always worth contacting the builders to see if they can put you in touch with one or two verified residents who’ve actually moved into the homes they’ve built.

“It’s always advantageous to consult with people who have already gone through the new construction process,” Toth explains. And the longer they’ve lived there, the better, since they can speak to how the house has held up over the years.

Is the builder affiliated with a homebuilders association?

While a homebuilder doesn’t have to be part of a homebuilders association to be reputable, there are definitely benefits to choosing one who can show membership. Associations vet all their members to ensure they maintain specific standards in terms of quality and ethics.

“Being a member of the local homebuilders association means they are a member of the National Association of Home Builders,” says Lane. “To be a member, the builder must meet professional criteria beyond a state license.”

These additional credentials indicate that a homebuilder has access to more educational opportunities, the ability to stay on top of current trends, access to networking with other homebuilders, opportunities to buy materials in bulk (bringing down supply costs for you), deals for insurance and warranties, and more.