Choosing the right home builder is absolutely essential when building a new home in the Poconos. You can have the perfect location, the right floor plan, and even a great price—but if you end up with a builder that’s not right for you, you won’t be happy. So how do you find the right builder?

Actually sitting down face-to-face is one of the best methods for choosing the right contractor. But you’re going to want to get some information. Here are some key questions to ask when visiting a home builder.

What’s Your Experience?

Even if this is your first time building a new home you want to make sure your builder has been around the block a time or two. Ask your potential builder how long he or she has been in business—and if the company has ever built a home of similar scope and quality as the one you’re thinking about. Look at samples of completed projects. Pictures are great, but ask if you can see completed homes in the area as well. Make sure you’re confident in your builder’s expertise. Tapping into a builder’s knowledge and experience is extremely valuable in the homebuilding process.

What Do Your Previous Clients Say?

Any reputable builder will provide references of past clients. Just having a list of names, however, doesn’t tell you that much. You’ll want to actually talk to a couple of your builder’s clients and ask them about the experience. Sure, you’ll want to know if they are happy with the home, but you’ll also want to know what it was like to work with the builder.

Describe Your Process.

Ask your prospective builder to walk you through the process they use to complete a home. It can give you a sense of how well-organized your builder is. It also helps you to understand how involved you’ll be and how things are set up to receive input from you during the home building process.

What Are Your Affiliations?

Asking a builder about his or her affiliations can help establish credibility within your community and within the building community. It can also let you know if your prospective builder is staying on top of industry trends and constantly looking for ways to improve the building process. As an example, here are a few of our affiliations.

What Is Your Gut Telling You?

This question is really for you rather than for your prospective builder. It’s admittedly a subjective question—but one that’s valid. When you build a custom home, you’ll find yourself spending a fair amount of time interacting with your builder. You may not socialize together, but you will want to feel comfortable discussing important elements of your home. You’ll want to know that your builder listens to you and understands what you want. You’ll also want to make sure that your builder isn’t bothered by you asking questions—now or later. You’re in this project together!

Keep in mind that a reliable and experienced builder actually wants you to ask questions. It’s not an imposition. It actually helps both of you achieve the results you want. Click here for a look at 3 questions custom homebuilders wish their clients would ask!