I'm meeting with a local builder with our agent tomorrow night. It's the first meeting and DH can't make it. What questions should I ask? They know how many bedrooms and the style we want. They'll have plans of houses matching those things. What is appropriate to ask in a first meeting? How many times do you meet if you go through with it?
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Ask how long they expect the project to take, when they can start, and how much it will cost. And if it sounds too good to be true, it most likely is! Also, make sure any builder is licensed and will get the proper permits.
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@Mrs.Someone: thank you! I think I'll type up a list tomorrow before leaving work.
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Are they building on ground you own or they own? If its them, ask if there are any lots considered better or worse and if they cost more (lot premium).
Are they offering any discounts? (Free finished basement, upgraded kitchen package, etc).
If you find a house plan you like , do they have any built in the area that you could see in person?
Ask yourself (and your husband) what sort of finishes you want. If you have to have granite for instance, what's the added cost from the builder to add that upgrade?
Do appliances come with the house?
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@babyjmama: I have no idea on the answers, but i'd love for you to share everything you learn! lol, i'm so confused about how that process works. could you give me any idea of what % more it is gonna cost to build your house per SF than buy?
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Please insist on seeing a home they've built within the last couple of years in person (or at least pictures) and then maybe do a drive by. Sometimes builders will show you examples of things they did like 5-10 years ago, but they have changed their men since then or changed management, and they can't deliver as well as they used to.
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Licensing and land, as others have said. Also, don't commit to anything. After the meeting, call your local attorney generals office, or office of licensing and make sure the builder doesn't have complaints filed against them.
What is included in the package? I.e., can you subcontract out or is it all "allowances"? If the builder does it all, it's easier for you but also more expensive. Does he itemize out the allowances, so you know exactly what the actual costs are (vs. him just saying you get $20k for hardwood floors so x, y, z flooring are your only options).
Types/amount of insulation, heating system, hot water system. Will he work with you to upgrade to energy efficient systems which are eligible for federal tax rebates? % over local code they build?
What local requirements does your municipality have for new builds that will add on non-negotiable fees (our city requires a certain type of sprinkler system which adds about $8-$10k++ to the cost of all new builds).
Types of windows, window frames, etc. Will he put legal egress windows in the basement so you can legally turn it into an additional bedroom down the road if you want.
Does he include a paved driveway in the house build estimate - so do, some don't.
Does his estimate include appliances, fixtures, lighting? How many coats of paint? How many paint color options?
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Oh these are GREAT suggestions. Thank you all so much! Anything else that someone would like to add?
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Oh, and estimated real estate taxes! Also, if there's going to be an HOA and what the fee per month will be (and what it will cover).
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@yoursilverlining: you've either recently build a home or are in the field!
@TurtleDoves: YES! Most builders these days have shotty craftsmanship. Looks great the first few years but crap down the line.To add to it...
do they build a design or construction contingency in?
Are they filing all permits? Are all permit fees included in final price?
When is this quote good for (building materials are constantly going up!
When do plans need to be finalized? Are you allowed to make changes after you break ground? -
Payment/deposit structure? Will the builder take back the mortgage, or do you need a construction mortgage (plus paying for lot cost, I know where we are it's pretty impossible to get a mortgage for a lot).
Those were biggies for us! Our foundation is in, and construction just getting started, so excited for you if you move forward
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Thank you thank you THANK you all for your suggestions!! I felt so much more confident going into this meeting knowing I had good questions to ask,
I will put the answers in on some of it nice I hear back on the official estimate. They are licensed, insured, get the permits and pay the fees.
What I saw in the model comes standard. Once a contract has been signed the cost doesn't change unless I make a square footage change or change an existing thing (oops I didn't want carpet, change that to hardwood even tho the carpet has been laid)
They will get a construction mortgage according to our preapproval from the bank and then upon completion of the home we will take that on with our lender.
I saw a model home that was built recently, and I've seen 2 other homes they've built about 10 years ago, one that was for sale and one they had open. All looked structurally and visually sound!I'm hoping they have good news with the estimate...fingers crossed!!
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We got the bid and it's only a few thousand over our budget and DH said YES! We're going to be going over more details over the next couple of weeks and ironing things out, but I think this is actually going to happen (!!!). We're going from 1100sq ft to 2100sq ft with storage space, eeeek!!!
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@babyjmama: wahoooo! Congrats baby-doll!!
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@babyjmama: Thats amazing!!!!!!!! I'm SO excited for you guys!!
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@babyjmama: wooooo!!!! So excited for you guys!!!
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@yoursilverlining: the allowance question is a GREAT one. That's what half of my work day consists of, dealing with homeowners and their allowances.
if you get the option, pick to have an allowance vs their options. With that allowance you can go company to company and see more styles, options and prices. Also, if you get a 1k closet estimate, you can always pay to upgrade wwhereas with builder options its muuuch more limited.
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Yes, absolutely ask how/if they do allowances.
You've gotten great suggestions! Just research the crap out of the builder ... Angie's List, BBB, any reviews you can find.
We're closing on the house we built next week, if all goes well. It took five months, which seems pretty standard..
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I took all of your suggestions, got the answers we wanted, and last night DH said 'lets do it!' So we will sign the paperwork next week! Ahhhhhhhhh!!!!!!
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