11 Questions to Ask When Picking a Custom Home Builder:

The process of deciding who to entrust with your next dream home can be quite daunting. There are many factors to consider, endless questions to ask, and a vast amount of builders to choose from. So, how do you differentiate between them all and find one you know you can trust? Let’s explore 11 questions you can ask to help guide you to the best custom home builder for you. 

What are you looking to get out of your custom home?

It is very important to have an idea of what you are looking for in a home, so this question is one to ask yourself. Are you looking to live in the city or a more rural area? Do you prefer a more modern style, rustic, or a classic look? Every builder offers something different, and having a clear vision will help guide you to the right fit. Whether it’s style, sustainability, layout, or lifestyle features—knowing what you want is the first step toward the right partnership.

What is your budget?

Another question to ask yourself is what kind of budget you have. You don’t need a firm number, but a ballpark estimate helps. Some builders focus exclusively on high-end, multi-million-dollar homes. Others prioritize value and are flexible with budgets. Some aim to maximize what you get for your investment. Understanding your financial range will help narrow your options.

How customizable will my custom home be?

One of the first questions to ask a builder you are considering is to what extent they allow you to customize your home. There is a lot of variety under the term "custom home builder". Some well-known builders offer semi-custom homes: a fixed set of floor plans, color palettes, cabinet styles, and hardware packages. While this provides a streamlined process, it also limits customization. At Clifford Construction Co., we are 100% custom from start to finish. We tailor every aspect of your home to your vision, making the experience more personal and rewarding.

What style of homes do you build?

It is good to consider the portfolio of homes a builder has and compare it to the style of home you have in mind. Some may lean towards a more modern approach while others prefer ranch or farmhouse style homes. Either way, it is good to look for a custom builder who knows what their wheelhouse is and works within that.

How many years of experience does the builder have?

Experience matters. Ask potential builders how long they’ve been in business. Hiring someone with many years of experience and skill under their belt can help guarantee you are getting the best product. At Clifford, we bring over 30 years of experience building custom homes in Northeast Ohio, ensuring the highest quality craftsmanship and a smooth building process.

Can you provide references from previous customers?

A great question to ask the builder is if they will give you references and contact information to a few of their previous customers. If they say yes, it shows that they are confident in the work they have done. This will allow you to talk with and get a first-hand opinion of their process from start to finish and how they feel about the home that was built for them. This can also be an opportunity to go and see homes that they have built in person. An online portfolio with pictures of homes they have built is great, but seeing their work in person can really show you what they are capable of.

Who will our contact be throughout the process?

Good communication is essential throughout the homebuilding process. You should know you will have a reliable contact, and feel confident they understand your vision and the project inside and out. At Clifford Construction Co., your primary point of contact is Steve, the president of the company. He oversees each project personally, ensuring every detail meets our standard—and yours.

What warranties do you offer?

Once your dream home has been built, it is good to know that whoever built your home stands behind the work that they do. Ask builders what warranties they offer and what the warranties cover.

Can you explain how you build a quality home and what sets your homes apart?

It is easy to tell by looking at a gallery of images if the builder is capable of making a home look good. A good builder prioritizes the components of a home that are the building blocks of what will make the home last. This can include using the strongest and most durable materials for the foundation and framing, keeping your home dry with moisture barriers, and prioritizing energy efficiency with the highest performing insulation, roofing, and windows. When working with Clifford, you are getting a team with decades of experience using the methods and materials that work the best. You also get a team that builds a home with the same standards they would put into their own.

Can you explain your estimating process?

Estimates should be transparent and thorough. A reputable builder will start with a rough estimate based on similar builds and current material/labor costs. Once your plans are finalized, you should receive a detailed estimate, built from official quotes called bids from trusted suppliers and subcontractors. Over our many years of experience, we have refined the list of subcontractors we work with at Clifford. We only use those that have proven to be reputable and cost effective. 

What suppliers and subcontractors do you use?

The quality of your home stems from the people that build it and who provide you with the products that turn it into the custom home that you want. The suppliers provide siding, roofing, doors, windows, flooring, cabinetry, and so much more. There is always a spectrum of quality when it comes to these materials; you want to know what you are getting. It is also nice to know that they have a standard for picking subcontractors. Clifford Construction Co. only works with those that we know deliver a product that we would want for ourselves. We even have our own in-house team of electricians and carpenters personally selected and hired by our president.

This list of questions is just the beginning, and you are bound to have many more. A good builder will welcome as many questions as you have and should ensure you leave feeling confident in who they are, the quality of their work, and their ability to communicate with you effectively.