Top Ten Questions to Ask Every Builder

1. 1.What is the standard finish out? Where does your REALTOR® price the standard finishes in the home within the area market? What are the upgrade options? Where does your REALTOR® cap the top of the market  sales price to protect you from over improving the properties value above what the resale market can bear?
   

2. 
   

3. 
   

2. 2.Are there any restrictions on a customer using a home inspector?  How will the builder respond to the inspectors report?
   

3. 
   

4. 
   

3. 3.What does the contract say about earnest money and canceling the contract?  If there is a dispute, what is the procedure and what are the rights of the customer?
   

4. 
   

5. 
   

4. 4.Are there any other fees or charges after the contract is signed?
   

5. 
   

6. 
   

5. 5.What is the builder’s definition of a complete home?  What is the builder’s standard of finish out quality?
   

6. 
   

7. 
   

6. 6.What buyer’s specific performance is required by the contract in regards to closing?  
   

7. 
   

8. 
   

7. 7.In the contract, what builder specific performance is outlined including quality and closing date?
   

8. 
   

9. 
   

8. 8.What is the warranty on the home? What is the procedure for warranty claims?  How quick are repairs made?
   

9. 
   

10. 
    

9. 9.Is there anything on the lot survey other than standard utility easements?
   

10. 
    

11. 
    

10. 10.It is not in the best interest of any party to have verbal agreements.  Will the builder put everything in writing throughout the process including the ‘punch list’?