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    • Home
    • Services
      • Custom Homes
      • Listing
      • Hire A Realtor
    • Featured
      • Model Homes
      • Reviews
      • Socials
      • Denarii Realtors
    • Blogs
    • About us
      • Why Denarii
      • Our Team
  • Home
  • Services
    • Custom Homes
    • Listing
    • Hire A Realtor
  • Featured
    • Model Homes
    • Reviews
    • Socials
    • Denarii Realtors
  • Blogs
  • About us
    • Why Denarii
    • Our Team

Building your dream home should be exciting—not stressful.

 Building your own home is exciting—but it can also be overwhelming. There are countless decisions to make, contracts to read, and details you might not even know to ask about.


Too many people run into headaches—and costly mistakes—simply because they didn’t know the right questions to ask. So I put this list together for you.

Whether you’re just starting to dream or you’re already talking to a builder, these questions will help you protect yourself, avoid surprises, and feel confident every step of the way.

Grab a coffee, take some notes, and remember: there’s no such thing as a dumb question when you’re building your own home.

Why Isn’t This Just an FAQ?

Simple: there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. There are way too many factors in building a house—your lot, local laws, your budget, the contractor’s style—and every situation is different. So instead of pretending there’s one perfect answer, I put together this massive list of questions you can ask any builder or contractor you talk to.

And honestly? Even if you don’t choose to work with us, keep this list. It’s a good way to protect yourself and make sure you know exactly what you’re getting into.

  • What’s the full scope of work you’re including in your proposal?
     
  • Are there things NOT included in your price that I might still need?
     
  • How long have you been in business?
     
  • Are you licensed and insured in this state?
     
  • Can I see references from past clients?
     
  • Do you have photos of homes you’ve built?
     
  • Do you have homes I can visit in person?
     
  • What’s your warranty policy?
     
  • How do you handle changes during construction?
     
  • Who will be my main point of contact day-to-day?
     
  • How often will I get updates on progress?
     
  • Can you provide a written timeline for my project?
     
  • What happens if the timeline slips?
     
  • What happens if materials go up in price?
     
  • What’s your process for dispute resolution if we disagree?
     
  • Will you give me lien waivers after each payment?
     
  • How many other jobs will you be working on at the same time as mine?
     
  • What happens if the contractor gets sick, injured, or goes out of business?


  • What’s included in your base price?
     
  • Are allowances realistic for finishes, or will I likely go over budget?
     
  • Can I see a detailed line-item budget?
     
  • How much is the deposit?
     
  • How are payments structured throughout the project?
     
  • What happens if I want to make a change mid-project?
     
  • How much do change orders cost?
     
  • Are there cancellation fees if I back out?
     
  • Does your contract include a completion date?
     
  • What’s your policy if there are delays?
     
  • Are there penalties for not finishing on time?
     
  • Do you charge for construction loan interest carry?
     
  • Will you provide lien waivers to protect me from subcontractor claims?
     
  • Who pays for permit fees?
     
  • Are there engineering fees I should plan for?
     
  • How are utility hookup fees handled?
     
  • Are there HOA architectural review fees?
     
  • What happens if materials are discontinued mid-build?


  • Can I make changes to your floor plan?
     
  • Are there limitations based on my lot size or zoning?
     
  • Can you help me design a custom home from scratch?
     
  • Do you offer 3D renderings or virtual walkthroughs?
     
  • How many revisions are included in my design fee?
     
  • Can I see examples of different styles you’ve built?
     
  • Are there restrictions for certain materials in my area?
     
  • Can you help me maximize energy efficiency?
     
  • Will you help with interior design choices?
     
  • Are there upgrades you recommend that hold long-term value?
     
  • Will my house be suitable for aging in place?
     
  • Are there areas where I can save money without sacrificing quality?


  • Who handles permits—you or me?
     
  • Are permit fees included in your price?
     
  • Do I need zoning variances for my plans?
     
  • Are there easements on my property?
     
  • Are there restrictions for building height or size?
     
  • Does the neighborhood have HOA rules affecting design?
     
  • What soil testing do I need for my lot?
     
  • Are there drainage concerns on my site?
     
  • Will trees need to be cleared? Is that included in your price?
     
  • Are there endangered species or protected wetlands on my property?
     
  • How close can my house be to the property line?
     
  • Are there utility easements running through my lot?


  • What type of foundation will my house have?
     
  • Do you recommend slab, crawl space, or basement?
     
  • Is my lot suitable for a basement?
     
  • How do you waterproof basements or crawl spaces?
     
  • Will my foundation be engineered specifically for my soil type?
     
  • What materials do you use for framing?
     
  • Are there structural steel beams needed anywhere?
     
  • What’s the standard ceiling height in your homes?
     
  • Will the house be built to withstand local wind, snow, or seismic requirements?


Electricity:

  • How many amps will my service panel be?
     
  • Are there enough outlets in each room?
     
  • Do you install dedicated circuits for high-use areas (e.g. kitchen, garage)?
     
  • Is whole-house surge protection included?
     
  • Will outdoor outlets be GFCI protected?
     
  • Do you pre-wire for security systems or smart home devices?
     
  • Are light fixtures included, or do I choose them separately?
     
  • Are there options for backup generators?
     

Plumbing:

  • What brand of plumbing fixtures do you install?
     
  • Is PEX or copper used for water lines?
     
  • Are water shutoff valves installed for each fixture?
     
  • Do you install water filtration or softening systems?
     
  • Is a recirculating pump included for faster hot water?
     
  • What type of water heater is included (tank or tankless)?
     
  • Are sewer or septic connections included in the price?
     
  • Are there upgrades for low-flow or water-saving fixtures?
     

HVAC:

  • What size HVAC system will you install?
     
  • Is it energy-efficient enough for my area’s climate?
     
  • Do you offer zoned heating/cooling systems?
     
  • Is ductwork insulated?
     
  • Will there be return vents in every room?
     
  • Are thermostats programmable or smart?
     
  • Do you install humidifiers or dehumidifiers?
     
  • Is an ERV or HRV system recommended?
     

Gas:

  • Will there be natural gas service or propane?
     
  • Are gas lines run to appliances like stove, fireplace, grill?
     
  • Is a gas leak test included?
     

Internet / Low Voltage:

  • Will you install conduit for future cable/internet runs?
     
  • Are network drops included in bedrooms or office?
     
  • Is there a smart home package option?


  • Are cabinet and countertop allowances realistic for the quality I want?
     
  • Are flooring options included, or upgrades?
     
  • What brand of paint do you use?
     
  • How many coats of paint are standard?
     
  • Are interior doors solid or hollow-core?
     
  • What brand and style of windows do you use?
     
  • Are closets finished with shelving?
     
  • Are appliances included in the price?


  • What siding materials are included?
     
  • Are gutters and downspouts included?
     
  • Is driveway paving included?
     
  • Are patios or decks included in base price?
     
  • What type of roofing is included?
     
  • Are outdoor water spigots included and where?
     
  • Is basic landscaping included?
     
  • Who pays for fencing, if needed?
     
  • Is exterior lighting included?


  • Will my home be inspected by city or county officials?
     
  • Do you also hire independent inspectors?
     
  • How many inspections happen during the build?
     
  • Am I allowed to bring my own inspector on-site?
     
  • What happens if defects are found before closing?
     
  • Will I get a final walkthrough before closing?
     
  • Will you fix punch-list items after move-in?


  • What’s covered under warranty and for how long?
     
  • How do I request warranty repairs?
     
  • How fast is your response for warranty claims?
     
  • Are there yearly maintenance tips you recommend?
     
  • Will you check in after a few months to make sure everything’s okay?


  • How do you prefer to communicate—email, phone, text?
     
  • How often will I get updates during the project?
     
  • Will you send me photos during construction?
     
  • Can I visit the site whenever I want?
     
  • Will someone walk me through how systems in the house work when it’s finished?


  • How long do I plan to stay in this house?
     
  • Could my family size change in the next few years?
     
  • Do I want this home to be accessible if I age in place?
     
  • Do I care about resale value or purely my own taste?
     
  • Do I prefer modern, traditional, or something else?
     
  • How much maintenance am I willing to handle?
     
  • Is the lot big enough for future plans like a pool or guest house?


Think We Missed Something? Or Want to Talk About Something Specific?

 Remember, there’s no such thing as too many questions when it comes to building your home.
If there’s something you’re wondering about—or a topic we didn’t cover here—reach out anytime. We’d love to chat and help you get the answers you need.
 

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Dreaming of Your Own Place?

Awesome. Not sure where to start? Or got random questions you’re embarrassed to ask? Hit us up. 

Seriously—no pressure. 

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