Building a luxury custom home involves many important decisions, but none is more critical than choosing the right custom home builder. While there are many home builders, finding the perfect builder who aligns with your vision can be challenging. To help streamline your search, we’ve created a list of essential questions to ask potential builders.
How long have you been building custom homes?
Experience is key. Ask about their years in business and custom home building track record. Stephen Carlson has been building and renovating homes across the Mississippi Gulf Coast for over 12 years.
Can I see a portfolio of homes you’ve built?
If a model home isn’t available for viewing, request photos or a portfolio of past projects. You can see ours in our GALLERY. We are excited to introduce you to homes from The Emerald Series that our New Home Specialist has been designing for years.
How customizable is my home?
Flexibility during the construction process is important. Ask how the builder manages design changes and customizations. Things can evolve during construction, so flexibility is crucial. Ask how changes are managed and if they affect the timeline or cost. Find out what stages they are allowed, if at all and how payment is expected.
Can you assist me with finding the perfect homesite?
Some builders offer guidance in selecting the right property for your home. If you already have a lot, inquire if they can assess its suitability. Sue Siemiontkowski, our New Home Specialist, is also a REALTOR® with Keller Williams Realty. If you need a homesite, she will be more than happy to show you choices. If you are working with a REALTOR already, they can collaborate to find the perfect place for your dream home.
What type of warranty do you provide?
Understanding the warranty terms will help you know what is covered and for how long after you move in. Our homes come with a comprehensive one-year builder’s warranty and a six-year warranty on structural components. Registering your appliances and mechanical items with the manufacturer will be required.
Are you licensed and insured?
Ensure your builder is licensed and insured to protect both parties throughout the building process. Coastal Contracting LLC is licensed and insured. You can find our license at the Mississippi Board of Contractors. #17825
How do we communicate during construction?
Clear communication is essential. Ask how often you’ll receive updates and who your main point of contact will be. At Coastal Contracting, our team will keep you informed with updates throughout the build.
Do you work with subcontractors?
Find out if the builder works with trusted subcontractors and if they oversee the quality of subcontracted work. With Coastal Contracting, you have multiple sets of eyes overseeing your project. From Stephen to our Project Manager to Sue, our Design Specialist, our team visits your job site and discusses the project internally weekly to ensure a quality build.
How do you determine the cost of a custom home?
Understanding how costs are calculated is key to avoiding surprises. Some builders use fixed pricing, while others work on a cost-plus basis. There’s an old expression, “Not all square footage is created equal.” Our team will review your desired home and budget to determine your best option.
How long does it typically take to build a custom home?
Timelines vary depending on complexity. Get an estimate based on homes like yours to help plan your move. Remember, if you are building a custom plan that needs to be designed by an architect, it will add to the timeline, whereas a floorplan from the Emerald Series will shorten the build time.
What sets you apart from other builders?
This question can reveal a lot about the builder’s values and what makes their process unique. Coastal Contracting is unique because we are an “all-around” builder. We design plans from scratch, offer smartly designed floor plans and do complete home renovations and additions. Not only are you working with an experienced team of builders, but you also have an opportunity to bring your vision to life with Susie Siemiontkowski, who has been designing homes on the Coast of Mississippi for over a decade. Just wait until you see the design showroom we are creating!
Can you incorporate energy-efficient features into my home?
If sustainability is important to you, inquire about energy-efficient options for your home’s design. You may want to include spray foam insulation, for example.
When will I know the final cost of my custom home?
Knowing the final price early on is helpful for budgeting and planning. Some builders provide a guaranteed price before construction begins. We provide pricing on our pre-designed floor plans reasonably quickly, while a custom home from the ground up will require a bit more time while we wait for the plan design.
Do you have client testimonials or references?
Hearing from past clients can give you insight into the builder’s reputation and customer service.
Is landscaping included in your process?
Find out if the design and installation of landscaping are included or if you’ll need to hire a separate contractor. A landscaping package is included with our Emerald Series Plans. With custom homes, depending on your vision, we may refer you to a landscaping firm. Our team will discuss this with you during planning.
How do I select materials and finishes?
Personalization is key in a custom home. Ask how the builder helps you choose materials, fixtures, and other design elements to fit your style. As explained earlier, you can choose from our design showroom with Susie. She will show you the included finishes and answer any questions about the other available options.
These questions will help you find the custom home builder in Mississippi that best meets your vision and needs. Focusing on experience, communication, and flexibility can ensure a smooth and enjoyable building process.
