Choosing your builder

Three things to focus on 

• Shortlist three builders and compare process, not finishes.
• Read each builder's warranty summary before touring again.
• Ask two current owners how their service requests were handled.

Three questions to ask

• “Who inspects the home during construction, and may I bring my own inspector?”
• “How is warranty service handled after the first year, and by whom?”
• “What is your current average build time, start to closing, in this community?”

Three things to check

• Third-party inspection access is allowed in writing, not just verbally encouraged.
• You have seen the actual warranty document, not a summary brochure.
• You know who your day-to-day contact is during construction.

One common mistake

Recommended next step

With a builder shortlist, the lot and location decision comes next.