Know the Right Questions to Ask Your Pittsburgh Home Builder

Are you thinking about buying a newly constructed Pittsburgh home? If so, there is the right way to go about building your new Pittsburgh home and obviously – a wrong way. Why not have your project get off to the right start by setting your expectations upfront. Once you’ve done that, you’ll be more comfortable with your Pittsburgh custom new home builder. With some forethought and a preplanned budget, here are some basic questions to ask your prospective Pittsburgh new home builder. Better yet, print this list and and we can use it when we sit down with your builder prospects.

Have a Game Plan When Selecting Your Pittsburgh Builder Partner

In the Pittsburgh real estate market their are many new home builders. Use these interview questions to see if you and your perspective builder fit comfortably with each other.

• Determine ahead of time what size builder company is right for you and your project. Some Pittsburgh new home buyers require the resources of a large national tract builder like Toll Brothers for example while some buyers may prefer the intimate relationship of a smaller builder. Sometimes smaller companies offer the personal touch you desire.
• Ask if the builder consistently builds homes in your price range and square footage?
• Ask if your builder shares your vision for your new Pittsburgh home?
• Determine if the builder is willing to allow those you designate to be active participants in the planning and construction process of your new Pittsburgh home?
• What is the builder’s corporate philosophy and does it match what you seek in a builder partner?
• If “green” concepts are important to you, does the builder integrate “green building” techniques and products in their new homes? Items to be considered include use of recycled products, low-flow toilets and use of building materials that reduce carbon footprint of their homes.

Understanding Your Pittsburgh New Home Builder’s Reputation & Resources

• Is your builder a member of any local, regional and national homebuilder associations?
• Ask how long has the builder been in business in the greater Pittsburgh area?
• It is recommended you determine if the builder has received any complaints and if they have been registered with the local Better Business Bureau.
• What is the experience level of the site superintendent and others who will be managing your Pittsburgh new home construction process?
• Ask permission to walk through completed homes and speak with their past clients.
• Determine if past clients are satisfied with the quality of their Pittsburgh homes?
• Ask if their new home was completed on time and at a satisfactory price?
• Seek permission to walk through homes in various stages of construction. It is recommended you speak with subcontractors on the construction site. Determine if the “subs” are competent, knowledgeable and skilled craftsmen.
• Ask the subs to detail the quality of the home they are building.
• Inspect the home building site and determine if the builder shows respect for the construction site by protecting trees and other precious natural resources?

These interview questions should help you determine if the Pittsburgh builders you have selected meet your expectations.

If you have built a new Pittsburgh home recently, what other questions would you add to this list?

Treating you like family,

Jim
Your Pittsburgh real estate agent