Whether you’re building your dream home or planning a major renovation, choosing the right builder is the most important decision you’ll make. And while glossy portfolios and friendly vibes matter, nothing beats asking the right questions up front.
Here are the top questions smart clients ask their builder — and the kinds of answers (and red flags) to listen for.
1. What’s your process from first meeting to build completion?
Why it matters: A builder should walk you through their entire process — not just “we’ll build your house.”
What you want to hear: A clear step-by-step from consultation to pricing, agreement, contract, and handover. Look for proven systems and transparent communication.
Red flag: Vague answers like “we’ll sort it as we go” or no mention of systems or agreements.
2. Do you charge for quotes?
Why it matters: Free quotes often mean rushed estimates, hidden costs, or zero pre-construction planning.
What you want to hear: “Yes — we charge for detailed quotes because it leads to accuracy and protects your budget.”
Red flag: They promise a free quote and can start next week. It’s likely too good to be true.
3. What software or tools do you use to plan and cost my project?
Why it matters: Modern builders should rely on tech, not guesswork. Accurate planning needs tools.
What you want to hear: Tools like Utecture, BuildXact, or similar, with real-time 3D models and costing.
Red flag: They shrug off software and rely solely on “experience” or memory.
4. How do you ensure projects stay on budget and on time?
Why it matters: You need to know they’ve got systems in place to manage timelines and finances.
What you want to hear: Detailed project schedules, fixed-price contracts, and regular client updates.
Red flag: No clear schedule or “we’re pretty flexible” — a sign of weak project management.
5. What happens if there’s a change or variation during the build?
Why it matters: Variations are common, but poor handling can cause delays and cost blowouts.
What you want to hear: A structured process where you approve all changes in writing, with costs disclosed upfront.
Red flag: “We’ll just figure it out as we go.” That’s a recipe for confusion and conflict.
6. Can I speak to a few of your past clients?
Why it matters: Happy clients are the best proof of quality and reliability.
What you want to hear: “Of course — here are some recent projects and clients you can speak to.”
Red flag: They dodge the question or give vague answers like “we don’t really do that.”
7. Are you a member of a professional building association?
Why it matters: It shows commitment to quality, standards, and accountability.
What you want to hear: “Yes — we’re Registered Master Builders” (or equivalent). This gives you access to extra protections like the Master Build Guarantee.
Red flag: They dismiss associations as unnecessary or irrelevant.
8. How will you communicate with me during the build?
Why it matters: Poor communication causes stress, delays, and misunderstandings.
What you want to hear: Regular meetings, a dedicated point of contact, and updates via email, phone, or project software.
Red flag: No clear answer or “we’ll just call you if there’s a problem.”
The bottom line
The right questions won’t just help you find the right builder — they’ll help you avoid the wrong ones. If the answers feel vague or defensive, trust your gut and keep looking.
At Lewis Build, we encourage smart questions — because we’ve built our entire process around clarity, structure, and trust.
Want to speak with a builder who welcomes tough questions? Let’s book a consultation and show you how we do things differently.
