Things to ask home builder before signing a contract?

What if those theee are "correct"?

You can ask for copper and hard duct. Depends on how much you want to spend

Ask him if he's married to a black. Schedule will be frickrd

I would start with "How much will it cost?"

A lot of what you do will be allowances. It will be incumbent on you to do your research beforehand.

Extras to add IMO. (I designed my house btw).

Truss design over the garage to be open so you can use it for storage and easily walk around.

Attic lift. The utility of this cannot be overstated.

Privacy fence if you want one. A lot of builders don't do them. Personally I bought the materials myself, a lot of treated is garbage and you cull a good bit.

Outside plugs and faucets. Look at your plans and think about how you'll move hoses or cords around. Make sure you have enough of them and have that noted.

References, particularly anything they currently have under construction you want to see it. If they won't show you pass and find someone else.

How do they do their headers. I've always looked at that as a key to how good the framers are.

HWH size and/or type.

Include hard wire internet/cable everywhere.

Who does their cabinets. This will make or break your house. Research them thoroughly.

Hope that helps

Pex doesn't burst but it's 100% more likely to be penetrated by an errant nail or screw if it's not shielded properly.

I know a guy who had to tear a whole bathroom apart to find a leak that turned out to be caused by a siding nail going through a pex line. of course they didn't think to start from the outside (who would?) Copper will only penetrate with a direct hit.
All I really got. Of the two I like Pex if in colder climates, and adding on long runs, other than that I use copper.

Look at some of his completed houses and under construction. Look in the attic if its not trusses. If the attic framing is full of spliced rafters and kneewalls everywhere, it may be a sign that they are using all the scraps from the rest of the house to finish the attic instead of using full length lumber

quote:

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What are things that someone may overlook when building a custom house? Some examples I can think of: - Copper or pex? - SEER rating of HVAC. - Flex Duct or Hard Duct

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If you are at the point of signing and you don't know the answers to those questions you are already fricked.

do it for a living...ask away

and the most important thing....lien waivers

guess who's responsible if he doesn't pay his subs

Start with the basics. How will he invoice you? If it's your lot, how an you be sure he is paying the bills on materials, etc. Get proof of insurance. Make sure the contract is clear and how changes are to be handled. Make Ere allowances or unit prices are clearly spelled out. Make sure scope is clear and there is no question as to what you are getting( this goes to AC equipment, ductwork, paint, fixtures , etc.).

Just some basic things that need to be considered.