Questions to Ask Your Builder

Building a new home is exciting, especially when you partner with the right homebuilder. If you’ve never had to make this choice, here are some questions to ask your builder. How long does it take to build a home? The answer will depend on the builder’s ability to navigate such issues as weather conditions and efficiency with the construction team. Discuss the entire homebuilding process and determine roughly how long each step will take once you choose the lot and homesite. Will you build on my lot? Some homebuilders only work with land in their communities. If you own land or have property in mind, it’s important to find a builder who is willing and able to build there. McGuinn Homes welcomes the opportunity to build your home, your way, on your lot. Are you licensed and insured? Don’t even consider a builder who lacks either the correct licensing or insurance. Without having proof of both, you risk working with someone who doesn’t follow safe and ethical practices. Do I need to secure a construction loan? Ask any prospective builder about financing a new construction home before you make a commitment. McGuinn Homes works with lenders who understand the process of building a home. Once you are pre-approved for the total cost of the home (including the lot), you only need to provide earnest money (a deposit) to start the construction. When the home is completed, the remainder will be handled through your mortgage at closing. Will you use the plans I provide? Using someone else’s plans is a risky proposition for a builder. There may be issues with the plans that aren’t immediately apparent, which means you’re responsible for the cost of fixing any problems that arise from faulty plans. Choose from the builder’s selection of plans and discuss the changes you’d like—making sure they are doable and within your budget—before proceeding with the purchase. Do you guarantee your work? A reputable builder offers a warranty on the structure, so ask for a copy of the builder’s warranty. McGuinn Homes, for example, offers a one-year warranty from the date of closing. We do a detailed walk-through with you to make sure you’re satisfied before taking ownership. If necessary, we make warranty repairs after 30 days and 90 days, and then at 11 months, before the warranty expires. Our tradespeople (electrical, mechanical, HVAC) also guarantee their work, and all appliances, flooring, and systems are covered by the manufacturer’s warranty. How often do I get construction updates? And can I visit the site while my home is being built? You will have a McGuinn Homes representative who provides weekly progress reports and is available to answer your questions. You can visit the worksite but, for your safety and our schedule, we ask that you call in advance and arrange a time so that our crew can stay on task. What kind of energy efficient features do you include? Energy efficiency adds lasting value to your home, so be sure your builder is knowledgeable on the processes and materials, and includes them in your home. McGuinn is proud to share our eco-friendly approach to building a home that conserves energy, provides a comfortable environment, and saves you money. We’re a homebuilder specializing in single-family homes, townhomes, and communities around Columbia, South Carolina. See what our homeowners have to say about the McGuinn Homes experience and contact us to learn what we can do for you!