20 Questions to Ask Your Builder Before You Buy

Company Practices

1. How long has your company been in business?
2. Can you provide a list of buildings that you have constructed in my county? Can I speak to the owners?
3. Can I see buildings that were constructed 10 or more years ago? How have they “held up”?
4. Does the price of the building include the following: permits, zoning fees, material taxes, delivery charges, construction labor, dumpster, toilet facilities during construction, builder’s insurance and safety equipment?
5. Who is responsible for permits and zoning issues?
6. Who do I contact for warranty issues and claims? (Is the warranty directly from the builder or is it a “pass through warranty” from the builder’s supplier?

Structural Integrity

7. Is the building engineered specifically for my use and land conditions?
8. What is the wind and snow load capacity of the building?
9. What unique features add to the energy efficiency of your buildings? How does this compare to other builders?

Building Process

10. Who is accountable for the project timeline and any problems that occur?
11. Tell me about the materials used in the building.
12. Where, and by whom, are the materials made?
13. Who delivers the materials? Will they be on-time and well cared for?
14. Who constructs the building- employees or contracted labor?
15. What kind of paint is used and what is the process?
16. What is the thickness of the steel used?
17. Is any of the work subcontracted?
18. Are the subcontractors insured? Bonded?
19. Are the construction crews insured and bonded? Can I see proof? Who is liable if a worker gets injured on my property?
20. What kind of training do your construction crews receive? How many buildings a year do they construct for the company?