What to Ask a Custom Home Builder: 4 Key Questions

Last updated: January 2026

When considering custom home builders, there are many important factors to weigh to ensure you get the best quality, you’ve budgeted enough, and you know what to expect and when to expect it.

Here are the top 4 questions to ask custom home builders.

How long does it take to build a custom home?

The typical timeline to build a custom home ranges from six to twelve months, depending on the size, complexity, and level of customization. This timeline includes planning, permitting, construction, and final walkthroughs. Your builder will provide a detailed schedule and keep you informed throughout the process.

While model homes and quick move-in homes are pre-planned for a shorter timeline, custom homes need more time since nothing is planned until you are consulted.

There are several steps included in the timeline; therefore it can depend largely on the stages of construction, from the floor plan and selections to the framework and the installation of various systems.

Other factors that can impact the timeline include:

●       Material supply

●       Labor availability

●       Weather

Does it cost more to buy a custom-built home than a previously owned one?

While a previously owned home may have a lower list price, a custom home may save you money in the long run because you don’t have to replace and repair anything in order to achieve your design style. There are many additional factors that can affect the cost of both custom-built homes and previously owned homes:

●       Location

●       Financing costs

●       Moving timeline

●       Current market

●       Short- and long-term maintenance costs

With a newly built home, you don’t have to do any renovations, unlike many previously owned homes. Think of all the money and time you’d be saving! Other advantages of new homes include personalization plus the peace of mind of a warranty to cover your investment. Builders should provide transparent pricing to protect your budget from unexpected material or labor cost escalations once construction has begun.

What level of design customization do you offer?

It’s important to understand whether a builder offers semi-custom or custom homes and how this impacts your budget, involvement, and selections. There can be pros and cons to each: full-custom builds tend to cost more and take longer but provide more flexibility and uniqueness. Some builders may provide multiple options such as modifying existing floor plans as well as completely custom designs; some only offer interior customization or exterior customization. To achieve the level of customization you desire, make sure to understand the builder’s options.

When can I officially move in?

Your builder should be able to answer what needs to happen before you can move into your new home. Aside from constructing the home itself, there are a few steps in the background that need to be completed first:
●       Obtaining financing
●       Securing homeowners insurance
●       Completing final inspections/walkthroughs
●       Signing the purchase agreement including the official closing date

Your Closing Coordinator should help to ensure all details are taken care of and shared with the closing attorney at settlement for a smooth move-in. Homes by Dickerson offers consistently exceptional customer service, designs, and award-winning homes that go above and beyond to fit how you want to live. Reach out to get started building your custom home today!