In order to turn your dream home into a luxurious reality in the Rio Grande Valley, or elsewhere, you need a home building partner. And that means you need to vet your high-end residential builders carefully. Not every business will have the ability to create the personalized home you deserve. Here are 5 of the tough, but necessary, questions you should ask.

How much experience do you have?

The more experience a high-end residential builder has, the better equipped they will be to deliver every feature you are dreaming of in your new home. Look for a builder who has at least several years of experience, AND who has experience in the following areas:

• Building the type of luxury homes you want for yourself
• Building in your preferred area and/or neighborhoods

When considering the experience of luxury custom home builders, you should also look into the projects that they have completed over the years that they have been in business. This means requesting a look at their portfolio and checking their references.

Here are some questions to ask previous clients:

• How closely did the home builder stick to your vision?
• How smoothly did the process go?
• Was the project completed on time?
• Was the home builder attentive and responsive?
• Did you end up with the home you wanted?
• What challenges arose during the project, and how were they handled?
• Was it easy to make changes and upgrades during the project?

Finally, when looking at their experience, also consider the number of projects they are working on now. You want a home builder who is active in the industry, but who also has the time to devote to your project.

Are you properly licensed and insured?

While it may feel awkward to ask about insurance matters, determining how protected your home builder is can keep you from financial difficulties and stress if something goes wrong during the project. Don’t just settle for a company that is licensed and insured. Make sure they are appropriately certified for your state and, if applicable, meet any local requirements.

In addition, you should look at their paperwork for yourself. Most honest luxury custom home builders will offer copies of their license and proof of insurance without even being asked, but if not, be sure to request those copies before you move forward with them.

How much customization is possible with your homes?

In order to bring your homebuilding vision to life, you want to customize as many details of your new residence as possible. That means finding a builder who is dedicated to your dream, your desires, and your needs throughout every step of the process.

When vetting high-end residential builders, take into account the amount of customization they can offer you. Do they have certain home styles from which you can choose or do they allow you to have more input into the design process? How many options do they have for finishes for detailing? What type of floor plans do they offer?

The more options you have, the more closely you can build a home that matches your vision. But do not just settle for a builder who gives you many options. Seek out a luxury custom home builder who is dedicated to quality options.

A truly extraordinary home is defined by quality craftsmanship and high-end materials. Does your builder invest in both? While options that match your budget are important, every material, finish, and crafted aspect of your home should be durable, beautiful, and luxurious.

Who is the point of contact during my project?

Building a luxury custom home is a long process with many decisions to be made. You can expect to have many questions as the project progresses, and you may encounter problems that require the builder’s assistance to resolve.

That is why identifying a point of contact for the project is important. Is your high-end residential builder able to provide you with the name and contact information of the person who will be overseeing the project and responsible for communicating with you? Can you meet that person before the project commences? This person should meet the following requirements:

• They should be responsive to your questions.
• They should be attentive.
• They should be easy to talk to.
• They should be available.
• They should be able to resolve your questions and concerns.

Avoid any home builders who are not able to provide you with a point of contact with whom you feel comfortable.

What is your process for new home construction?

Before you begin a project with a home builder, you should know what to expect from the process. Here are a few important details to iron out before you hire someone:

Project Timeline

How long will your home take to complete? At what stages will you be working on the design, choosing finishes, and scheduling inspections? How often do their projects run long? And how do they handle delays and problems along the way?

Customization Deadlines

Is the company you hire able and willing to make changes and customizations after the project is underway? And if so, what deadlines are there for requesting those changes?

Financing Details

How much will it cost to build a custom home in the RGV? Can your builder direct you to reliable sources to discuss and set up financing for your new home? Can they recommend lenders for pre-qualification? How does financing work, and when will I know the final cost of my home?

Inspections and Walkthroughs

When do inspections and walkthroughs occur? What are your options for dealing with problems that may arise at those times?

Your Responsibilities

What responsibilities do you have during the process? What deadlines do you have to be aware of? How will you receive updates and information about the project? Are you welcome on the construction site during the project?

A reliable, experienced and attentive builder will be the partner you need to create your perfect home. Know what to ask luxury home builders, and remember to turn to Treviño Construction for a truly personalized home building experience.