How to Choose a Builder – The Questions You Should Always Ask

Welcome back to How to Build a House 101 – the series where I share everything I’ve learned across three custom home builds, one chapter at a time. If you missed Chapter 1, start there first. It lays the foundation for everything we’re covering here (pun fully intended). Today we’re talking about the decision that shapes your entire home building experience: choosing the right builder.

Chapter 2 is here – and this might just be the most important chapter in the entire series: choosing the right builder.

Before we dive in, a quick note on terminology. When I say “builder,” I’m referring to the person or company managing your entire home build – in most cases, your general contractor. They’re the ones coordinating trades, timelines, and the day-to-day work on site. For the purposes of this series, I’ll be using “builder” and “general contractor” interchangeably. Now that we’re all on the same page, let’s get into it.

Yes, I fully acknowledge that I have an unfair advantage here. My builder happens to be my husband. Class has quite literally been in session for years – but hey, that means I get to pass the wisdom straight to you! Whether you have a Charles of your own or you’re starting from scratch, the principles are exactly the same. After three builds and countless lessons with the man behind CW Persona, I’ve learned what to look for… and what to run from.

Pull up a chair.

Why Choosing the Right Builder Is Everything

I said it in Chapter 1 and I’ll say it again: this is the most important decision you will make in your entire build. Your builder sets the tone for every single thing that follows – the timeline, the quality, the experience, and honestly, your sanity. Remember, you’re not just hiring someone to build a house – you’re hiring someone to manage an entire construction process.

A great builder makes the process feel manageable, even exciting. The wrong one? They’re the root of every horror story you’ve ever heard about a home build gone sideways. Trust me, those stories are out there. Do your research. Take your time. Ask the hard questions. Use the list below before you sign a single thing. Here’s my two cents.

What to Look for in a Home Builder

A proven track record

Start with history. How long have they been building? What kind of homes have they built? Can you actually go and see their work in person? A builder who is proud of their work will always welcome you to visit a completed project – no hesitations. If they can’t point you to something tangible, that tells you everything you need to know.

Verified references – and not just the ones on their website

References are non-negotiable – and more than one. Don’t just read the testimonials on their website. Actually pick up the phone and speak to past clients directly. Ask them about the experience, not just the result. How was communication? Were timelines respected? Would they build with them again?

These questions matter. A beautifully finished product is important, but so is how you get there.

Tori and Charles, her builder and husband, walking through new build

Talk to the neighbours at previous build sites

This is the one most people would never think to do (and it might be my favourite tip in this whole list). Charles takes enormous pride in making sure the neighbours of every build are just as happy as the clients themselves. Construction is disruptive by nature, and a builder who respects the surrounding community is a builder who takes their reputation seriously. It says a lot about who they are and the kind of people they are to work with.

Proper licensing and insurance

This one is non-negotiable. Make sure your builder carries liability insurance and is bonded before any conversation goes further. It protects you, and it’s a baseline indicator of a legitimate, professional operation.

A professional presence

A quick Google search tells you a lot. Before you pick up the phone, do your homework. Check their website, scroll their portfolio, read their reviews. A builder who shows up professionally online is a builder who takes pride in their work and their reputation. First impressions matter, even digital ones.

Charles, builder of this home, posing charmingly in new home

The Questions You Should Always Ask your Builder

These are the questions Charles taught me to ask, and the ones I want you to have in your back pocket before you embark on any build.

“Can I speak to past clients directly?”

Not just read reviews. Actually speak to them. This is the single most valuable thing you can do before hiring anyone. Go straight to a source.

“Are you currently working on other projects?”

This is a big one. A builder juggling multiple projects is a builder spreading themselves thin – which means your build may not be the priority you need it to be. Ask straight up and get a clear picture.

A finished custom home by builder Charles Wesszer

“What does your payment structure look like?”

Here’s a major red flag to watch for: if a builder is asking for a large sum of money upfront before the project begins, be very cautious. A reasonable deposit is standard, but it should always be tied to a clear contract and payment schedule based on progress. If someone is asking for a large lump sum upfront before any work begins, be very cautious.

“Are you licensed, insured, and bonded?”

Ask it directly. Every time. No exceptions.

“Can I visit a home you’ve recently completed?”

Seeing the quality of their work in person is worth more than any brochure or Instagram grid.

The Bottom Line

Building a home is one of the biggest investments you will ever make – financially and emotionally. The person you choose to build it with you matters more than almost any other decision in the process.

Take your time. Ask the hard questions. Check the references. Visit the work. And trust your gut. Because if something feels off before the build even starts, it will only get louder once it does.

A Charles-approved philosophy worth noting: a great builder takes as much pride in how they treat the people around the project as they do in the finished product. That standard – held consistently, every single time – is what separates the right builder from the rest.

Choose wisely. Happy building. Class dismissed!