Ask The Right Questions

There are so many things needed to fulfill a contract, and many of them are glossed over in the initial process.

Let me park on just ONE item that will make a big difference.

Most folks — 94 per cent of them actually — ask one wrong question: “What will be the date we move in?”

Let me repeat: asking about the possession date is the wrong question. And the builder’s contract leaves enough loopholes to drive a truck through this one clause. So ask questions that can be verified, to hold the builder accountable:

1. When will the permit application be submitted to the city?

2. How many days following the permit issue will the excavation be done?

3. By what date will the foundation be poured?

4. By what date will the roof be shingled?

5. By what date will the drywall be completed?

6. Are you (the builder) aware of any seasonal delays we can expect? If so, describe them.

7. Will you (the builder) advise us (the purchasers) in writing of any delays or changes to the schedule within 48 hours of the delay occurring?

These are tough questions that any builder will hate to be asked. But the truth is that any builder can refer to his or her own schedule of work and answer each question honestly within a matter of minutes.

Over time you will be able to hold the builder to a higher level of accountability, and your project will always be at the top of his or her priority list.

There’s lots more, so keep reading