5 Things To Do Before You Hire a Builder

Planning Your Custom Home With Confidence

Building your dream home is one of the most exciting and rewarding projects you can take on—but it all starts with the right builder. Before you sign any contracts or start clearing land, there are a few important steps you should take to make sure you’re prepared, confident, and in control of your project.

Our coastal cottage rendering- coming soon 2025

Here are my top five things to do before you hire a builder:

1. Define Your Vision

Before you bring in a builder, it’s important to know what you want. Do you picture a cozy coastal cottage? A modern farmhouse with clean lines and open spaces? Spend time gathering inspiration from Pinterest, Instagram, magazines, and even homes in your area. Create a mood board or folder with your favorite exteriors, layouts, and finishes. The more specific your vision, the easier it will be to communicate it—and the more accurate your quotes will be.

2. Set a Realistic Budget

Know your numbers. Be honest with yourself about what you can afford—and build in a buffer for the unexpected. Include the cost of your lot, site prep (like tree removal or grading), permits, architectural plans, utilities, and design upgrades. Don’t forget to plan for landscaping and furnishing your home after the build. Having a clear budget helps guide your decisions from the very beginning and allows you to avoid surprises later.

3. Decide How Involved You Want to Be

Are you planning to hire a general contractor who handles everything, or do you want to take a more hands-on approach as an owner-builder or even do some of the labor yourself? Some homeowners love being deeply involved, while others prefer to step back and let professionals run the show. Be realistic about your time, stress tolerance, and willingness to manage subcontractors and schedules. Your role will shape the type of builder or team you need to hire.

Our custom build TN cabin (est 2023)

4. Research Your Builders

Not all builders are created equal. Start with local referrals—ask neighbors, lenders, or even your architect/draftsman who they recommend. Then dive deep. Check licensing, insurance, Better Business Bureau ratings, and online reviews. Look at their past projects, both online and in person if possible. Make sure they’ve built homes in the style and scale you’re planning. A builder might be excellent at coastal luxury homes but not a great fit for your more modest farmhouse.

Matt and Karlos (our finishing carpenter) in 2019

5. Make a List of Questions & Interview Your Builders

Once you have a shortlist, schedule interviews. This is your chance to ask everything—from timelines and communication styles to how they handle change orders or material delays. Some key questions include:

• What’s your estimated timeline for a home this size?

• Do you work with the same crew/subs consistently?

• How often will I receive updates during construction?

• How do you handle unexpected costs or plan changes?

You’re not just hiring a contractor—you’re choosing a long-term partner for your dream home. The more prepared you are going into those conversations, the more confident you’ll feel when it’s time to choose the right fit.

Final Thoughts

The builder you choose will have a huge impact on your homebuilding experience. Taking these five steps before hiring can help ensure a smoother build, fewer surprises, and a final result that reflects your vision perfectly.

Are you interested in building a custom home? Stay tuned for more tips on how to ease the building process.

Lots of sunshine,

Follow along as we document our own coastal build here on Summer on the Coast—from lot clearing to finishing touches, we’re sharing it all!

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