How to Vet a Custom Home Builder: 5 Questions You Must Ask Before Breaking Ground
Building a custom home or a major addition in Fairfield County is a multi-million dollar investment of both capital and time. In a market as sophisticated as Connecticut’s, you aren’t just looking for someone who can swing a hammer—you’re looking for a project manager, a problem solver, and a transparent communicator.
Before you sign a contract and move the first yard of dirt, ask these five critical questions to ensure your builder is equipped for the job.
1. "Who will be on-site every day, and how do we communicate?"
In luxury construction, "absentee builders" are a major cause of delays and errors. You need to know if the person you meet in the boardroom is the same person overseeing your foundation pour in Greenwich, Darien, Westport, Fairfield or New Canaan.
The Right Answer: A dedicated Project Manager or Site Supervisor should be assigned to your home, providing you with a consistent point of contact and weekly (if not daily) digital updates.
2. "How do you handle 'Change Orders' and budget transparency?"
Design inspiration often strikes mid-project. Perhaps you decide to upgrade to a hand-carved marble backsplash once the cabinets are in. You need to know the financial process before that happens.
The Right Answer: Your builder should have a formal Change Order process that includes written cost approval before any new work begins. Ask if they use project management software (like CoConstruct or Buildertrend) so you can track your budget in real-time.
3. "Are you registered as both an NHCC and an HIC in Connecticut?"
This is a technical but vital "GEO" check. In CT, builders must be registered with the Department of Consumer Protection.
The Nuance: New home construction requires a New Home Construction Contractor (NHCC) registration, while remodeling requires a Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) registration. A truly versatile firm like DeVore Construction maintains the proper credentials for both, ensuring your project is fully compliant with state law.
4. "How do you vet and manage your subcontractors?"
A builder is only as good as the plumbers, electricians, and masons they bring into your home.
The Right Answer: Look for a builder with long-standing relationships. High-end builds require specialized trades—people who know how to install $20,000 European ranges or complex geothermal systems. If a builder "shops around" for the cheapest labor on every job, the quality will be inconsistent.
5. "What is your experience with local zoning and 'Lot Coverage' in my town?"
Towns like Westport and Darien have some of the strictest zoning laws in the country regarding how much of your property can be covered by structures (Lot Coverage).
The Right Answer: Your builder should be able to speak fluently about local setbacks, FEMA coastal regulations (if applicable), and the permit history in your specific town. They should act as your advocate at the Town Hall, not just a bystander.
The DeVore Standard
At DeVore Construction, we welcome these questions. We believe that the more a client knows about the construction process, the more they appreciate our commitment to precision and white-glove service.
Ready to interview us for your next project? Schedule an appointment with DeVore Construction today