Building a New Home: 12 Questions to Ask Your Builder

Before you choose a builder for your new home, it’s important to ask the right questions. Understanding what’s included, how the building process works, what your timeline looks like, and what costs to expect will help you make informed decisions and enjoy a smoother home-buying experience.  

At Kay Builders, we encourage our homebuyers to ask questions. Answering those questions and serving the needs of our homebuyers is a big part of how we became the Lehigh Valley’s leading homebuilder.  

By asking the right questions, you'll gain a clear understanding of the builder's process, what’s included in your home, and what to expect throughout your homebuying journey. Below, we've compiled 12 essential questions to help guide your conversations, along with a free checklist you can print and bring to every builder appointment.

The builder and their history/experience

1. How long have you built homes in this area?

Local experience matters. A builder who has worked in your region for years understands the soil, permitting, and township rules that affect your timeline and cost.

Kay Builders has been continuously building homes in the Lehigh Valley since 1961.

2. How many homes have you built, and how many like mine?

Consistent building volume reflects stability, while experience across a variety of home styles showcases a builder’s versatility and craftsmanship. Whether you're interested in a single-family home, a twin villa, or a townhome, choosing an established builder helps ensure a seamless home-buying experience.

Explore our current communities and available floor plans to find the home that complements your lifestyle.

3. Can I see reviews and speak with recent homeowners?

A trusted builder stands behind their work and their reputation. Homeowner testimonials and reviews offer firsthand perspectives on the craftsmanship, service, and experience you can expect throughout your homebuilding journey.

At Kay Builders we take a lot of pride in the satisfaction of our homebuyers. You can see some homebuyer experiences here or contact us to learn more.

Price and what is included

4. What is included in the base price?

Take a close look at the standard features included with your home, from flooring and cabinetry to appliances and finishes. While two builders may offer similar starting prices, what's included can vary significantly and have a major impact on the overall value you receive.

At Kay Builders, our straightforward home-buying process makes it easy to understand exactly what's included from the start. With a wide selection of thoughtfully chosen features and finishes already built into our homes, you'll enjoy exceptional value and fewer surprises along the way.

5. What are the most common additional costs?

Ask about lot premiums, floor plan options, and available upgrades early in the process. Understanding these details from the start can help you plan confidently and make informed decisions about your new home.

At Kay Builders, transparency is a cornerstone of our homebuying experience. Our knowledgeable Sales Managers clearly outline pricing, options, and upgrade costs from the start, so you'll always know what to expect and can move forward with confidence.

6. Is there a lot premium, and what does the homesite include?

Confirm whether grading, landscaping, driveway, and utility connections are included as this can vary widely between builders.

Kay Builders pricing is transparent. Our site development is done by an in-house team which makes the entire process more efficient and cost-effective.

7. What energy-efficiency features are standard?

Insulation, windows, and high-efficiency systems lower your monthly bills. Ask what comes standard versus what costs extra.

Kay Builders is proud of our quality. Our windows, doors, insulation, and HVAC systems are all designed to be highly efficient to help lower your energy costs. You can view the included features of your community of interest to learn about the most up-to-date items planned for your build.

Timeline and communication

8. How long will my home take to build?

Ask about the timeline from contract to move-in so you know what to expect throughout the building process.

At Kay Builders, our team will guide you through every step of the building process, providing clear communication and realistic expectations so you can plan for your move with confidence.

9. How will I get updates during construction?

Find out who your main contact is and how often you will hear from them. Regular updates prevent stress and surprises.

Your Kay Builders Sales Manager will be your contact and will keep you updated throughout the process.

Quality, warranty, and after move-in

10. What warranty do you provide?

Ask how warranty requests are handled and what level of support is available after you move in. A clear process can give you added confidence and peace of mind in your new home.

Kay Builders offers the exceptional Quality Builders Limited 10-Year Warranty, providing added peace of mind and long-term protection for your investment. As a proud recipient of the Builder of Integrity Award for 15 years, we are committed to delivering quality craftsmanship, outstanding customer service, and a home-buying experience you can trust. Learn more about the benefits of our warranty and how it protects your new home here.

Customization and financing

11. How much can I customize my home?

Some builders offer a fixed spec, while others let you personalize finishes and select structural options. Match this to how much choice you want.

The vast majority of Kay Builders homes are CUSTOM-i-ZABLE so you can choose your own finishes and make significant changes to the floor plan to fit your exact needs.  

12. Do you offer quick move-in homes, and do you have preferred lenders?

If your timeline is tight, ask about move-in-ready homes. Preferred lenders can also simplify financing, though you should always compare rates.

Kay Builders does offer quick move-in homes. These homes are nearly finished so you can move-in quickly. Financing can be offered through Traditional Mortgage, a Kay Builders affiliate, which makes the whole process easy for you. They are an experienced team that is very familiar with the Kay Builders building process.    

Kay Builders has answered questions like these for Lehigh Valley families since 1961. As a third-generation, family-owned builder, we welcome every question on this list. Download a printable builder checklist or reach out and visit a community, and our team will walk you through pricing, timelines, and options with no pressure.