When you are still planning a new home
Ask a prospective builder how it helps with homesite questions, early pricing, design coordination and selections. Confirm who actually provides architecture and engineering and whether those services are separate agreements. A builder title alone does not mean every planning service is included.
When you have a defined construction project
Ask the proposed general contractor who buys materials, hires and coordinates trades, supervises the work and manages changes. This role can apply to a new home, a commercial building or a renovation. The drawings, scope and agreement establish the work the contractor will deliver.
Compare each proposal using the same questions
- Does the role begin before design, during pricing or when construction starts?
- Who provides drawings, site investigations and approval submissions?
- Who coordinates trades, owner purchases and day-to-day site decisions?
- Who approves changes and checks the completed work?
- Which services are excluded or contracted separately?