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Building a custom home is exciting. You’ve been dreaming about it for years, and now you can finally turn your ideas into real walls, rooms, and spaces you’ll actually live in. But let’s be honest: the building process can feel a little overwhelming if you and your builder aren’t on the same page.
Miscommunication and poor relationships between the builder and customer can lead to delays, stress, or decisions you might regret.
The good news? A successful build comes down to one thing: clear communication. In this article, we share 9 practical tips to help you work with your builder so your homebuilding journey feels less stressful and a lot more enjoyable.
Why Does Good Builder-Client Communication Matter?
Strong communication between you and your home builder sets the tone for the whole project. Clear expectations help keep timelines on track, budgets under control, and help you make decisions that match your vision. When questions and concerns are addressed promptly, it minimizes delays, avoids costly revisions, and ensures the building process runs smoothly from start to finish.
At Custom Homes by Modern Structure, we are focused on building strong relationships with each of our clients. We truly understand the importance of clear, solid communication.
Before You Start the Home Building Process: Get to Know Your Builder
Sure, you can search the internet for a local homebuilder, pick the one with the most impressive pictures, call them up and hire them.
But what you don’t know is who you actually hired. If you don’t take the time to meet with prospective builders, ask questions, and get to know them on a personal and professional level; you really don’t know who you’re going to be dealing with for the next year or so.
We recommend doing your research, then meeting up with a few builders in person before you make a selection. At Custom Homes by Modern Structure, we hold an in-person meeting with every prospective customer where we talk about everything: budget, size, architecture…AND we get to know you as a person.
In some cases, you may find a great homebuilder, but you just don’t “jive” with them on a personal level. If you end up hiring someone you don’t get along with, the entire building process can be frustrating and complicated.
To get to know us before we meet, check out this blog!
Communication Tips
Below are 9 tips to help you communicate more effectively with your homebuilder.
1. Find Out Which Mode of Communication Your Builder Prefers
We all communicate in different ways. Some of us prefer to share information over one mode of communication of another. Some people never check their emails, while others check email three times a day.
To avoid frustration, find out which mode(s) of communication your builder prefers. They may prefer text for non-urgent questions, and phone calls for urgent questions. Nowadays, most builders are embracing technology (email, text, video chat); so be prepared to do the same.
2.Make Sure You Know Who the Main Contact Person Is
In some cases, the construction manager is your main point of contact. In other cases, you may go straight to the company owner or scheduling assistant. Knowing who the main contact person is will eliminate issues and establish a clear chain of command.
3.Answer Questions From Your Builder Promptly
If your builder reaches out with a question or needs clarification, try to answer them as quickly as possible. If you let time go by, you may miss important building deadlines or risk something being done that is not up to your expectations. .
4.Clearly Communicate What You Want and Need in a New Home
Before construction even begins, take the time to clearly outline your priorities, must-haves, and deal-breakers for your new home.
The more specific you are about your style preferences, functional needs, and long-term goals, the easier it will be for your builder to bring your vision to life. Clear communication from the very start helps prevent misunderstandings, keeps the project on track, and ensures your finished home truly reflects what you want.
Above everything, have a clear understanding of your budget, and be sure to communicate that to your builder. Your budget steers the whole project. From the lot you can afford, to the size of your home, to what goes inside of it; budget is everything.
5.Put Conversations and Decisions You Make in Writing
Building a custom home involves making hundreds of decisions. While any and all design decisions you make will be noted by the builder, it’s smart to take notes yourself. Having your own set of notes will help remind you of decisions you made and can help avoid issues along the way.
6.Ask Questions!
Never be afraid to ask even the simplest of questions. If you are unsure about any aspect of the building process, your contract, or the timeline, speak up. We aren’t too busy to help you!
7.Listen to Your Builder and Their Professional Advice
Your home is your home, and your builder wants your home to suit your tastes and lifestyle. However, be sure that you listen to your builder’s advice when it comes to designing your home. They know what is best for you and your budget, so take their advice seriously.
If you experience challenges throughout your build, listen to your builder’s suggestions. They are experts and want to make your experience as easy as possible!
8.Stay in the Loop During Construction
Keeping yourself involved in the construction process is the key to avoiding surprises and keeping your project on track.
Regular updates, site visits, and check-ins with your builder help you see progress, address your questions quickly, and make informed decisions as needed. The more you stay in the loop, the smoother the build and the closer the final result will be to your vision!
We even had one customer that already lived on the property we built her home on. She walked over to the site often, spoke with subcontractors, and asked questions as needed. It was a great way to stay in the loop!
9.Act Quickly If You Need Something Changed
During construction, you may decide you want something changed, or you are forced to change something due to inventory issues or possible discontinuation of a product. When something needs to be changed, i.e. the paint color for the kitchen, it’s important to choose a replacement quickly.
Making quick decisions will keep the build moving and keep your timeline intact.
Home builders prefer that change orders be kept to a minimum, hence the importance of clear communication from the very start.
Start the Home Building Process With a Reliable Evansville Custom Home Builder
Good communication with your home builder keeps your project on track, avoids costly mistakes, and ensures your vision becomes reality. Clear, consistent dialogue isn’t just helpful…it’s the key to a smoother, more enjoyable build.
If you’re ready to start building your custom home in the Evansville, Indiana area; call Custom Homes by Modern Structure. When you call ,we will set up a free building consultation to start getting to know each other, get to know your needs, and start the exciting process of building your dream home!
Call us at 812-306-8438
