Ask these before you sign anything. A good builder answers them easily and puts the answers in the contract.

Price And Allowances

• What exactly is included in the price, and what isn’t (site work, septic, utilities, driveway)?
• Which items are allowances, and what’s the dollar amount for each?
• What happens to the price if steel or lumber moves before it’s ordered?

Payments

• What is the deposit, and what does it buy?
• What is the draw schedule, and is each payment tied to a finished milestone?
• Will you provide lien waivers from subcontractors and suppliers with each draw?

Changes

• How are change orders priced and approved?
• Do change orders need my signature before work starts?

Permits, Engineering And Inspections

• Who pulls the permits, and who orders the septic design?
• Who engineers the foundation and frame, and will I get the stamped drawings?
• If my county doesn’t inspect, will you pay for independent inspections?

Schedule And Crew

• When can you start, and how long will it take?
• Who supervises the job day to day?
• Which subcontractors do you use for electrical, plumbing and HVAC?

After The Build

• What warranty do you provide, in writing, and for how long?
• Who handles warranty calls, and how fast?

Before you ask these, make sure the builder passes the basics. How to vet a barndominium builder.