Questions to Ask a Home Builder in Utah

Before Visiting the Model Home

These questions help you evaluate a builder before you invest time in a model home visit:

• How long have you been building in this area?
• How many homes do you complete per year in Utah?
• What is your current construction timeline for this community?
• Are there any active lawsuits or warranty disputes?
• Can I speak with recent buyers in this community?
• What is included in the base price vs. what's considered an upgrade?

About Pricing and Incentives

Understanding the full cost picture is essential. Ask these questions to get clarity:

• What incentives are currently available and when do they expire?
• Are incentives tied to using your preferred lender? If so, how do rates compare to the open market?
• Can closing cost credits be applied toward a rate buydown?
• What is the full cost of the lot premium (if applicable)?
• Are there any additional fees not reflected in the base price (design center fees, HOA transfer fees, utility connection fees)?
• How does pricing compare between move-in-ready homes and build-to-order?

About the Contract

Builder contracts are written to protect the builder. These questions help you understand your rights and risks:

• Is the purchase price locked, or can it be adjusted during construction?
• What happens if construction is delayed past the estimated completion date?
• What are the cancellation terms and what happens to my earnest money?
• Are there escalation clauses that allow the builder to increase the price?
• What does the warranty cover, and for how long?
• Can I hire an independent inspector during construction?
• What is the process for change orders after signing?

About Quality and Construction

Build quality varies significantly between builders. These questions help you assess what you're getting:

• What building standards and energy codes do you follow?
• What type of insulation, windows, and HVAC systems are standard?
• Who are your primary subcontractors and how long have you worked with them?
• How do you handle defects discovered after closing?
• Can I visit the home during construction? At what stages?
• What is your HERS rating or energy efficiency score for this home?

Having a builder selection expert helps you evaluate these answers objectively and compare across multiple builders.