Essential Steps for Hiring Builders and Designers When Building Your New Home

Amanda Wiebe
Jan 2
3 min read

Building a new home is an exciting journey, but it can also feel overwhelming. One of the biggest challenges is finding the right homebuilder and designer to bring your vision to life. Choosing the wrong team can lead to delays, unexpected costs, and a final result that doesn’t match your expectations. This guide breaks down the essential steps to take when hiring builders and architectural designers for your new build, helping you make informed decisions and enjoy a smoother construction process.

Eye-level view of a modern house under construction with scaffolding and architectural plans — Careful planning during new home construction

Understand Your Vision and Budget

Before reaching out to builders or designers, clarify what you want from your new home. Consider:

The style and size of the house
Key features and rooms you need
Sustainability or energy efficiency goals
Your budget range for the entire project

Having a clear vision helps you communicate effectively with professionals and ensures they understand your priorities. Your budget will guide which builders and designers you can realistically work with and what materials or finishes you can afford.

Research and Shortlist Qualified Builders and Designers

Start by gathering recommendations from friends, family, or local homebuilding associations. Online reviews and portfolios can also provide insight into a builder’s or designer’s reputation and style.

Look for:

Experience with new builds similar to yours
Proper licensing and insurance
Positive client testimonials
Transparent communication and professionalism

Create a shortlist of at least three homebuilders and designers to interview. This gives you options and helps you compare services and pricing.

Interview and Ask the Right Questions

Meeting potential builders and designers face-to-face or via video call is crucial. Prepare questions that cover:

Their experience with projects like yours
How they handle permits and inspections
Timeline estimates and how they manage delays
How they communicate progress and issues
Their process for handling changes or unexpected costs
Examples of completed projects and references

Pay attention to how clearly they explain things and whether they listen to your ideas. A good builder and designer will be transparent and willing to collaborate.

Review Contracts and Understand Terms

Once you select a builder and designer, carefully review their contracts. Key points to check include:

Detailed scope of work and materials to be used
Payment schedule and total costs
Warranty and post-construction support
Procedures for change orders or disputes
Timeline milestones and penalties for delays

If anything is unclear, ask for clarification or seek advice from a construction lawyer. Signing a contract without fully understanding it can lead to problems later.

Collaborate on Design and Planning

Work closely with your architectural designer to finalize plans that meet your needs and comply with local building codes. This phase often involves:

Reviewing initial sketches and making adjustments
Selecting materials, finishes, and fixtures
Coordinating with the builder on construction feasibility
Obtaining necessary permits and approvals

Good communication between you, the designer, and the builder during this stage sets the foundation for a successful build.

Monitor Construction Progress

During construction, stay involved by:

Visiting the site regularly to see progress
Asking for updates and photos if you cannot visit
Addressing any concerns immediately with your builder
Keeping track of budget and timeline changes

Builders appreciate homeowners who are engaged but also trust their expertise. Clear communication helps avoid misunderstandings and keeps the project on track.