Before You Sign That Contract.......

Before you sign that contract…
7 Questions You Need to Ask the Builder

Buyers are always excited when they walk into a brand-new home.
They swoon over the kitchen, fall in love with the décor, imagine hosting holidays around that 10-foot island.

But here’s the thing: you’re buying so much more than quartz countertops and a spa-like bath. This is your dream home. You want it to look beautiful and live well for decades. That means slowing down—and asking the builder a few smart questions.

Before you ask, take a careful look around. Notice the quality of the finishes and materials. In Minnesota, builders are required by law to provide a 10-year structural warranty and 2 years on interior systems. Appliances are brand new and typically come with a 1-year manufacturer warranty.

So how do you judge the real quality of a home? Ask better questions.

#1. What is the HERS score (Home Energy Rating System)?
This score tells you how energy-efficient the home really is—beyond how pretty it is. It factors in things like continuous insulation behind the walls and how tight the home’s “envelope” is.
👉 Lower is better.
• 50 = solid efficiency
• 30–43 = Net Zero Ready
• Net Zero = high-performance home with teeny-tiny utility bills

This is where comfort and long-term savings live.

#2. What are the floors actually made of?
We all love wood floors—but real wood is expensive. Many builders substitute luxury vinyl plank or engineered wood.
Here’s the deal: vinyl is plastic. You can’t sand it, refinish it, or fix deep scratches. Once it’s damaged, it’s damaged.
Ask what you’re walking on—and decide what fits your lifestyle and long-term plans.

#3. Who manufactures the HVAC system, and what’s its efficiency rating?
Your heating and cooling system matters more than the backsplash you chose.
Some major brands offer 95% efficiency. Anything under 90% costs you more every month.  Ask the brand. Ask the rating. Future-you will thank you in January.

#4. Who manufactures the windows, and how efficient are they?
They don’t have to be Andersen or a household name. Some of the highest-rated windows are made by manufacturers you’ve never heard of—they just spend less on advertising. Performance over label.

#5. Are the bathrooms finished with real tile or plastic insets?
Plastic insets can crack, separate from the wall, or discolor over time.
Meanwhile, those pink and green tiled bathrooms from the 1950s? Still standing 75 years later. Tile is one upgrade that actually earns its keep.

#6. What appliances are included—and what aren’t?
Refrigerator? Dishwasher? Microwave? Washer and dryer?
Some builders don’t include laundry appliances at all.
Check the brands, warranties, and reviews. New doesn’t always mean equal.

#7. What costs are not included in the purchase price?
This is the big one.  Buying in late fall? That yard you see might be dirt until spring. One builder requires an $8,000 escrow for sod—held by them until weather permits installation. They control the timeline, not you.

Also ask:
• What upgrades are included?
• What’s extra?
• Is the basement finished—or not?

It’s very easy to add $60,000 in upgrades during a Kardashian-“the world is my oyster” moment. Take a breath. Focus on the life you’ll actually live here. Decide what matters most—and what you can comfortably afford.

Bottom line:
You don’t need to be a builder to make a smart decision. You just need to ask the right questions. A little curiosity now leads to a home you’ll love for years to come.  Better yet, work with me who can guide you through the process so you find the house that loves you back.