Planning a home addition is one of the biggest investments you can make in your home. It’s not just about square footage; it’s about solving problems, improving how your family lives, and making your house work better for your day-to-day life. But before you can enjoy the final result, you have to choose the right team to help you build it.
At Custom Built, we’ve seen the difference it makes when homeowners ask the right questions early on.
Here are the ten essential questions you should ask any contractor before committing to a home addition project:
- What types of home additions do you specialize in?
- Are you licensed and insured in Michigan?
- Can you walk me through your remodeling process?
- How will this addition affect the rest of my home?
- What’s your process for estimating costs and timelines?
- Will I be assigned a dedicated point of contact?
- How do you handle permitting and inspections?
- Can I see examples of similar projects?
- How do you handle project changes once work begins?
- What warranties or guarantees do you offer?
1. What types of home additions do you specialize in?
Not all contractors are built the same. Some might excel at bathroom remodels but have little experience with second-story builds or foundation extensions. Asking about their specialty helps you understand whether they’re equipped to handle your unique scope of work.
- What to Listen For: Clear examples of similar additions with photo evidence or client references.
- Why It Matters: Specialized experience helps avoid design missteps and construction delays.
- Custom Built Tip: Ask how their team handled elements like tie-ins to the existing roofline, mechanical systems, or foundation transitions.
2. Are you licensed and insured in Michigan?
This is a must-ask question. With home additions, a contractor working without the proper licenses or insurance could expose you to major liability issues.
- What to Listen For: A clear answer and a willingness to share license and insurance information if asked. Most reputable contractors include this in their agreements, so while you may not need to ask for it directly, it should be easy to confirm.
- Why It Matters: You’re legally and financially exposed if a worker gets hurt or something goes wrong on-site.
- Custom Built Tip: Michigan’s residential builder’s license is required for structural work. You can verify it online through the state licensing portal.
3. Can you walk me through your remodeling process?
You don’t want to feel like you’re flying blind throughout your remodel. Request a clear overview of their process, from the initial consultation to the final walkthrough, so you know what to expect.
- What to Listen For: A step-by-step explanation that outlines who you’ll talk to and when.
- Why It Matters: A clear process builds trust, reduces confusion, and keeps your project moving forward on schedule.
- Custom Built Tip: Our Project Development Advisors guide you from day one, so you always know what’s happening and who’s responsible. We’ve found that having one point of contact throughout the entire project helps to ensure you remain connected.
4. How will this addition affect the rest of my home?
Home additions should feel seamless. However, integrating them into the structure and systems of your existing home requires planning and expertise. Ask how they’ll handle the transition points.
- What to Listen For: A thoughtful explanation of how the new space will be blended with the old.
- Why It Matters: Poor transitions create long-term frustrations, like uneven floors, temperature inconsistencies, or mismatched finishes.
- Custom Built Tip: We evaluate your layout and mechanicals to ensure your addition functions seamlessly as if it were always part of the plan.
5. What’s your process for estimating costs and timelines?
Before construction begins, you should have a clear picture of what the addition will cost and how long it will take. A solid contractor can break this down and explain how they account for unexpected costs.
- What to Listen For: Specific budget ranges and realistic timelines, not vague guesses or ballpark figures.
- Why It Matters: Clear expectations reduce stress and help you plan your family’s life around the construction process.
- Custom Built Tip: Our agreement includes a general budget range early in the process, so you understand the expected investment. Once your design is finalized, we provide a fixed price before construction begins, with no surprises.
6. Will I be assigned a dedicated point of contact?
Communication issues can derail even the most carefully planned projects. Ensure you have one person to turn to with questions throughout the process.
- What to Listen For: A clear point of contact who will manage communication and updates throughout your project.
- Why It Matters: When roles aren’t clearly defined, messages can get lost between sales, design, and construction teams, leading to confusion or missed details.
- Custom Built Tip: You should never be left wondering who to call. Our system is designed to keep communication organized, so your questions are answered and your project stays on track.
7. How do you handle permitting and inspections?
Remodels and additions usually need permits from your local municipality. Ask if the contractor handles those or expects you to take them on yourself.
- What to Listen For: Knowledge of your building department’s process and a willingness to handle the paperwork.
- Why It Matters: Missing permits can delay your project, fail resale inspections, or lead to fines.
- Custom Built Tip: We handle all permits and schedule inspections for you, eliminating the need for extra trips to city hall.
8. Can I see examples of similar projects?
Seeing real-world results helps build trust and allows you to view the quality of the contractor’s work. Don’t settle for just one photo. Ask to see a variety of projects.
- What to Listen For: Visual examples and client stories that align with your goals and home type.
- Why It Matters: You’ll get a sense of their design sensibility, craftsmanship, and how they solve problems.
- Custom Built Tip: Our Project Gallery and Client Stories feature photos, materials used, and the stories behind each build, helping you make informed decisions.
9. How do you handle project changes once work begins?
Sometimes you want to make a change mid-project. Perhaps you'd like a larger window or a different type of flooring. A good contractor will have a system for managing those updates.
- What to Listen For: A formal change order process with pricing approvals before work continues.
- Why It Matters: Verbal agreements lead to confusion, delays, and surprise charges.
- Custom Built Tip: Every change is documented and discussed upfront, ensuring no surprises throughout the project.
10. What warranties or guarantees do you offer?
The work doesn’t stop when construction is finished. Ask what type of warranty is included and how they handle post-project support.
- What to Listen For: Warranty details, including length, coverage, and how to file a claim.
- Why It Matters: Peace of mind matters, especially when investing in a major remodel.
- Custom Built Tip: We offer a lifetime labor warranty. Partnering with a company that provides a lengthy warranty reflects a commitment to long-term quality and care.
Next Steps to Building Your Home Addition Project
A home addition is a major commitment, and finding the right contractor isn’t just about who’s available; it’s about who’s capable, experienced, and committed to your vision.
These questions will help you go into the process informed and empowered. You’ll know what to expect, what red flags to watch for, and how to find a partner who respects your investment.
At Custom Built, we guide families across Mid and Northern Michigan through stress-free home additions that enhance their quality of life. From the initial call to the final walkthrough, our process is clear and client-focused.
Ready to start planning your home addition? Schedule a free discovery call with our team. Or explore more expert tips in our Home Addition Remodeling Guide to see what it takes to design, build, and enjoy a seamless new space.
Now that you know more about the questions to ask home addition contractors before building, let’s explore how to build an addition for aging-in-place, how much your project will cost, and how to upgrade your home addition:
- How To Build a Home Addition for Aging Parents in Michigan - Discover how to build a home addition that is comfortable and exciting for your golden years.
- How Much Does a Home Addition Cost at Custom Built? - Explore the costs behind the home additions you just learned about, complete with essential factors influencing the price.
- 5 Top Ways to Upscale Your Home Addition in Lansing, MI - From heated flooring to skylights, this article explores how to elevate your home addition and create an elegant living space for years.
