25 Essential Questions to Ask When Building a House (Plus a Builder's Honest Answers)

Before you sign a contract with any home builder, you should sit down with their sales counselor and ask the hard questions. The answers tell you whether you're working with a builder who's transparent, experienced, and confident in their work — or one who's evasive, inconsistent, or hiding something.

The 25 questions below are the ones that matter most. We've grouped them into five themes: reputation, financial, construction quality, timeline, and post-close.

Below each question, we share Cristo Homes' honest answer. Our goal isn't to convince you Cristo is right for everyone — it's to model what a transparent answer looks like, so you can compare any builder you're considering to our standard. If a builder dodges these questions or gives evasive responses, that tells you something important about how they'll behave after you sign.

Theme 1: Reputation and track record (Questions 1-5)

These questions test whether the builder has the experience to deliver on promises and the track record to back them up.

1. How long have you been building in this market?

Why it matters: A new builder in your specific market doesn't know local code nuances, doesn't have established subcontractor relationships, and hasn't yet faced the seasonal challenges (Cincinnati winters, clay soil, freeze-thaw) that reveal cut corners.

Cristo's answer: Since 1963. Sixty-plus years in Greater Cincinnati, Dayton, and Northern Kentucky. We've built through every cycle and every code update. Our trades have been with us for decades.

2. How many homes have you delivered in the past 5 years?

Why it matters: Volume tells you whether they're learning on your home or executing a refined process. Too few = inexperienced. Too many (national volume builders) = you're a number, not a customer.

Cristo's answer: Approximately 100-150 homes per year. We deliberately stay in this range so quality and customer service don't get watered down by volume.

3. Can I see three homes you delivered in the past 12 months and talk to those buyers?

Why it matters: Recent buyers can speak to your actual experience — communication, problem resolution, build quality, walkthrough process. Older references are stale.

Cristo's answer: Yes. Ask any community sales counselor for recent buyer references. Most of our buyers are happy to talk because they had a good experience — and they'll tell you honestly about anything that didn't go perfectly.

4. What's your Google review rating, and have you responded to negative reviews?

Why it matters: Every builder has some negative reviews. What matters is the volume, the patterns, and whether the builder engages with them constructively. A builder with zero negative reviews is suspicious; a builder with many negative reviews and no responses is a red flag.

Cristo's answer: We have a public rating you can look up. We respond to negative reviews directly. When we get something wrong, we own it and we fix it. We don't pretend to be perfect.

5. Are you a member of any home builder associations?

Why it matters: Membership in the Home Builders Association of Greater Cincinnati (or the equivalent in your local market) signals professional accountability. It doesn't guarantee quality, but it's a baseline.

Cristo's answer: Yes — Home Builders Association of Greater Cincinnati. The HBA's National Demo Home built by Cristo Homes also won a National award in 2024.

Theme 2: Financial and contract questions (Questions 6-12)

These are where most buyer/builder disputes originate. Get clear answers before you sign anything.

6. What's the all-in base price for this floor plan on this lot?

Why it matters: Some builders quote a base price that doesn't include the lot, the lot premium, the basement, or various "standard" features. Get the all-in number for the specific configuration you'd actually buy.

Cristo's answer: Our base prices include the lot. Lot premiums (for corner lots, larger lots, etc.) are clearly listed. Standard features are spelled out in writing.

7. What deposit do you require, and is it refundable?

Why it matters: Builder deposits range from $1,000 to 5% of purchase price. Refundability terms vary widely. If you back out for a reason allowed in the contract, will you get the deposit back?

Cristo's answer: Standard deposit structure with refundability tied to specific contingencies (financing, inspection, etc.) spelled out in the contract. We don't make money on canceled deposits.

8. How much do typical upgrades add to the final price?

Why it matters: Model homes are loaded with upgrades. The base price you see is often 15-25% lower than what people actually pay. Ask for typical numbers.

Cristo's answer: Most buyers choose $20,000-$60,000 in upgrades depending on the home size and the buyer's preferences. We'll walk through which upgrades pay off long-term and which are personal preference.

9. What financing do you offer, and what rate buy-downs are available?

Why it matters: Many builders partner with preferred lenders who offer rate buy-downs (paying down your mortgage rate by 0.5%-2% for the first 1-3 years) and closing cost assistance. These can save tens of thousands of dollars.

Cristo's answer: We partner with three preferred lenders — Huntington Bank, NewRez, and LCNB. Each knows our process and offers builder-specific rate programs and closing cost help. You can choose whichever lender best fits your situation. Get pre-qualified →

10. Does this community qualify for CRA tax abatement?

Why it matters: In Cincinnati specifically, this question can save you $50,000-$100,000+ over the abatement window. Several Cristo Homes communities qualify.

Cristo's answer: Yes for Morningside (Forest Park, 100% 15-year), Enclave at Mariemont (15-year), Heritage Landing (5-year), Timber Glen (5-year), Winding Walks (up to 15-year), and Anderson Place (10-year). Read about CRA tax abatement →

11. What's your policy on rising material costs during construction?

Why it matters: Some builders pass material cost increases on to you mid-build. Others lock the price. Get this in writing.

Cristo's answer: Our contracts lock the price at signing. We absorb material cost fluctuations during the build period.

12. What happens if the build runs over schedule?

Why it matters: Builds run over for many reasons (weather, permits, material delays, change orders). What's the financial impact on you? Are there penalty clauses?

Cristo's answer: We target firm move-in dates and communicate proactively about delays. Our contracts spell out what happens in the rare cases where delays extend beyond agreed windows.

Theme 3: Construction quality (Questions 13-18)

These questions reveal whether the builder is committed to quality or cutting corners where it doesn't show.

13. Who are your major subcontractors, and how long have they been with you?

Why it matters: Subs who've worked with the builder for 5+ years know the standards. Constantly rotating subs (often because the builder pays poorly) means inconsistent quality.

Cristo's answer: Most of our trades have worked with us for over a decade. Some for 20+ years. Long relationships = consistent quality.

14. What's your concrete and foundation specification?

Why it matters: Cincinnati clay soil and freeze-thaw cycles stress foundations. Builders who spec strong concrete and proper drainage have fewer foundation problems years 3-10.

Cristo's answer: Our concrete specs exceed local code minimums. Foundation drainage is engineered for clay soil. We've built thousands of foundations in Cincinnati conditions.

15. What's your insulation and window package?

Why it matters: Insulation and windows are major cost lines and major energy efficiency factors. Cheap builders skimp here because you can't see it after walls are closed up.

Cristo's answer: Our insulation and window specs are above code. We can show you the HERS Index for our floor plans — typically 50-75, which is significantly better than 1990s-2000s construction.

16. Can I do my own third-party inspections during the build?

Why it matters: Some builders allow buyer inspections at pre-drywall and pre-closing stages. Builders who refuse have something to hide.

Cristo's answer: Yes. We welcome buyer-paid third-party inspections at pre-drywall and pre-closing stages. Our work stands up to scrutiny.

17. What's your structural specification for load paths?

Why it matters: Load path engineering (how weight transfers from roof to foundation) is what makes a home structurally sound. Cheaper builders skip engineering review.

Cristo's answer: Every floor plan is engineered with proper load paths. We don't deviate from the engineered plans during construction.

18. What sustainability and energy-efficiency features are standard vs. upgrades?

Why it matters: Energy efficiency saves real money long-term. Some builders make basic efficiency features upgrades; others include them standard.

Cristo's answer: High-efficiency HVAC, low-E windows, modern insulation packages are standard. Smart home features, solar prep, and advanced systems can be selected as upgrades.

Theme 4: Timeline and process (Questions 19-22)

These questions reveal whether the builder runs a structured process or improvises.

19. What's the typical build timeline for this floor plan?

Why it matters: 5-9 months is normal for new construction in Cincinnati. Builders who promise faster are usually cutting corners; builders who can't predict timeline are disorganized.

Cristo's answer: 5-9 months from contract to closing, depending on lot conditions, weather, and design selections. We give you a firm target date and update you weekly.

20. How will I be updated during construction?

Why it matters: Some builders disappear after contract signing. Good builders communicate weekly with photos and milestone updates.

Cristo's answer: Weekly construction updates with photos and milestone progress. A dedicated construction manager you can text or email anytime.

21. Can I make changes mid-build?

Why it matters: Once construction starts, every change costs money and time. Get clear rules upfront — what change windows exist, what additional fees apply.

Cristo's answer: Most decisions are locked at the design center stage (weeks 5-10 after contract). Changes after that point are case-by-case and incur cost and time impacts. We're transparent about both.

22. What happens at the final walkthrough?

Why it matters: The walkthrough is your last chance to flag issues before closing. Good builders document everything and fix items before key handover.

Cristo's answer: Detailed walkthrough with your construction manager and warranty specialist. Every item gets documented and assigned to a specific trade to fix. Most issues are addressed before closing; the rest are tracked through our warranty portal and resolved with work orders to the appropriate trades.

Theme 5: Warranty and post-close (Questions 23-25)

The relationship continues after closing. These questions reveal how the builder treats you once they have your money.

23. What does your warranty cover, and for how long?

Why it matters: This is where builders differ most dramatically. Industry standard is 1-2-10 (1-year workmanship, 2-year systems, 10-year structural). Some builders cut corners on this.

Cristo's answer: Full 1-2-10. The 10-year structural is backed by 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty, an independent insurer. Read about our warranty →

24. How do I submit a warranty claim, and what's the process from there?

Why it matters: The process determines how easy it is to get issues resolved. Builders with a defined intake process, an online portal, and clear ownership of each step deliver faster resolutions. Builders with vague "just call us" answers tend to lose track of claims.

Cristo's answer: Submit through our online warranty portal. We process the request, schedule an inspection, and once approved, issue a work order to the appropriate trade. Every step is logged and you stay informed from submission through completion.

25. Who do I call when something goes wrong, and how fast do you respond?

Why it matters: The answer to this question is the difference between a small problem getting fixed and a small problem becoming a disaster.

Cristo's answer: A dedicated warranty manager who knows your home and your community. Non-emergency claims are inspected within 7-10 business days. Emergencies (water, gas, no heat in winter, no AC in summer) get response within 24 hours.

How to use these questions

Don't ask all 25 in one sitting — you'll exhaust everyone. Pick the 8-10 that matter most to you and ask those when you first contact the builder. Listen carefully to how the sales counselor answers, not just what they say.

Watch for these patterns:

• Specific answers with numbers, dates, and names. Good sign.
• Vague generalities or marketing-speak. Worse sign.
• "Let me get back to you on that." Acceptable if it actually happens within a few days. Concerning if it doesn't.
• Attempts to redirect or change the subject. Bad sign.
• Defensiveness about negative reviews or past issues. Bad sign. Good builders own their mistakes.

What to do next

If you're seriously evaluating a builder in Greater Cincinnati, contact them and bring these questions. If you'd like to evaluate Cristo Homes against the standard above:

1. Tour a Cristo community. Browse all 13 Cristo communities →
2. Get pre-qualified so you know your real budget. Get pre-qualified →
3. Contact Us. Bring questions. We'll bring honest answers. Contact Us →

Call (513) 224-4465 with any question, big or small. We'd rather you walk away an informed buyer than a confused one.

Related reading:

• New construction warranties complete guide →
• Build your own house: 27-step guide →
• Complete new construction checklist →
• CRA tax abatement guide →