Making the choice to build a new home is one of the most important decisions you will ever make – and it is critical that you ask the right questions so you can be sure that you and your residential general contractor are on the same page when it comes to goals, home design, expectations, finances and the time frame of the project.

Here are some important questions that every potential new homeowner should ask of their residential general contractor in your initial meeting:

• How many years has your company been in business?
• How many homes have you built?
• Have you ever built a home like the one I want?
• Are you licensed and insured?
• Do you offer a warranty for your work?
• Can you give me references from prior home buyers?
• Do you have a portfolio of your work or any homes that I can tour?
• Do you provide a detailed and accurate budget and contract?

The Los Angeles home builders market is extremely competitive, so by asking the right questions, you can weed out those Los Angeles home builders that may not have your best interests in mind or those builders who do not share your goals or vision.  Here are some important questions that you should ask of your Los Angeles general contractor:

What is the price range for new home construction in Los Angeles?

When it comes to the prices of new home construction, Los Angeles has a huge range in terms of costs. From a small neighborhood bungalow to a custom luxury home or Los Angeles mansion, there is no “typical” price range for Los Angeles homes. However, working with the right Los Angeles construction company can help keep excessive costs to a minimum. Being able to work with a builder that is open and upfront with you about the estimated costs will help ease your sticker shock and eliminate surprise charges.

Should I build new or remodel?

There are benefits to both. If you have a lot of land that you absolutely love or you have a home that is structurally sound but just needs some updating, remodeling may be the best choice. However, if a home needs extensive work it could actually cost more to remodel your Los Angeles home than to start fresh with a new build. You should discuss the pros and cons of a qualified contractor. Los Angeles builders that specialize in both remodeling and new construction will be able to give you an unbiased expert opinion to help you make the most of your existing home or build a quality home.

How do I find a quality Los Angeles general contractor?

It can be difficult to know just how to find a quality Los Angeles general contractor. But by asking the right questions and empowering yourself with information, you can ensure you are working with a professional and reliable builder. For more than 40 years, Kavin Construction has been a premier builder of stunning luxury homes and will work to answer all of your most important questions.