Building a custom home is likely the largest financial commitment you will ever make. Choosing the right builder is arguably the most important decision in the entire process. In a region growing as fast as Union County—with new construction happening from Stallings to Waxhaw—the number of builders competing for your business has never been higher.
At D&T Premier Homes, we believe an informed client is our best client. So here is an honest guide to the questions you should ask any builder before signing a contract—including us.
What should I look for in a custom home builder’s portfolio?
The Short Answer: Look for diversity in style, consistency in quality, and completed projects in the local area where you plan to build.
A portfolio tells a story. When you review a builder’s past work, you want to see homes that demonstrate flexibility in design style. A builder who has only constructed one type of home may struggle to execute your unique vision.
More importantly, look for completed projects in Union County specifically. Building in Weddington or Monroe requires familiarity with local soil conditions, municipal codes, and trusted local subcontractors. Browse our Project Gallery to explore the range of homes we have built right here in this community.
How do I verify a builder’s credentials and reputation?
The Short Answer: Check their license with the NC Licensing Board for General Contractors, read third-party reviews, and ask for references from past clients.
In North Carolina, all general contractors must be licensed through the NC Licensing Board for General Contractors. This is a non-negotiable baseline. A license means the builder has passed competency exams and carries the required insurance to protect you throughout the project.
Beyond licensing, ask to speak directly with past clients. Online reviews are helpful but speaking with a homeowner who went through the full build process gives you unfiltered insight into communication style, problem-solving, and follow-through after move-in.
What does the builder’s warranty cover?
The Short Answer: A quality custom builder should offer a minimum one-year workmanship warranty and a ten-year structural warranty.
Warranties are your safety net after move-in. A reputable builder stands behind their work. At minimum, you should expect coverage for workmanship defects in the first year and structural integrity for ten years, in alignment with standard industry practices.
Ask specifically what the warranty excludes. Normal settling of a new home is common and should be addressed if it causes cracking beyond normal parameters. Understanding the claim process before you sign a contract protects you from frustrating surprises down the road.
How does the builder handle communication during the project?
The Short Answer: The best builders assign a dedicated project manager and use a structured update schedule to keep clients informed at every stage.
This is a question many clients forget to ask but almost always wish they had. Building a home takes nearly a year. During that time, you want a clear line of communication and a consistent point of contact.
Ask how often you will receive progress updates, whether you can visit the site during construction, and how change orders are documented and approved. Vague answers to these questions are a red flag. Clear, confident answers indicate a builder with organized, professional systems in place.
Why does choosing a local builder matter?
The Short Answer: Local builders have established relationships with area subcontractors, inspectors, and suppliers, which translates to better quality control and faster timelines.
A builder deeply rooted in Union County brings something no out-of-area company can replicate: local knowledge. From understanding which subcontractors deliver superior work to knowing which inspectors prefer certain documentation formats, these relationships streamline your project.
At D&T Premier Homes, Union County is not just where we build—it is where we live. That personal stake in the community’s quality drives everything we do.
Ready to Ask Us Your Questions?
We welcome the hard questions. Reach out to our team today and let’s start the conversation about building your forever home in Union County and the surrounding area.
