Always ask a potential builder for their license number and proof of general liability and workers' compensation insurance.  At Lee Built Homes, we will provide you these important details upfront in our initial discussions.

A reputable builder should always handle this. If a builder you are interviewing asks you to pull the permits, it is a massive red flag. Lee Built Homes will always pull permits and secure inspections.

Always ask for at least three clients who completed projects similar to your project within the last 1–2 years. Lee Built Homes is happy to provide a list of clients for references.  You will find that many of our clients are now friends and are kind enough to share their experience.

You want to ensure that your builder has built a home or renovated a home in a similar size and scale.  Because of strict Architectural Review Boards, it may also important that your builder has prior experience in the community you are building in.  For a list of communities that we have worked in, visit our communities page and learn more about each community and the restrictions they have.

The answer to this question helps you understand if your job will get dedicated attention or if they are stretched too thin. Lee Built Homes only takes on several projects at a time to ensure we aren’t spread too thin.  In our consultation, we are happy to share more about the other current projects we are working on.

At Lee Built Homes, we are led by owner, Joey Varin who will be your main point of contact.  We also have a superintendent, Steve, who is also an on-site contact and dedicated project manager. He is great with day-to-day communication.

Ask your builder what happens if you change your mind on a material or something larger.  What is the process for approving the cost difference before work continues? At Lee Built Homes, clear communication is paramount, so we have a formal change order process which includes changes in writing and signing off by all parties.

Once our agreement is reached, we will outline a payment schedule. Owners should never pay 100% upfront!  A standard contract aligns payments with construction milestones like completing the foundation, framing, and inspections.  Lee Built Homes will share a detailed and clear payment draw schedule.

Your construction timeline is a very important question and a good builder should deliver to the timeline as close as possible.  Supply chain delays, weather issues, and unforeseen circumstances can derail plans, but communication alleviates ambiguity. We pride ourselves on having delivered several projects ahead of schedule.  We work hard to provide a timeline and update owners with any issues or changes. 

When there are issues beyond our control like severe weather or supply chain constraints, we always communicate quickly with our clients.

We use Builder Trend, an online project management platform specifically for builders/clients, to manage and communicate. You will be provided access to the platform and can view everything from photos to payments. We also schedule regular calls and updates, and you are always welcome to call us and check in.

The punch list is the final checklist of minor fixes of your renovation or custom home, like paint touch-ups or loose trim, before final payment is released.  You will do a walk through with our team to determine any remaining punch list items when the project is nearing final completion.

Yes, absolutely.  See our recent blog post about how we work with our clients remotely when building their custom home or renovating their property.