Choosing a Qualified Builder for Your New Home
Finding the right builder is about more than liking their work.
When you’re choosing a qualified builder, you need to confirm they have the proper qualifications to protect your project and the right processes to manage it smoothly from start to finish.
A qualified builder should prove their licensing and insurance, provide solid references, and show you exactly how they will communicate, schedule, and track progress during the build.
Want a quick way to keep all these questions in one place?
Download our free Builder Comparison Questionnaire — it includes every question from this article, plus bonus questions, and gives you space to add your own and take notes while comparing builders.
Qualifications Every Builder Should Prove
When you meet with a builder, you’re not just buying a house — you’re trusting them with your family’s future home. That trust must be backed by verifiable qualifications.
Insurance Coverage
Several types of insurance may apply to your project. Knowing who carries the policies and how much coverage they provide can save you from costly surprises.
Builder’s Risk Insurance: Protects the home and loan during construction. Today, this coverage is often carried by the builder. If not, it may become an unexpected expense for you.
General Liability (GL) Insurance: Covers property damage and injuries on the job site. Be sure the coverage limit is high enough — and ask if it extends to subcontractors.
- Workers’ Compensation: If the builder has employees, confirm they are covered and properly classified. Without this, you could be exposed to liability if someone is injured.
Subcontractor Coverage: Professional builders require subcontractors to carry their own GL and Workers’ Comp policies, with proof kept on file.
Questions to Ask Your Builder About Their Insurance Coverage
Builder’s Risk: Who provides the policy — you or the builder?
General Liability: What level of coverage do you have, and can I contact your insurer to verify it?
- Workers’ Compensation: Do you carry Workers’ Comp for your employees, and are they classified correctly?
Subcontractors: Do you require every subcontractor to carry GL and Workers’ Compensation, and do you keep proof on file? Do you mandate this with subcontractor agreements?
Licensing, References, and Verification
“Trust, but verify.” Every builder will present their strengths. It’s up to you to confirm their qualifications.
References: Read reviews and speak directly with past clients.
Licensing: In Louisiana, verify the builder with the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors (LSLBC). Exact spelling matters.
Qualifying Party: Confirm the individual listed on the license is the one representing the company. Don’t hesitate to ask for identification.
Licensed Contractor vs. Licensed Builder
"All builders are contractors, but not all contractors are builders" is a simplified way to state the difference.
When you are evaluating people to build your house, make sure you are speaking with an actual Licensed Builder, as opposed to someone who may only have a Home Improvement Registration. A bona fide licensed builder will have the qualified expertise to handle all aspects of building the home to code, as well as have adequate insurance to cover any issues that may arise.
Process: How the Builder will Run Your Project
A builder’s qualifications are only part of the picture. Their process for managing your project determines how smooth — or stressful — your experience will be.
Questions to ask about process:
Will your selections be written into the contract so there’s no confusion later?
Will you be able to see the builder’s schedule to know what’s happening when?
How detailed will the quote be — just an overall number, or a line-by-line breakdown?
How can you track progress? Do they maintain a job log, and is it shared with clients?
How many homes do they build each year — and will you be one of dozens, or one of a select few?
Do they work with consistent subcontractors, so you know who’s on your property?
What inspections do they perform beyond the local permitting authority? Do they keep written records?
Do they photograph in-progress work for reference after sheetrock goes up?
How will you keep track of the finances during construction?
How will you get in touch with the builder during the build? Will you have direct access or go through a point of contact?
What happens if you have a question after business hours? Do they have a process for handling urgent concerns?
These process questions reveal how organized, transparent, and client-focused a builder really is.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a qualified builder means looking beyond glossy photos. It’s about confirming the builder’s credentials, insurance, and licensing — and understanding their process for communication, scheduling, and quality control.
Asking the right questions now will help you avoid costly surprises later and ensure your new home is built with confidence.
Get Your Free Builder Comparison Questionnaire
We’ve gathered all of the key questions from this article — plus bonus questions most homeowners don’t think to ask — into one simple, printable chart.
The Builder Comparison Questionnaire makes it easy to:
Compare multiple builders side by side.
Add your own questions as they come up.
Take notes during interviews so nothing gets overlooked.
This free tool helps you stay organized and confident as you evaluate which builder is the best fit for your project.
Fill out the form below and we’ll send you the download link instantly.
