10 Questions Every Buyer Should Ask Their Builder at the Pre-Construction meeting

What to ask, what to expect, and how to set your custom home project up for success.

The pre-construction meeting is one of the most important milestones in your custom home journey. It’s the moment where vision meets planning, when your builder walks you through the roadmap, expectations, timelines, approvals, and decisions that will guide the months ahead.

Whether you’re building in Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Weston, or anywhere in South Florida, arriving prepared for your pre-construction meeting ensures clarity, confidence, and a smooth experience.

As a premier luxury home builder, Landmark Custom Homes has guided hundreds of clients through this phase. We’ve seen how the right questions lead to better communication, stronger partnerships, and fewer surprises later.

Below, we’ve outlined the must-ask questions every buyer should bring to their pre-construction meeting and why the answers matter.

But FIRST: Why the Pre-Construction Meeting Matters

Before a single wall goes up, your builder needs to align with you on details that shape the entire project:

• Budget and allowances

• Timeline and schedule

• Communication expectations

• Approvals and permitting

• Design selections

• Site preparation

• Future walkthroughs and milestone meetings

This meeting sets the stage for transparency, trust, and predictable progress, especially essential for luxury builds where quality standards and customization are high.

The Essential Questions to Ask Your Builder at Your Pre-Construction meeting

1. “What is the finalized scope of work—and what’s included in the price?”

Clarifying what is and isn’t included prevents misunderstandings later.

Ask your builder:

• What exactly does this contract cover?

• What finishes or selections are included in my allowances?

• Which upgrades cost extra?

• Are landscaping, pools, and outdoor living spaces included?

At Landmark, we provide a line-item breakdown so clients know exactly where their investment is going.

2. “What is the projected timeline?”

You want to understand:

• Estimated start and finish dates

• Milestone checkpoints

• When selections must be finalized

• When inspections or approvals occur

• How weather impacts the schedule

A top builder will explain not just how long it takes to build a luxury home, but why certain phases take the time they do.

Bonus question:
“What could potentially delay the timeline, and how do you handle delays?”

Landmark’s unbeatable timelines are the result of efficient scheduling, proactive planning, and long-standing subcontractor relationships.

3. “Who will be my main point of contact?”

Luxury building involves dozens of decisions—you deserve streamlined communication.

Ask:

• Will I be communicating with the owner, project manager, superintendent, or a team?

• How often will I receive updates?

• Do you offer a client portal or digital tracking tools?

At Landmark, every client has direct access to one of our owners, plus digital tools like BuildTools and Matterport walkthroughs to stay informed at every phase.

4. “What decisions do I need to make and when?”

Custom homes require thoughtful selection timelines for:

• Cabinetry and millwork

• Flooring and tile

• Appliances and plumbing fixtures

• Lighting

• Exterior materials

• Landscaping

• Pool features

• Paint colors

Ask your builder for a selection schedule so you’re never rushed or pressured at the last minute.

5. “How do we handle changes once construction begins?”

Change orders are common, but the process should be clear and transparent.

Ask:

• How do I request a change?

• How will pricing be communicated?

• How will a change impact the timeline?

A reputable builder explains this upfront. A less experienced builder may avoid the topic entirely, which is a red flag.

6. “How do you ensure the quality of materials and workmanship?”

You’re not just buying a home; you’re investing in long-term quality.

Ask:

• Who are your subcontractors?

• How long have you worked with them?

• What quality checks happen at each phase?

• Do you build above code for hurricane resistance?

Top custom builders (like Landmark) have long-standing relationships with elite trade partners and exceed standard Florida building codes.

7. “How will you protect the home from moisture, weather, and environmental issues?”

In South Florida, this question is crucial.

Make sure your builder explains:

• Moisture barriers and waterproofing systems

• Roof construction and tie-downs

• Impact windows and doors

• HVAC system sizing

• Mold prevention strategies

• Drainage and grading considerations

Homes built decades ago weren’t designed for today’s climate challenges, but new construction can be.

8. “What should I expect during site preparation?”

Site prep can vary dramatically depending on the lot.

Ask:

• Do we need demolition, clearing, or grading?

• How will the foundation be engineered?

• Are there setbacks or HOA requirements?

• Will you handle all permitting?

A top builder manages this seamlessly, meaning you shouldn’t be chasing documentation or permits.

9. “What warranties or post-construction support do you offer?”

A relationship with a reputable builder isn’t finished on move-in day.

Ask:

• What warranties come with the home?

• Who do I contact for warranty issues?

• Do you offer maintenance support or referrals?

• Will we do a final walkthrough together?

Landmark provides detailed walkthroughs, warranties, and support to ensure homeowners feel confident and cared for long after completion.

10. “What can I do to keep the project running smoothly?”

This is the question homeowners often forget to ask and builders appreciate deeply.

Most delays come from:

• Delayed selections

• Late change requests

• HOA or ARB approval timing

• Weather challenges

• Client travel schedules

Your builder will tell you exactly how to stay ahead of the curve.

Additional Questions That Separate Average Builders From Top Builders

These questions reveal whether you’re working with a high-caliber builder or someone inexperienced:

“How many years have you been building luxury homes in South Florida?”

You want local experience, not general experience.

“How many homes do you build each year?”

Too many = you may not get personal attention.
Too few = lack of resources or experience.

“Will I have direct access to ownership or decision-makers?”

Top builders say yes.

“How do you ensure healthy indoor air quality?”

Landmark reduces VOCs and prioritizes wellness—a detail most builders overlook.

“Do you guarantee pricing once the contract is signed?”

Locked-in pricing is a sign of strong financial stability and clear planning.

What a Great Pre-Construction Meeting Should Feel Like

By the end of your meeting, you should feel:

• Confident

• Informed

• Excited

• Clear on next steps

• Supported by a team that is organized and trustworthy

If you leave feeling confused or rushed, that may signal it’s time to explore other builders.

The Landmark Pre-Construction Experience

At Landmark Custom Homes, we believe the pre-construction phase should feel like a partnership. Clients appreciate our:

• Owner-managed approach

• Unbeatable timelines

• Transparent communication

• Digital tools to simplify every step

• Commitment to healthy, high-quality construction

This is the foundation of a custom homebuilding experience that feels easy, elevated, and exceptionally personal.

Ready to Build Your Custom Home?

Your pre-construction meeting should set you up for success, and we’d love to guide you through it.

Schedule a conversation with one of our owners.

We’ll walk you through the process, answer your questions, and help you take the next step with confidence.