Avoiding Common Mistakes When Hiring the Right Home Builder for Your Dream Home
So, you’ve decided to build a custom home that’s exciting! But now comes the most important part of the entire process:
“How do I choose a custom home builder?”
We’ve seen this question asked countless times by people starting their home-building journey in places like Provo, Spanish Fork, and all over Utah County. And let’s be honest—choosing the wrong builder can turn your dream into a stressful, expensive mess. But if you choose wisely? You get a trusted guide who brings your vision to life, within your budget, and makes the process smooth from beginning to end.
Let’s walk through exactly how to find the best custom home builder, step by step.
Step 1: Understand What a “Custom Builder” Really Does
First off, let’s define what a true custom home builder is. Some companies say they build custom homes, but in reality, they offer limited pre-designed plans with minor upgrades (that’s semi-custom, at best).
A real custom home builder:
- Starts from scratch—or adapts your vision
- Builds around your lifestyle, your land, and your preferences
- Offers full flexibility in layout, materials, and design choices
- Works closely with you during each phase—from lot selection to final inspection
Cloward Custom Homes, for example, specializes in true custom construction in Utah Valley. That means we don’t box you into 5 floor plans—we build your home the way you want it.
Step 2: Make a List of Must-Haves and “Nice-to-Haves”
Before you even start calling builders, take a few minutes to jot down:
- What you must have (e.g., 3-car garage, vaulted ceilings, main-floor office)
- What you would like (e.g., covered patio, butler’s pantry, radiant floors)
- Your preferred location (e.g., Provo foothills, Mapleton, or nearby)
This list will help you ask the right questions and evaluate if a builder aligns with your vision.
Bonus tip: Think beyond design. What kind of relationship do you want with your builder? Responsive? Hands-on? High-touch? All that matters.
Step 3: Research Local Builders (Not Just the Big Names)
Start with a local search. Check out:
- Google reviews
- Home builder directories
- Social media profiles
- Parade of Homes entries in Utah County
Look beyond just stars—read why people are happy (or not). Did the builder communicate well? Did they stay on budget? Were they easy to work with?
A quality builder like Cloward Custom Homes will not only have great online reviews but also finished homes you can go see and even past clients you can talk to.
Step 4: Ask Smart, Specific Questions
When you meet with builders, don’t just ask “How much do you charge per square foot?” That’s too generic and honestly misleading. Instead, ask:
- How do you handle budgeting and cost changes?
- Do you work with your own architect, or can I bring one?
- Can I make changes during construction?
- What’s your average timeline from permit to move-in?
- Who will I talk to during the build—project manager or owner?
A great custom home builder won’t dodge these questions. They’ll welcome them. If they seem vague or evasive, that’s a red flag.
Step 5: Review the Builder’s Portfolio & Past Projects
You wouldn’t buy a car without test-driving it. Don’t hire a builder without seeing their work.
What to look for:
- Variety in home styles (modern, farmhouse, transitional)
- Quality craftsmanship in both structure and finishes
- Clean trim work, cabinetry, tile, and paint (this speaks volumes)
- Custom touches—like unique ceilings, built-ins, and layout creativity
Ask to tour a recently completed home. If they’re proud of their work, they’ll gladly show you.
At Cloward Custom Homes, we often walk prospective clients through our finished builds so they can see, touch, and feel the quality for themselves.
Step 6: Ask for References—And Actually Call Them
It might feel awkward, but it’s worth it. When you call a builder’s past clients, don’t just ask “Were they good?” Ask:
- What was communication like?
- Did the builder meet your expectations?
- What was the biggest challenge—and how was it handled?
- Would you hire them again?
This one step can save you months of stress later on.
Step 7: Understand the Contract (Don’t Just Skim It)
The builder’s contract should:
- Clearly explain the scope of work
- Outline payment schedule and milestones
- Address how change orders are handled
- Include a detailed warranty
If anything seems confusing, ask. A reputable builder will walk you through it—not rush you to sign.
Bonus: 5 Red Flags to Watch Out For
- No portfolio or very few completed homes
- Vague answers to budget or timeline questions
- No communication plan during the build
- Asking for a huge deposit up front
- Negative or inconsistent online reviews
If you spot two or more of these walk away.
Why Cloward Custom Homes Might Be the Right Fit
At Cloward Custom Homes, we’re not just here to build houses—we’re here to build the home you’ve been dreaming about. We’ve spent years earning the trust of families in Provo, Springville, Orem, and beyond. Our clients stay in touch long after the job is done because we treat every home like it’s our own.
Why people choose us:
- True custom construction—no stock floor plans
- Personalized, responsive communication
- Honest budgets and clear contracts
- Deep local knowledge of codes, weather, and terrain
And most importantly, we take pride in the details most builders overlook.
Final Thoughts – Choosing a Custom Builder Is About Trust
Building a custom home is likely one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make. So don’t rush it. Talk to builders. Ask bold questions. Tour their homes. Compare their process not just their price.
When you find the right one, you’ll know. They’ll listen to you. Guide you. Show you what’s possible. And when move-in day comes? You’ll be glad you chose a builder who cared as much as you did.
Let’s Talk about your custom home vision. Whether you’re just starting to plan or already have land, we’re here to help you take the next step with clarity and confidence.