🛠️ What to Do Before You Talk to a Builder
- Keith Miller
- Sep 3
- 2 min read
A Step-by-Step Guide for Future Homeowners
If you're thinking about building a custom home—but haven’t talked to a builder yet—you're not behind. You’re right where you should be. In fact, asking the right questions before you meet with a builder can make the entire process smoother, smarter, and more affordable.
At Saddle Mountain Construction, we’ve met with hundreds of homeowners at the “just exploring” stage. Some show up overwhelmed. Others are ready to build tomorrow. Most are somewhere in between.
This guide is for anyone in that early phase. Here’s what you can do now to make the most of your first conversation.
✅ 1. Clarify Your Vision—But Don’t Lock It In
You don’t need architectural plans or Pinterest boards (though we’ll happily look at them). But it is helpful to ask:
What kind of lifestyle do I want this home to support?
Where do I want to build?
How do I want it to feel?
Write down the must-haves, the nice-to-haves, and the “absolutely nots.” We can help you turn those into a real design, but clarity up front saves time—and budget—later.
💰 2. Set a Realistic Budget Range
You don’t need exact numbers, but it helps to define a range you’re comfortable with. We can walk you through:
What’s possible within that range
How fixed-price building protects you from surprise costs
Where to prioritize investment (hint: long-term value > temporary trends)
Pro tip: Leave room in your budget for landscaping, appliances, and long-term comfort features like radiant floors or backup generators.
🗺️ 3. Research Land (or Get Help Evaluating Yours)
If you already own land—great. If not, start by researching:
Zoning restrictions
Utility access
Driveway and road requirements
Sun exposure and site slope
Not sure what to look for? We offer lot walk consultations to help you understand what a specific site will really cost to build on. Some land looks cheap… until you start excavating it.
📐 4. Be Open to Process—Not Just Product
Most people think they’re hiring a builder to produce a house. But you’re really hiring a team to guide you through:
Design
Budget alignment
Permitting
Construction sequencing
Final walkthrough
Look for someone you trust with that process. We always tell our clients: if you wouldn’t want to take a road trip with your builder, don’t build a house with them.
🤝 5. Prepare to Ask the Right Questions
You don’t need to have it all figured out—your builder should help with that. But asking the right questions will reveal whether they’re the right fit.
Ask things like:
“Do you offer fixed-price contracts?”
“How do you handle unexpected site conditions?”
“Can I see examples of homes you've built for families like ours?”
“What will communication look like once we start?”
Good builders won’t dodge these questions. They’ll appreciate them.
🏔️ Ready to Talk?
You don’t need a full plan. You don’t need all the answers. But if you're ready to take the first step, we’d be honored to walk through it with you.
👉 Schedule a consultation or call 406-241-4546. Let’s build smart, build simple - and build something that fits your life.
