When you’re preparing to hire a home builder or general contractor, you’ve probably heard the basics: “Check their reviews,” or “Look at their past projects.”
That’s a good start. But if you’re investing $30,000, $100,000, or more, you need more than surface-level advice. You need insights that tell you how the builder really operates when things get tough – especially when the projects hit inevitable challenges.
At Structur, we serve as the homeowner’s advocate, and this is the single question we ask every builder on our clients’ behalf:
The One Question That Can Save Your Project
“How old is the relationship with your oldest trade partner?”
That’s it. And it tells us everything.
Why this matters so much:
- Long relationships = smoother projects. A builder who’s worked with the same subcontractors for years knows their strengths, weaknesses, and how to solve problems together quickly.
- Short relationships = constant headaches. If your builder is cycling through trades every few months, expect delays, communication breakdowns, and a lot of finger-pointing.
Think of it this way: if they can’t keep their subcontractors happy, how will they handle a long-term relationship with you?
Pro tip: Listen for a confident answer. If they hesitate, change the subject, or name someone they “just started working with last year,” proceed with caution.
6 More Red Flags That Should Give You Pause
Even if they pass the “oldest trade partner” test, keep an eye out for these warning signs:
1. A Weak or Limited Portfolio
Great builders are proud to show their work. If they dodge your request for photos, plans, or addresses of past projects, it’s not because they’re modest.
2. High Employee Turnover
Ideally, you want a builder with a stable team who knows how to work together. If the company is newer and doesn’t have long-term staff yet, look for signs of consistency in other areas, like repeat collaborations with the same subcontractors or strong references from recent projects.
3. Inability to Produce Basic Documents Quickly
Change order templates, budgets, schedules – these should be at their fingertips. If it takes a week to send you a simple form, imagine what’ll happen when you need urgent information mid-project.
4. Chronic Scheduling Issues
Every project has hiccups, but if a builder admits they’re regularly three or more months behind schedule, it’s a sign of poor planning or rushed project starts.
5. Poorly Run Job Sites
Visit an active site before you sign a contract. A busy, organized site usually means the builder runs a tight ship. An empty, quiet site often means delays and missed deadlines.
6. Lack of Transparency in Customization and Budget Tracking
Ask how they handle change orders and whether you’ll receive regular budget updates. If the answers are vague, expect surprises.
Structur Can Help You Avoid All of This
The right builder doesn’t just construct your home – they protect your investment, time and peace of mind. Start with the trade partner question, follow up with a healthy dose of red flag detection, and you’ll dramatically increase your odds of a smooth, successful build.
If you don’t have time to manage every moving part, or simply don’t want the stress, we’re here to advocate for you.
