By Jason LaFollette, CEO, LaFollette Custom Homes
Picking your builder is probably the most important decision you’ll make when you build a custom home. With the right one, the process is clear, steady and even fun. It shouldn’t feel like a trip to the dentist.
The hard part is that every builder has a nice website and pretty photos of their best homes. They all say the right things. But not all builders are equal. Here’s what I’d look for.
“Trust Me, You’re Gonna Love It”
A young couple came in to meet with me. After a few meetings, they told me they’d talked to another builder first. He had experience, and a friend had recommended him. But he didn’t have a process. He didn’t even have a house plan. He just told them, “Trust me, you’re gonna love it.”
They left with zero confidence. When they told me, I just laughed. It’s become one of our little sayings around here.
Don’t settle for “trust me.” Look for these three things:
- Clarity. Does the builder actually answer your questions?
- Transparency. Are they open about cost, timelines, and how your choices affect your budget?
- Process. Do they have a simple process you understand? You can nod your head all day long, but if you don’t get it, you won’t feel confident.
You’ll spend about 8 to 12 months with your builder, so pick one you’ll enjoy working with.
QUICK NUMBER · INDUSTRY DATA
Custom homes built by a contractor took about 11.7 months from permit to completion in 2025. (NAHB, using Census data)
A Good Builder Asks You Questions Too
Bring your questions to the first meeting. But also pay attention to what the builder asks you. We ask things like:
- What do you expect from your builder?
- What concerns you the most about this process?
- How will you use this house? Raising kids? Aging in place?
- Have you built before? What went right, and what went wrong?
That first one gets a lot of blank looks. If a builder answers your questions but never asks any of his own, that could be a red flag.
Red Flags to Watch For
Most problems in construction don’t happen because a builder can’t build. They happen because of poor communication, a lack of clarity and no structure. Watch for these:
- They can’t explain their pricing or what drives it.
- Everything sounds easy, cheap and fast.
- They call you back right away, then you don’t hear from them for two or three weeks.
It’s a little like dating. People show you their best side first. If you don’t like what you see up front, it’s probably not going to get better later.
Trust your gut. Go home and think about the conversation. Ask more questions. And if you still can’t get your questions answered, I think you’ve answered your question.
QUICK NUMBER · INDUSTRY DATA
Texas doesn’t have a statewide license for homebuilders. The state stopped registering builders in 2010. Electricians, plumbers and HVAC contractors are licensed, but checking out your builder is up to you. (Texas State Library; Texas Approved Courses)
Software Helps. People Matter More.
Our clients can log into a portal anytime to see progress photos and the schedule. That’s great if you work nights, or you’re up at 2 a.m. with a cup of coffee because you can’t sleep. (Just don’t call us at 2 a.m. If your house is on fire, call 911.)
But nothing replaces talking in person. A good builder meets you on site, walks you through what you’re looking at, and answers every question, even the ones that feel silly.
No Build Is Perfect
We’re taking imperfect materials and imperfect people and trying to build a perfect product. Problems will come up. What matters is how your builder handles them.
One of the most embarrassing moments of my career was on a home for some friends of ours. It was right before the holidays, they’d just moved in, and their kitchen sink and powder bath wouldn’t drain at all. It wasn’t a quick fix. We had to cut into concrete and fix the plumbing under the slab.
I apologized, and the homeowner stopped me. He said he didn’t care that there was a problem. He cared that we took ownership of it, jumped on it right away and got it solved. I’ll never forget that.
You’re the Hero of This Story
It might be a little corny, but I believe it: the customer is the hero of the story. The builder is just the guide.
About 30 years ago, a friend told me a good builder will hold your hand through the process. Not literally, Steve. It means you’re never alone and never have to figure it out yourself.
So slow down. Ask more questions than you think you need to. Judge the experience a builder offers, not just the homes in their photos. If you want a place to start, here are the questions I’d ask any builder.
Next episode: what actually goes into building a custom home. Just a couple of things.
Watch or listen to Episode 4
Steve and I tell these stories better on camera.
Thinking about building in the Brazos Valley? I’d love to talk. Reach out to our team or call (979) 589-8343.
Sources
- NAHB Eye On Housing, “Single-Family Home Construction Time Declines in 2025” (Census Survey of Construction data): https://eyeonhousing.org/2026/09/single-family-home-construction-time-declines-in-2025/
- Texas State Library and Archives, Residential Construction Commission (abolished, effective Sept. 1, 2010): https://www.tsl.texas.gov/node/9821
- Texas Approved Courses, “Is a Texas General Contractor License Required?”: https://www.texasapprovedcourses.com/general-contractor/no-state-license
