Tuesday July 1 - Questions to Ask Builders Question: Do you have suggestions regarding important questions I should ask prospective builders? Answer: You certainly want to know about costs, designs, options, siting, materials, technologies and completion dates, but as a new-home buyer there are other steps you should take to protect your interests. First, you want a licensed home inspector to examine the property when the basement foundation is finished, when the walls are up but not sealed and at the walk-through. Second, you want to speak with mortgage lenders to see what financing is available and at what cost so you can judge an alternative offer made by the builder's lender. Third, you want to speak with past buyers to see how they were treated and whether they would again buy from the builder. ========================