What Should I Ask a Luxury Home Builder Before Hiring Them?

What Is Your Design and Construction Process?

A professional builder should be able to explain its process clearly.

Ask what happens after the initial consultation. Find out how the site is evaluated, how design decisions are coordinated, how plans are developed, how permitting is handled, when construction begins, how selections are made, and how the final walkthrough is managed.

Reeland's stated Manhattan Beach process begins with site and lot evaluation, followed by design and permitting, construction, and a final walkthrough and delivery.

A clearly defined process can make a complex luxury project easier for the homeowner to understand.

How Do You Handle Permits and City Requirements?

Permitting should never be treated as an afterthought.

Ask which party is responsible for preparing and submitting plans, responding to plan-check comments, coordinating required approvals, and tracking permits.

Manhattan Beach provides specific plan-check requirements and construction forms through its Community Development Department.

A builder with local experience should be able to explain its role in coordinating the permitting process while recognizing that requirements vary by project.

What Is Included in Your Construction Estimate?

Price is important, but the lowest initial estimate is not necessarily the best value.