The WNC Parade of Homes, presented by Warmstead, returns Oct. 17-18 and Oct. 24-25 with free, self-guided tours from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. each day, giving you a chance to explore homes and talk with the builders behind them. Those conversations can help you understand why a builder chose certain materials, how they handled a tricky lot, or what it would take to bring a feature you love into your own home.
Whether you’re planning a project or just starting to collect ideas, these 10 questions can help turn a walkthrough into a useful conversation.
1. What Was the Biggest Challenge With This Home?
The finished home doesn’t show you everything the builder had to work through. A steep lot might have required retaining walls, a narrow driveway could have complicated material deliveries, or removing drywall in a renovation might have revealed water damage that needed attention before the project could move forward.
Ask how the builder handled the challenge and what homeowners could learn from it. If your own property has a similar issue, mention it. Their experience could help you understand what extra work might be needed and how much time or money to allow for it.
2. What Should I Notice That I Might Otherwise Miss?
The kitchen island probably has your attention. The drainage plan? Maybe less so.
Ask the builder to point out a few details visitors tend to overlook. The builder might point out how the ground slopes to direct rainwater away from the foundation, how extra insulation helps quiet a bedroom, or how storage can be built into otherwise unused space beneath stairs.
3. How Will This Material Hold Up in Everyday Life?
A countertop can look beautiful and still be a poor match for someone who wants minimal upkeep. The same goes for flooring, siding, and decking.
Ask what care a material needs, how it handles wear, and why it was selected. Share a little about your household, too. Dogs, visiting grandchildren, and a dislike of annual maintenance are all factors that will provide useful context for the conversation.
4. What Makes This Home Comfortable and Energy Efficient?
Nobody wants an upstairs bedroom that’s sweltering in July or a living room that stays chilly all winter. Ask the builder what helps keep this home comfortable, from the insulation and windows to the heating and cooling system.
You can also ask whether the home has earned an energy certification and what upkeep the systems need.
5. How Does This Layout Fit the Way the Homeowners Live?
As you walk through, picture how you would use the space. Is there a place to drop shoes and bags by the door? Is the laundry room near the bedrooms? Could you take a work call without hearing everything happening in the kitchen?
Ask the builder what the homeowners wanted from the layout and how those needs shaped the design. Then think about what would work for you.
6. Could This Feature Work in My Home?
If you’re planning a remodel and you love something about the Parade home you’re visiting, ask whether a similar idea could work in yours. Maybe it’s a walk-in pantry, built-in breakfast seating, or doors that open onto a screened-in porch.
Describe your current space and ask what changes might be needed. Would you have to move plumbing, take out a wall, or build an addition? The builder would need to see your home to give specific advice, but this conversation can help you understand whether you’re considering a small update or a bigger project.
7. Where Would You Recommend Spending More, and Where Could I Save?
Ask where the builder recommends spending more and where less expensive options could work well. For example, would they invest in better windows but choose simpler light fixtures? Which features would be difficult or costly to upgrade later?
You can also ask about costs that can be easy to overlook. The price of a tile or countertop is only part of the total cost. Installation and ongoing maintenance matter, too.
8. Is My Type of Project a Good Fit for Your Team?
Admiring someone’s work is a good start. Finding out whether they would take on your kind of project is the next step.
Briefly describe what you’re considering, where it’s located, and any timing or budget expectations you have. If it sounds like a fit, ask about availability and the best way to arrange a follow-up conversation.
9. How Do You Keep Homeowners Informed During a Project?
Ask how the builder keeps clients updated once work begins. Are there regular check-ins? Who is the main contact for questions? How do clients know when it’s time to choose flooring, cabinets, or other finishes?
Find out how changes are handled, too. If a client decides to add built-in shelves or choose a different countertop, how does the builder explain the extra cost and any effect on the schedule before getting approval?
These questions can help clarify how the builder works with clients, from making decisions to handling surprises.
10. What Should I Have Ready for Our First Meeting?
If you would like to discuss your project after the Parade, ask what the builder needs to get the conversation started. Examples of designs you like, a budget range, and a list of priorities may be helpful.
You might also ask whether you need to meet with an architect or designer first, or whether the builder can help you find the right people for that part of the project.
Pick Your Stops and Bring Your Questions
Ready to put your questions to work? The WNC Parade of Homes, presented by Warmstead, returns Oct. 17-18 and Oct. 24-25, with free, self-guided tours from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. each day. Visit WNCParadeofHomes.com to browse the digital Parade magazine, choose your must-see homes, and plan your route with the in-person tour map. Check each listing before heading out, as some entries are available exclusively online.
