The #1 Question to Ask a Builder Before You Commit (And Why It Matters More Than You Think)
Building a home is one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make — but choosing the right builder is just as important as the floor plan you fall in love with.
There are dozens of questions you could ask your builder…
But there’s one that rises above the rest. And it might just save you from disappointment, delays, or extra costs.
So what is it?
❓ The Question:
“How did you calculate your Provisional Sums and PC Item allowances?”
🔍 Why This Question Matters:
Because what’s on paper may not reflect reality.
Most builders include PC Items (Prime Cost Items) and Provisional Sums (P Sums) in your contract — which look like they’re included in your build price.
But these are often underestimated to keep the contract price attractive.
So if the allowance for tapware is $2,000, but your taste leans more toward $4,000 selections, that difference comes from your pocket — not theirs.
🧠 What a Transparent Builder Will Do:
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Clearly explain how they calculated each allowance
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Provide examples from previous builds
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Adjust PC Item values based on your personal style and inclusions
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Show soil reports or engineering inputs for provisional sums
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Encourage you to check before you commit
⚠️ Red Flags to Watch For:
🚩 “We just used average numbers.”
🚩 “Don’t worry about that — it’s all standard.”
🚩 “We’ll deal with that after contract signing.”
📌 Other Great Questions to Ask:
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Can you show me examples of similar builds?
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What’s excluded from the base price?
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Do you do fixed-price or cost-plus contracts?
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Who supervises my build?
The question might seem small — but the answer can tell you everything about how your builder communicates, estimates, and supports your vision.
So before you sign anything, ask the question that reveals how honest and prepared they really are.
Want to feel fully prepared? Download our Free Pre-Start Checklist — everything you should know (and ask) before building.