1. Are You Licensed and Insured to Work in Arkansas (and My Specific City)?

In Arkansas, residential home builders are required to hold a state contractor’s license for any project over $2,000. Beyond that, many cities—like Bentonville, Fayetteville, and Rogers—may also require local business licenses or registration to pull permits.

2. Can I See Recent Homes You’ve Built?

A reputable builder will have a portfolio of completed homes and client references. Even better, they might offer walkthroughs of in-progress builds, so you can see their craftsmanship and cleanliness on-site.

3. Who Will Be Managing My Project Day-to-Day?

Is the person you're meeting with your actual project manager—or just a salesperson? Make sure you know who your main point of contact will be throughout the build and how often you’ll receive updates.

4. What’s Your Typical Build Timeline for Homes Like Mine?

Custom home builds in Northwest Arkansas can vary in duration, but a builder should be able to give you a realistic timeline based on your square footage and selections. Beware of vague answers or promises that sound too good to be true.

5. Do You Use Subcontractors or In-House Crews?

Most builders use subcontractors, but not all subs are equal. Ask whether the builder uses licensed, qualified tradespeople and how long they’ve worked with their current team. Strong subcontractor relationships often mean better quality and scheduling.

6. How Do You Handle Changes or Upgrades During the Build?

Even with perfect planning, you’ll likely want to make a few changes. Understand the builder’s change order process, what’s allowed after construction begins, and whether there are fees involved.

7. What’s Included in the Base Price—and What’s Not?

Some builders advertise low prices that exclude key elements like driveways, landscaping, or even appliances. Get a detailed breakdown of what’s included in the standard contract and what costs extra.

8. Can You Help with Design, or Do I Need to Hire an Architect?

Some builders offer in-house design services or partner with local designers and architects. If you don’t already have a plan, ask if your builder can help you create or modify one to match your vision and budget.

9. What’s Your Warranty Program Like?

A solid warranty is a reflection of a builder’s confidence in their work. Ask about their post-build service, what’s covered under warranty, and how long coverage lasts. In Northwest Arkansas, a 1-year workmanship and 10-year structural warranty is standard—but not guaranteed.

10. How Do You Communicate With Clients Throughout the Build?

Clear communication prevents surprises. Will you get weekly updates? Photos? Site visits? Ask how they keep you informed and involved without causing delays.

Final Thoughts

Building a custom home in Northwest Arkansas is a big investment—and you deserve a builder who’s transparent, qualified, and committed to your vision.

At Beacon Homes, we pride ourselves on making the home-building process clear, collaborative, and enjoyable. If you’re ready to build or still just gathering info, we’d love to answer these 10 questions—and any more you’ve got.