The reason why is simple: homeowners often forget to ask important questions before moving forward with a project!
At Dunn & Stone, we’ve seen what happens when key questions go unasked. But having a few smart conversations up front can prevent surprises and stress later.
Before you even think about picking a floor plan or signing a contract, ask the following questions to protect your budget, timeline, and peace of mind.
1. Questions To Ask About Experience & Track Record
Before you trust a builder, you need to understand the quality of their previous work.
These questions help you understand what kinds of homes they’ve built, and whether you’ll feel comfortable working with them on something this important.
How Many Homes Like Mine Have You Built?
This tells you how familiar they are with your project type. A builder who’s already built homes like yours will know what pitfalls to avoid and how to handle the small details that make a big difference.
How Long Have You Been In Business?
There’s nothing wrong with working with a newer company, but longevity is an important trust signal.
A home builder who’s weathered tough markets, changing codes, and dozens of builds has likely built reliable systems and long-term vendor relationships.
They likely have systems and industry knowledge that can save you time, money, and headaches.
Can I Tour A Home You’ve Built Recently?
Photos can be misleading. Seeing the finished product gives you a feel for the quality of building materials and craftsmanship.
If possible, ask to tour more than one home to get a sense of how consistent their quality is from project to project.
Have You Built In This Area Or Neighborhood Before?
A builder with local experience knows how to navigate local codes, utility access, and local permitting.
They might also have insights on neighborhood landscaping requirements, homeowners associations, or site-specific issues like drainage or soil quality.
What Style Of Home Do You Specialize In?
If your dream home is modern but the builder mostly creates traditional homes with formal dining rooms and hardwood floors, you may run into creative limitations.
Check that their aesthetic and skill set match your vision, or be ready to compromise.
What Challenges Have You Faced On Recent Builds, And How Did You Solve Them?
This question reveals more than you might think. Listen for when the builder takes ownership and deflects blame.
The right home builder will be honest about setbacks and clear about how they responded.
2. Questions About The Building Process, Timeline & Communication
The building process happens after weeks or even months of important decisions.
These questions give an understanding of how your custom home builder works, how long they take, and how well you’ll be kept in the loop from start to finish.
What’s The Timeline From Breaking Ground To Move-In?
Asking this helps you plan around leases, school calendars, and life in general.
A clear explanation here is a good sign that the builder has a repeatable, organized process.
You’ll get a better sense of when you’ll need to make big decisions (like picking upgrades or approving layouts), and when you’ll just be waiting while crews work.
How Often Do You Finish Builds On Time?
Any builder can promise a timeline. But do they hit them? And what they do when things shift?
Ask for examples from prior home buyers or past clients if you can.
How Do You Handle Construction Delays?
This is a good way to understand how they operate under pressure. If they have a system for weather delays or shipping issues, great. If they just “see what happens,” that’s a big red flag.
Who Will Be My Main Point Of Contact During The Project?
You don’t want to chase updates across five different points of contact. A strong company will have one project manager or site supervisor dedicated to your build.
How Often Will I Get Updates, And Where?
Clear, regular communication prevents confusion. Ask if updates come weekly, biweekly, or only when something major happens. Also, find out whether they’ll contact you by phone, email, or app.
Can I Make Changes To The Plans Once Construction Begins?
Even if your plans are locked in, things can change. This question tells you how flexible the builder is, what the extra fees might be, and how changes will affect your timeline or final price.
3. Questions About Budget, Final Price & Extra Fees
Builders vary widely in how they quote and bill. Use these questions to avoid sticker shock, lock in a realistic payment schedule, and understand what’s going to cost extra.
What’s Included In The Base Price Of The Home?
The base price often sounds great, until you realize it doesn’t include flooring, appliances, or the standard features you saw in the model home.
Ask this to get a clear sense of what’s considered an upgrade.
How Is The Final Price Determined?
Some builders work off a detailed contract with a fixed price.
Other builders bill based on costs, plus a markup.
This question shows how much pricing flexibility you’ll have and what happens if your material choices or layout change along the way.
Are There Extra Fees For Change Orders?
Even a small layout tweak or material swap can cost more than you expect.
Some builders charge a flat fee for changes. Others apply a percentage of the total cost.
Asking this helps you budget for mid-project decisions without feeling boxed in.
What Happens If We Go Over Budget?
A good builder will offer ways to bring the cost back down, whether that’s by changing materials, scaling back on square footage, or delaying certain add-ons.
Will I Get A Full Cost Breakdown Before We Sign A Contract?
A reputable builder will give you a line-by-line cost breakdown, with allowances for key categories like cabinets, flooring, or fixtures. This helps prevent unpleasant surprises halfway through construction.
Do You Track Construction Costs In Real Time, And Will I Have Access To Them?
Some builders use software that lets clients monitor expenses as they happen.
Others keep it old school and share updates when asked.
This question tells you how much financial visibility you’ll have once things are underway, and how often you’ll need to request updates.
How Do You Help Clients Stay Within Budget Without Sacrificing Quality?
This is where you learn if the builder is a partner or just a contractor.
A custom home builder with real home building experience will have creative ways to value-engineer your project (swapping materials, adjusting scope, or sequencing upgrades) so you get the most important benefits without blowing the budget.
4. Questions About Building Materials, Subcontractors & Construction Quality
Many builders use subcontractors. But not all subcontractors take pride in their work.
These questions help you understand what’s behind the walls of your new home, who’s doing the building, and how much say you’ll have in the finished product.
What Building Materials Do You Use As Standard?
Ask for a written list of standard materials for roofing, framing, siding, and flooring, so you can make informed decisions if you want to upgrade.
Can I Choose My Own Finishes, Brands, Or Suppliers?
This question tells you how much creative freedom you’ll have.
If the builder only works with specific vendors or product lines, you might be limited in how custom your dream home really is.
If flexibility matters to you, ask what’s possible and how price is affected.
Do You Use In-House Crews Or Subcontractors?
Some builders have their own team. Others contract out everything from drywall to trim.
Neither is necessarily better, but you want to know who will be on your job site and how consistently they deliver.
A builder who’s worked with the same subs for years usually produces a more predictable home build.
How Do You Vet Your Subcontractors?
If your builder uses subcontractors, do they check licensing, references, or reviews?
Do they keep the same trades for every project, or hire whoever’s available?
You want a builder who holds everyone involved to a high-quality standard.
How Often Is The Job Site Inspected?
Frequent, scheduled inspections by the builder, project manager, or third-party professionals help catch issues early.
Ask how often they inspect work at each phase, including foundation, framing, electrical, and finish.
Do You Use Energy-Efficient Or Sustainable Materials?
Energy-efficient homes are more comfortable, cheaper to maintain, and better for resale.
Builders who offer upgraded insulation, low-E windows, and high-efficiency HVAC as part of their standard features are typically more up-to-date than builders who don’t.
Will The Home Be Easy To Update Or Expand In The Future?
A smart floor plan today can make life easier down the road. Ask how flexible the layout and foundation are if you want to expand or modify your home in the future.
5. Questions About Warranties, Post-Move-In Support & Long-Term Value
These questions help you understand what kind of support you’ll get if something goes wrong and how well the builder stands behind their work over time.
What Warranty Is Included With The Home?
Most builders offer a 1-year workmanship warranty and longer coverage for major systems.
Some offer third-party warranties for extra peace of mind.
Ask for details in writing so you know what’s covered, for how long, and who to contact if there’s an issue.
What Does The Warranty Actually Cover?
Ask specific questions about what happens if HVAC fails, drywall cracks, or caulking separates.
What Happens If Something Breaks After We Move In?
This gives you a sense of the builder’s follow-through.
Will they send a technician? Refer you to a vendor? Leave you to handle it yourself?
A good builder has a process to offer post-move support without runaround.
Do You Offer Service Support Or Repairs After Closing?
Beyond warranty work, some builders offer repair visits or tune-ups in the first year.
Ask how they handle punch lists, minor fixes, or maintenance walkthroughs after you move in.
This tells you whether they value long-term relationships or just hand off the keys and disappear.
Will There Be A Final Walkthrough Before Move-In?
This is your chance to catch issues before they become your problem.
A thorough final walkthrough should include everything from outlet testing to trim alignment.
Make sure the builder gives you time to walk the entire home and create a punch list. A 10-minute glance isn’t going to cut it.
Are There Future Development Plans In The Area That Could Affect The Value Of My Home?
This question shows that you’re thinking long term.
A builder who knows the neighborhood should be able to speak to nearby projects, zoning changes, or upcoming commercial developments that might affect traffic, noise, or resale value.
The right builder will help you plan around this question instead of dodging it.
Ask The Right Questions & Build With Confidence
If there’s one thing we’ve learned over the past decade, it’s this: problems in a home build rarely come from what’s asked.
They come from what’s left unsaid.
Questions are tools to help you speak up, slow down, and build the kind of clarity most homeowners don’t get until it’s too late.
Use the list of questions above to help you avoid the regrets we’ve seen far too often from people who signed with other builders.
At Dunn & Stone, we believe the best outcomes happen when homeowners are informed, involved, and treated like partners, not passengers.
We take the time to listen, answer every question, and build a plan that works for your life, not just your lot.
180-day workmanship guarantee, longest on this list
Covers rust, corrosion, and unknown pre-existing conditions
Great for normal wear and tear on HVAC, electrical, and plumbing
Straightforward plans
Lower-than-average service request fees
Several plans come with no service fees
Highly flexible, system-specific plans tailored to your needs
Affordable entry pricing starts at $7/month for individual plans
Fixed $85 service fee helps homeowners budget confidently
Broad home warranty cover for HVAC, appliances, and more
Includes optional coverage for issues like roof leaks
Generous HVAC coverage, ideal for Texas heat
Transparent pricing, rare in the industry
Wide range of add-on options for upscale homes
Cons
Lower coverage limits on some repairs raise out-of-pocket repair costs
Some service fee options are unclear until you begin the sign-up process
Occasional complaints about delays in technician assignment
Higher premiums compared to more affordable plans
Few add-on coverage options
Some complaints of poor customer service and long claim resolution times
Less budget-friendly for cost-conscious homeowners
Limited add-on coverage selection
Does not cover pre-existing conditions, limiting protection for older homes
HVAC coverage not included in the “Repair Only” plan
No roof leak coverage
Higher service request fees than competitors
Limited add-on options
Comprehensive coverage requires stacking plans
Bundled options are confusing, not necessarily comprehensive
Frequent reports of claim denials
Mixed customer service reviews
Fewer added perks than competitors
Some customers report slow claim processing
Add-ons can raise the overall cost quickly if you're not careful
Our Top Pick: Liberty Home Guard
If you're looking for the best home warranty company in Texas, Liberty Home Guard stands out as the top choice in 2025.
It’s not the cheapest option on the list, but it consistently ranks as one of the top home warranty providers thanks to its strong home warranty coverage, fast service, and unmatched flexibility.
Liberty’s plans are designed for real life in Texas, where dual air conditioning systems, major home systems, and high summer temps are the norm.
It’s one of the few home warranty companies that includes coverage for two electric AC units in its standard plan.
What also sets Liberty apart is its level of customization.
With over 30 add-on coverage options, homeowners can build a plan that fits their property perfectly, whether they need coverage for a septic system, a swimming pool, or extra laundry appliances.
This kind of flexibility is rare among other home warranty companies.
It’s not just the coverage options that impress, though.
Liberty earns high marks from home warranty customers for its responsiveness and customer service.
You can manage your home warranty contract through their mobile app, which many Texas homeowners love for the convenience when filing a claim or tracking repairs.
Dual AC coverage in the base plan, ideal for Texas heat
High customer satisfaction
Over 30 add-ons for extra coverage
Mobile app and live chat support
Cons
Lower coverage limits on some repairs raise out-of-pocket repair costs
Some service fee options are unclear until you begin the sign-up process
Occasional complaints about delays in technician assignment
Runner Up: American Home Shield
Coming in close behind Liberty, American Home Shield ranks as one of the best home warranty providers in Texas for 2025.
With over 50 years of experience and broad home warranty coverage that includes preexisting conditions, this provider has built a strong reputation among homeowners with older homes, aging heating systems, and major appliances.
In a 2025 This Old House survey, 44% of Texas homeowners selected American Home Shield as their current provider, making it one of the most widely used Texas home warranty companies.
Our favorite features is the $5,000 HVAC coverage cap per system, which is ideal for the Texas climate. The reason we love it is because A/C repairs are some of the most common (and expensive) home service calls made in the Houston area.
Quick Facts: American Home Shield
Feature
Details
Texas Coverage
✅ Yes
Covers Major Home Systems & Appliances
✅ Yes
Monthly Premium
Starts at $39
Service Fee
$100–$125 (customer selects at sign-up)
Typical Response Time
Varies (reports range from 24 hours to multiple weeks)
Mobile app allows you to request service anytime, anywhere
Cons
Higher premiums compared to more affordable plans
Few add-on coverage options
Some complaints of poor customer service and long claim resolution times
Other Great Home Warranty Companies In Texas
While Liberty Home Guard and American Home Shield earned our top spots, they’re not the only Texas home warranty companies worth your attention.
Several other home warranty providers offer solid coverage, competitive pricing, and reliable service.
If you're looking for alternatives that still deliver great value and protection for your covered home systems, the options below are absolutely still worth considering.
First American Home Warranty
While it’s a bit pricier than some affordable plans (with monthly premiums starting at $42), First American Home Warranty makes up for it with higher coverage limits and solid protection for both major appliances and covered systems.
This is especially appealing to owners of high-end homes in Houston.
Some plans offer up to $7,000 in appliance coverage and unlimited HVAC system coverage, which is what makes this company a strong contender for anyone who wants broad, comprehensive coverage (as long as you’re willing to pay a little more for it).
One standout feature is the First American Advantage upgrade, which adds protection for poor installation issues not always covered under standard home warranty plans.
Great for normal wear and tear on HVAC, electrical, and plumbing
Straightforward plans
Lower-than-average service request fees
Cons
Limited add-on options
HomeServe
HomeServe offers a different take on home warranty coverage in Texas, and it works well for homeowners who want low service fees and highly targeted protection.
Instead of bundling everything into one plan, HomeServe allows you to pick and choose the covered systems you care about most, like plumbing, electrical, or HVAC.
To sweeten the deal, several of their plans have no service fees at all.
That’s a massive advantage if you’re looking to reduce out-of-pocket costs on normal wear repairs.
But because each system is covered under a separate plan, achieving full comprehensive coverage can get pricey.
You may need to purchase multiple plans to match the kind of protection you’d get from bundled providers like Liberty or options found on American Home Shield’s website.
Highly flexible, system-specific plans tailored to your needs
Affordable entry pricing starts at $7/month for individual plans
Cons
Comprehensive coverage requires stacking plans
Bundled options are confusing, not necessarily comprehensive
Choice Home Warranty
With one of the most affordable home warranty plans in Texas, Choice Home Warranty offers monthly premiums starting at $35 and a predictable, fixed $85 service fee.
It’s a budget-friendly option for homeowners who want wide home warranty coverage without a complicated pricing model.
Choice’s plans cover both HVAC systems and major appliances, and they include extras that other low-cost providers skip like limited roof leak coverage.
It’s a strong fit for value-seekers who still want protection for high-cost repairs.
However, Choice’s reputation comes with a caveat.
Despite its large customer base (49,000+ reviews on Trustpilot), it has received criticism for poor customer service and claim denials more frequently than top competitors.
Fixed $85 service fee helps homeowners budget confidently
Broad home warranty cover for HVAC, appliances, and more
Includes optional coverage for issues like roof leaks
Cons
Frequent reports of claim denials
Mixed customer service reviews
Fewer added perks than competitors
Home Warranty of America
Home Warranty of America (HWA) offers plans designed for both homeowners and real estate professionals, which makes it a versatile choice for a wide range of Texans.
Known for its transparent pricing and solid HVAC coverage, HWA is a wise pick for those living in hotter climates like Houston where AC systems get put to the test.
Plans start at $46/month, and coverage includes major appliances and systems, with HVAC protection capped at $5,000.
While the base pricing is competitive, be aware that add-on options can increase costs quickly, especially if you’re customizing coverage for a high-end or custom-built home.
Add-ons can raise the overall cost quickly if you're not careful
How We Picked The Top Home Warranty Companies Of 2025
Companies with the best home warranties in Texas respond quickly, partner with licensed local contractors, and actually follow through on their repair guarantees.
Here’s the criteria we used to build our list of the top home warranty companies in 2025. The companies on the list needed to meet at least 4 of 5 of these requirements in order to make the list.
Must cover critical systems and appliances
Texas homeowners face unique challenges due to the climate. Houston’s heat and humidity put a serious strain on air conditioning systems, plumbing, and electrical systems, which means warranties that skip these aren’t worth your time.
In fact, in a recent 2025 survey by Texas Homeowner Trends, 63% of respondents ranked air conditioning coverage as their top priority when choosing a home warranty in Texas.
Builders also care. They want home warranty companies that cover the systems and appliances they install to avoid post-sale arguments over repairs.
Must be priced for Texas homeowners
We only selected companies whose plans fall within the average home warranty cost range for Texas in 2025. That’s between $52 and $80 per month.
This range reflects pricing for the Houston area, which is one of the state’s most active homebuilding markets.
Plans that are too cheap often have low coverage limits. Plans that are too expensive may not offer enough value for what they charge.
Must have strong online reviews
We only considered companies with an average customer satisfaction rating of at least 4 out of 5 stars across sites like Trustpilot.
High scores show how the company handles real-world problems and home warranty service issues effectively.
Must offer fast, reliable service within a maximum of 48 hours
Texas homes can’t afford to wait for repair when the AC unit breaks down in the middle of summer.
Every company on our list offers quick service calls, a strong contractor network, and local availability for licensed repairs.
The Bottom Line
There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to home warranty coverage in Texas, and that’s exactly why we created this guide.
From dual AC unit coverage to low service fees and comprehensive plans with high coverage limits, each of the companies we reviewed brings something different to the table.
Here’s the short version:
Liberty Home Guard is our top pick for its flexibility, customer satisfaction, and coverage designed for Texas heat.
American Home Shield stands out for high HVAC caps and coverage for older homes with no maintenance records required.
And for those on a tighter budget or looking for niche protections, companies like Cinch, HomeServe, and First American still offer reliable service — even if they don’t hit every mark.
So which warranty fits your situation best?
Best For First-Time Homeowners: American Home Shield
AHS offers peace of mind with broad coverage, no maintenance history requirements, and helpful tech features like 24/7 service requests and live video chat support.
Best For Budget-Conscious Homeowners: Cinch Home Services
Starting at just $35/month, Cinch offers solid protection with extras like rust coverage and a $500 homeowners insurance deductible reimbursement.
It’s a budget-friendly pick that still comes with a 180-day workmanship guarantee, which is one of the best in the business.
Best For Homeowners Who Want Total Coverage: Liberty Home Guard
With over 30 optional add-ons, dual AC unit coverage in the base plan, and a strong contractor network, Liberty is built for homeowners who want it all.
It’s the best choice for anyone building a custom home or looking to cover systems that most providers skip.
If you’re building a new home in the Houston area, choosing the right home warranty company is only part of the equation. You also need a builder who cares about long-term quality, not just closing day.
At Dunn & Stone Builders, we partner with trusted home warranty providers and build every home with longevity in mind.
Contact us today to talk about how we can help you bring your dream home vision to life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Best Home Warranty Company In Texas?
The best home warranty company in Texas is Liberty Home Guard. It offers fast service, strong customer satisfaction, and plans tailored to Texas homes, including dual AC coverage.
Which Home Warranty Providers Have The Highest Customer Satisfaction?
Liberty Home Guard and American Home Shield lead in customer satisfaction, with 4.5-star or higher ratings on review sites like Trustpilot and the Better Business Bureau.
What Does Home Warranty Coverage Typically Include?
Home warranty coverage usually includes major systems like HVAC, plumbing, and electrical, plus key appliances such as refrigerators, ovens, and washers.
Are All Home Warranty Plans Available In Texas?
No, not all home warranty plans are available in Texas. Only licensed Texas home warranty companies can offer coverage in the state.
Which Home Warranty Companies Offer The Best Repair Guarantee?
Cinch Home Services offers the best repair guarantee, with a 180-day workmanship guarantee that’s six times longer than the industry standard.
How Do I Choose Between Different Home Warranty Providers?
Look for providers with fast service times, high customer satisfaction, competitive pricing, and strong coverage for systems common in Texas homes.
What Should I Look For In Home Warranty Plans For Texas?
Look for home warranty plans that include HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems, offer reasonable monthly rates, and have a solid contractor network for quick repairs.
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