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| Why a new home? |
In the case of new homes. You will have the advantage of witness the
building process while your home is being constructed. You will also
have warranty service after closing. It's tempting to assume that
new construction is sound construction, but that's not always the
case. To evaluate a builder's reputation you may want to
- Proud to be the first owner of a home who can expression preference
on options, decorating and landscaping.
- You don't have to worry about replacing old/dirty stuff such
as carpet, bathroom fixture etc. You select the colors of the
paint, wallpaper, appliances, flooring, etc.
- A new home equipped with all new appliances and plumbing fixtures
with warranty.
- A new home is configured to suit your needs and features numerous
conveniences such as built-in appliances and walk in closets.
They are also being wired to take full advantage of today's communication
and entertainment technologies.
- New homes carry better warranties, and new home builders are
subject to more stringent disclosure standards than existing home
sellers.
- New homes are safer. They feature better wiring systems and
meet today's stricter building codes.
- New homes are healthier because asbestos, lead, and other hazardous
materials have been eliminated from home building products.
- New homes are more energy efficient. Due to better windows,
more efficient heating and cooling equipment, better control of
air infiltration, and greater use of insulation, new homes are
twice as energy efficient as homes built prior to 1980.
- Existing homes require more maintenance and upkeep than new
homes
- New homes are less expensive to maintain. A new home can be
operated for 20-30% less than a home built in the 60's.
- New home design are made with the current and potential future
trends in mind, and is more attractive than old models.
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| Buying A New Home |
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In the case of new homes. You will have the advantage of witness
the building process while your home is being constructed. You will
also have warranty service after closing. It's tempting to assume
that new construction is sound construction, but that's not always
the case. To evaluate a builder's reputation you may want to
- Visit other projects (especially older
projects) that the same developer built.
Look for durability of construction.
- Talk to homeowners in these developments and
in the one you're considering.
Find out how well the builder responds to complaints and follows
up on repairs. Some developers have a person or department right
on site to handle repairs.
- Talk to authorities.
Contact the Better Business Bureau (link), the state's regulatory
agency for builders, and the county courthouse. Find out if there
have been any complaints, disciplinary actions or lawsuits against
the builder.
We suggest that you hire an inspector to inspect the home at the critical
stages during construction. Also see check out tip HERE.
What to Expect during Construction
Before you enter into a contract to buy a new home, find out exactly
what is included in the price. How many of the classy upgrades displayed
in the builder's model will you have to pay extra for? Are the carpets,
light fixtures, doors, and windows the same grade you will get in
your new home? Are window coverings and landscaping included or do
you pay extra for these? An itemized list of finishing details and
who will pay for them should be included in the purchase agreement
and should be signed by you and the builder.
Your builder should give you an outline of what to expect at each
of the various stages of construction, as well as a schedule of meetings
with your builder or superintendent. Expect a minimum of three scheduled
meetings with your builder: at groundbreaking, at the drywall stage,
and prior to closing.
You probably will visit the construction site often to monitor progress.
If you see something that looks out of place or wrong, contact your
builder immediately. You don't have to be a carpenter to see gaps
in crown molding joints or sloppy painting.
Though there will always be variations from the models you visit,
you should expect the same quality of workmanship in the construction
of your new home. If you should see anything that is not up to your
expectations, be sure to let your builder know before you close and
accept the home.
The construction process will put you on a roller coaster of emotions.
Just try to remember that this is a normal part of homebuilding--we
all go through it in some degree. The good news is... it's all worth
it!
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Equal Housing Opportunity 
