Buying a new construction home is an exciting time. But it’s also a time when you need to be extra vigilant. After all, when you buy a new construction home, you are not just buying a house, you are buying into a community, and you are trusting the builder to create a safe and comfortable place for you and your family to live.
46 Questions to ask before buying a new construction home:
- What is the builder’s reputation?
- Have there been any lawsuits filed against the developer?
- What is the quality of the construction?
- Have there been delays in previous projects? If so, why?
- Has the company been in business for some time?
- Does the builder use green building practices?
- What are the restrictions on making changes to the house?
- Can I see a copy of the plans for the home?
- What kind of warranty does the builder offer?
- Do they have model homes that I can tour?
- What is the total cost of the home, including land, materials, labor, and other related costs?
- What is included in the price of the home (e.g. appliances, countertops, etc.)?
- What is the price per square meter?
- Are there any hidden costs? (e.g. HOA fees, utility hookups, etc.)
- What financing options do I have?
- Do you currently have any promotions or discounts on offer?
- How long will it take to build my home?
- When is the estimated completion date?
- What is the warranty for the home?
- What is the warranty for the appliances?
- What type of landscaping is provided in the front and back yards?
- What type of framing does the house have?
- What type of exterior finish does the house have?
- What is the size of the bedrooms and bathrooms?
- Where are the electrical outlets located in each room?
- Is there a guest room or an office?
- What type of insulation is used?
- What type of windows will be used?
- How many floors does the house have?
- Does the house have a basement? If so, is it finished or unfinished?
- Is there a garage or a carport?
- Are there decks, patios, or porches?
- What type of flooring will be in each room? Carpet, hardwood, tile, etc.?
- What type of countertops will there be in the kitchen and bathrooms? Granite, quartz, laminate, etc.?
- What brand of appliances will be in the kitchen?
- What type of heating and cooling system is installed in the home?
- Are solar panels installed on the property?
- Is the home wired for high-speed internet?
- Does the home have a security system installed?
- Can I make changes to the floor plan or finishes after I sign my contract? If so, how much will these changes cost me?
- What type of materials will be used in the construction?
- Can I get a tour of one of the completed homes?
- Who do I contact if I have questions or need help after I move in?
- What is the estimated annual property tax for the home?
- What type of insurance do I need for my new home (e homeowners insurance)? Does my homeowners’ association have insurance that covers common areas and amenities (e.g., recreation center)?
- Are there references I can talk to?
11 Questions to ask about the community of the new construction home:
- Are there age restrictions in the community?
- Is the community pet-friendly? If so, are there breed or size restrictions?
- What amenities does the community offer? (e.g., swimming pool, playground, etc.)
- What is the monthly homeowners association fee?
- What does the homeowners association fee cover?
- What school district is the community in?
- How close is the community to shopping, dining, and entertainment options?
- How close is the community to major highways?
- What is the crime rate in the area?
- Has there been any recent flooding in the area?
- Is there public transportation in the vicinity? If so, what type (e.g., bus, train)?
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can you learn more about buying a new construction home?
If you are interested in buying a new construction home, there are a few sources you can consult. First, your real estate agent should be able to give you a list of new construction homes in your area. In addition, there are several websites that specialize in listing new construction homes. Finally, you can find listings for new construction homes in many local newspapers.
What do you need to know before you meet with a home builder?
When meeting with a home builder, it’s important to be aware of their experience and specialties. Ask about the builder’s previous projects and what types of homes they are comfortable building.
It’s also important to get a sense of the builder’s personality and communication style. Make sure you have a clear idea of your budget and what you hope to get out of the project. Knowing in advance what you need and want can make the meeting more productive.
How can you check the quality of the construction of your home?
One way to check the quality of your home construction is to look for defects such as cracks in the foundation, water damage, or windows and doors that are not properly sealed. You can also ask the builder to give you a list of references from previous clients. If possible, visit some of these homes and ask the homeowners about their experience with the builder. Finally, make sure you get a warranty from the builder in case any problems arise.
Conclusion
We hope this list of questions has been helpful in guiding you through the process of buying a new construction home! Buying a new construction home is a big decision – but we know you will make the right choice for you and your family with careful consideration and due diligence. Wishing you all the best with your homebuying journey!
