Your satisfaction with your home will depend on the quality of the craftsmanship and the building materials used. Find out who the builder is and ask if they have any previous builds you can tour. Take a drive around previously built neighborhoods and ask residents their thoughts about the builder. You can also check for reviews online using websites like the Better Business Bureau. You may also want to ask about who will oversee construction and which employees will be doing the building, because your home is in their hands.

Builders should be able to provide an estimate of how long the build will take to complete. Although they can’t predict unexpected delays, the estimate should help you make a rough plan for when you can move in and how long you will need to stay in your current home. Make sure the estimate includes the time needed to get all of the necessary permits, because that can take a while.Ask them what happens if there are delays, and whether it’s possible to include a per diem payment in the event that your construction goes beyond its deadline.

When you tour the model home, remember that model homes typically include all the bells and whistles, but most of those upgrades cost extra. Ask exactly which features are included with the base price of the home, as well as when you will need to decide on the upgrades you want in your home. Get the prices for everything so you can determine whether it would be cheaper to pay for an upgrade or buy and install a feature or appliance yourself.

Most home builders offer some sort of warranty, but details can vary. Ask what is included in the warranty and how long it lasts (six months, one year, 10 years). It’s best to do this before closing, when you have a bit more leverage. The last thing you want is to move into your new home and have something break, only to find out your warranty doesn’t cover the repairs.

There are three main options for buying a new construction home.
The price of land is almost never a factor when purchasing a new construction home, unless you are buying the land and hiring the builder, as in scenario one.

Some builders are restrictive about this. See if you can do periodic check-ins to make sure things are coming along as you envisioned. It’s usually better for both parties if you request adjustments early on in the building process, before the final touches are complete.

Just because the home is new doesn’t mean it’s without defect. It’s recommended to hire an independent inspector to make sure everything is being built to code. Have them examine the home at two different times—once before finishes are complete and once before closing.

Builders sometimes prefer to keep everything in-house in order to lower costs. They often offer incentives, such as discounted closing costs or deals on upgrades, for working with their preferred lender. However, a builder offering incentives to go with a specific lender doesn’t mean that you should just automatically select that lender. Work with a lender you trust to ensure you’re getting the best loan for you. Look for lenders that provide excellent customer service, guidance, and take a consultative approach. Chat with a radius financial group loan officer today for a free personalized consultation.

Homeowner associations sometimes have rules that prohibit things like building sheds, planting a garden, or painting your house. If your ideal lifestyle can’t be realized within the confines of the neighborhood rules, it’s best to know that from the start.

When buying a new construction home in a neighborhood development, you’re often buying a lifestyle. Make sure that lifestyle suits your tastes and comes with the amenities most important to you. Some neighborhoods feature a pool, park, gym, or other perks that make the area more appealing.

There are a lot of unknowns that come with neighborhoods hot off the press. Ask how many houses the builder plans to construct in the community and where they are in the process. You may have to deal with construction noise and inconvenience for a while. It’s also a good idea to ask whether the builder sells to investors, because investors typically have less of a stake in a neighborhood and will be more likely to bail if the market dips. You could also check with the city planner’s office to learn about the plans for the area and whether there are any upcoming building projects that could change the landscape of your neighborhood.