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The home buying process should begin with a variety of questions to help you make the right decision on the builder you choose and the home you buy. Asking questions helps you to understand the buying process and eliminate any uncertainty you may have about it. Here are several of the common questions that home buyers ask in consumer seminars, in calls to local Home Builders' Association offices and in builders' sales centers.
How do I make sure that I choose the right
new home builder?
It is a good idea to talk with more new home builders before you make a decision. Look at each company and the quality of their homes. Visit their various model homes and sales offices. Get facts and figures about each builder: How long have you been in business? Where have you built before? Where are you building now? Can I visit one of your construction sites? Are you a member of the National Home Builders' Association? And so on. Ask about their customer service and third-party warranty. Ask for references from past customers and follow-up on them.
How long will it take to build my home?
The time required to build a new home can vary considerably, depending on the region in which it is being built, development of the land, availability of labor, size and design of the home and a number of other additional factors. In larger developments, construction of your home may not begin until a certain percentage of the homes have been pre-sold to ensure an efficient and cost-effective construction process. Your builder should provide you with a detailed schedule of events and milestones, so you'll know what to expect and approximately when.
Can I make changes to the design?
Today, customizing is often desired, not the exception. Some builders will allow modifications before the foundation is built, to suit your own needs and desires—e.g., moving walls, expanding closets, adding windows. However, each builder has a different approach, so ask about flexibility and limitations in the design. Do I have choices? Can I make changes and when? In larger developments, the exterior style elements and color scheme may be architecturally determined, so there are fewer opportunities for changes to accommodate personal preferences.
Can I visit the construction site to watch the progress of my home?
Seeing your home take shape can be an exciting aspect of buying a new home. Ask your builder about their specific policy on site visits and how to make arrangements. Can you tour your home while it is in progress and when? During construction hours, in the evening or on weekends? By appointment only? Keep in mind that, for safety reasons, you should never enter the construction site for an unscheduled visit.
What if there is a delay in finishing the home?
Both you and the builder want to see your home completed on time, and in the vast majority of cases, your home will be ready as scheduled. Occasionally, a delay may happen as the result of the unforeseeable—most often, sudden shortages of materials or labor. When a delay is unavoidable, your builder will work hard to minimize any inconvenience to you and your family. Ask your builder what you can expect in case of delay.
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I have heard about the "other costs" of buying a home. What are they?
By far, the largest cost of home buying is the price of the house. However, there are some accompanying costs that you should be aware of. These costs vary from one region to another, but typically include lawyer's fees, an appraisal fee (for mortgage purposes), fire insurance and adjustments if you are selling your current home. Ask your builder or lender to give you a list of items and an estimate of costs. (Home buyers are often encouraged to set aside between 1.5% and 2.5% of the price of the house.) At the same time, make sure to ask about the projected taxes for the new home, and the builder's estimate for utility bills.
What kind of products will my builder use?
Professional builders use only products with a good reputation, a proven track record, made by established manufacturers, meet local building standards and come with a warranty. The use of brand-name products in new homes offers a double benefit—you know what you are getting, and so does your builder.
I am not sure about my builder's construction methods and technologies. How do I know they really work?
Home building has advanced tremendously even over the years, and technically, new homes are more sophisticated than they used to be. If you have questions about any aspect of how your home is built or how any of the systems or products work, such as the furnace or ventilation equipment, don't hesitate to ask. Professional builders will be happy to explain things in detail. They can give you manufacturers' information or third-party (such as government) reference material.
What is under warranty and for how long?
Professional builders provide third-party warranty on their homes to protect purchasers against faulty materials or workmanship, usually for one year, and against major structural faults for up to five years (up to 10 under extended warranty options). Warranty programs can vary, so make sure you ask your builder to explain exactly what's covered.
What else should I know about?
Home buyers should ask many other questions, depending on the specific circumstances. For instance, when you are buying from a model home or from a drawing, you want to know if there are any differences between what you see and what you get. You also want to know about your choice of features, if you can supply your own fixtures or materials, and if you get a credit or refund when eliminating items included with the home. In large developments, ask to see the utility plan: Where are the electrical boxes or panels placed? Streetlights and postal boxes? Where is the bus stop? Also find out about the landscaping plan and when the roads will be paved.
Professional home builders welcome your questions. They know that a well-informed customer is most often a satisfied customer. The greater your confidence in them, the more satisfying the process for both you and your builder.
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