New Home Construction

There are special considerations to keep in mind when buying new home construction.

Buying new home construction is a little different than buying a resale home. Here are three important factors to keep in mind:

1. Find a reputable builder
   There are many builders of new home construction out there. And there are also many people with horror stories of their experience building a new home. Do a little research to find a builder who is not only well qualified but also has a good reputation. Search online for reviews of potential builders and ask around. Get recommendations from people that you know, Taking time to find out what others say about the builder you are considering hiring can help prevent costly regrets.
2. Stay involved
   Once you have chosen a builder, your research continues. The next step is to learn everything that you can about the types of homes your builder constructs and what is available to you. Visit available model homes to see if they have special features you'd like incorporated into your own home. Take notes about what you like and what you don't like. Don't be embarrassed to make several return visits. You're making a very big decision and need to be as educated as possible about every aspect of new home construction.

   You need to also stay involved throughout the actual building process. Check on the progress of your home as often as you can. Be in frequent contact with your designer. If something does not seem to be going as it should, let the builder know. Don't be afraid to speak up.

3. Be aware of the total cost
   One of the most important things to know when buying new home construction is that the base price you see listed is rarely going to be the actual final price of your home -- it's just a starting point. As you select what you want in your home, from flooring to cabinetry to lighting, the cost can quickly escalate. It's important to be realistic about how much you can afford. Set a budget and stick to it. If you don't, it's easy to overextend yourself. Familiarize yourself with the cost of various upgrades and decide which are the most important to you before meeting with your designer. You may have to make some sacrifices to help stay within your budget.

New home construction does differ a bit from buying a resale house. But, by doing a little legwork, you can be fully prepared.