You're looking fondly at a new build "sample" house. It looks great, but what do you really know about the company behind that one façade? Buying a newly built home means you also invest in the builder, and not every company can be trusted to adhere to contractual specifications let alone structural codes.
If you've already found a new build or sample home that you like, step one is getting a list of the homes a specific builder claims to have constructed. Confirm that claim with the associated Town Building Department (some less reputable builders have been known to claim a property they never built!). If they offer references, by all means call them! Also, it's good to check and see if any other builders offer similar designs with features that you like more! Construction is a highly competitive industry in a lot of towns and cities, and you should always have more than one option. Three is best, complete with fully itemized bids for your lawyers review.
As with buying any home, know yourself and your family. Know what you want out of a home. Without this information, it's going to be nearly impossible to choose a builder. You want someone who offers flexibility that will personalize your space so it's not cookie-cutter inside (even if external features have similarities, as is often the case in gated communities etc.). Also find out what tracts of land the builder has available or if you have to find your own. Land costs can dramatically change the entire equation in a new build. The Home Builder's association in your region can help greatly with finding out what to expect in advance of all these discussions.
Beyond this, ask the builder how much money will be tied up in each step of the construction process, and what types of changes they're required to make if work isn't up to specification (i.e. You should not pay for their mistakes). Ask about a home warranty, and if one is available, licensure, and how they go about securing permits. Be aware that throughout this process you could end up dealing with any number of people There's a developer who finds land, building companies who put the walls up, a contractor who may be helping with any number of internal matters from plumbing to lighting.
Other good questions to ask of any potential builder include how long they've been part of your community (and how active they are), how experienced their personnel are, and what type of warranty and after-building services they offer. Take your time. Check the Better Business Bureau listings, and listen to people who have worked with or know the people behind the company. Choose accordingly!
If you've already found a new build or sample home that you like, step one is getting a list of the homes a specific builder claims to have constructed. Confirm that claim with the associated Town Building Department (some less reputable builders have been known to claim a property they never built!). If they offer references, by all means call them! Also, it's good to check and see if any other builders offer similar designs with features that you like more! Construction is a highly competitive industry in a lot of towns and cities, and you should always have more than one option. Three is best, complete with fully itemized bids for your lawyers review.
As with buying any home, know yourself and your family. Know what you want out of a home. Without this information, it's going to be nearly impossible to choose a builder. You want someone who offers flexibility that will personalize your space so it's not cookie-cutter inside (even if external features have similarities, as is often the case in gated communities etc.). Also find out what tracts of land the builder has available or if you have to find your own. Land costs can dramatically change the entire equation in a new build. The Home Builder's association in your region can help greatly with finding out what to expect in advance of all these discussions.
Beyond this, ask the builder how much money will be tied up in each step of the construction process, and what types of changes they're required to make if work isn't up to specification (i.e. You should not pay for their mistakes). Ask about a home warranty, and if one is available, licensure, and how they go about securing permits. Be aware that throughout this process you could end up dealing with any number of people There's a developer who finds land, building companies who put the walls up, a contractor who may be helping with any number of internal matters from plumbing to lighting.
Other good questions to ask of any potential builder include how long they've been part of your community (and how active they are), how experienced their personnel are, and what type of warranty and after-building services they offer. Take your time. Check the Better Business Bureau listings, and listen to people who have worked with or know the people behind the company. Choose accordingly!
