Building a home is an exciting process. It usually means you have some autonomy in the design and amenities of the design, so you can have a home built that fits your wants, needs, and preferences.
However, the home building process can be lengthy, and you want to make sure that you choose the right home builder and understand everything that goes along with their process.
Below are some questions to ask your home builder.
What’s the first step in your process?
Before embarking on the journey of buying a new home in a different neighborhood, it is crucial to assess your financial status. It is advisable to refrain from scrolling through countless online property listings or getting attached to a particular house until you have thoroughly researched your financial situation. Once you have a clear understanding of your budget, it is recommended to seek a second opinion from a financial advisor, an accountant, or even a mortgage officer. Following this, you can begin to explore your preferences and tastes in a home. This can be done by visiting builder’s communities, touring model homes, examining available lots, and determining what you desire. A key question to ask yourself is, “what requirements do I want the house to fulfill?”
At what point are deposits non-refundable?
Next step would be to go to contract. At that point you are putting a non-refundable deposit on the home. Most builders will also ask for a non-refundable deposit towards the upgrades that you select for the home. Asking about what point deposits become non-refundable will help you to avoid some risk.
If materials costs are subject to change, who absorbs the cost?
If purchasing from a builder, the price of the home is locked in at the time of contract and the builder assumes the cost increases/decreases. Materials to build houses can fluctuate greatly.
Can I bring a real estate agent to help me with the transaction?
A home builder should have no quarrels with you asking to bring a real estate agent with you for the transaction. However, most home builders require that the real estate agent accompany you on your first visit to the community and register you as their client.
How customizable is my home?
Asking how customizable your home is is very important. Some home builders will allow the home to be customized to suit your lifestyle or family but others will only allow minimal changes to be made to the standard features of the home.
How much “customizing” can be done versus standard features?
When considering customization you want to be clear about your expectations. Some home builders will allow for little or no customization and only offer additional standard features. When inquiring about customization, make sure your expectations are clear and line up with what the home builder is willing to offer. If you want a fully customized house, a home builder that only offers standard features will not be satisfactory.
Are there incentives for using in-house financing?
Ask about their financing plan. If you are considering other options to finance the build, see if the home builder offers any in-house plans that come with additional benefits.
Are there any major development plans for the area in the next five years?
The value of the property can fluctuate, and one big factor that determines a change in the value of a property is a new development. For example, researching the property adjacent to the community that you intend to purchase in may help you to understand what the future use of that property might be. As an example, if the plot of land next door to the subdivision you intend to purchase is zoned for multi-family homes, it could very well be apartments, condominiums, etc. being built.
What features are included in the quoted price?
Make sure you know what is and isn’t included in the cost so you can take full advantage of the features without going over budget.
How do I select the decorative fixtures, colors, and surfaces?
Understanding technical questions like this is important. Choosing the aesthetic features of your single family home, like the decorative surfaces, fixtures, and colors, goes a long way in making your home look how you want it to.
If I have a problem with my home, how do I handle it?
A good home builder will help you through any problems you may have with the home, so make sure to always ask them about how you should handle any problems, should they arise.
Who will be my point of contact for any questions I may have?
During the home-building process, questions will likely come up. You want to make sure that you have the contact information of the right person, like the sales associate that you purchased the home from.
How long will it take to build my new home?
Knowing your timeline is important but generally the homebuilder will only provide a range of time for the completion of the home until the home is within 30 – 60 days of completion and at that time they will provide a firm completion date.
What’s your full inspection process?
You will have an opportunity to walk your home with the builder prior to your close of escrow to understand how the systems work in the home and to identify any concerns you have with the construction process.
Want to ask a professional home builder more questions?
If you still have questions about the home building process, a great option is to reach out to an experienced home builder. At Cachet Homes, we offer the finest home building services. In addition, we can answer any questions you may have about the process, so reach out to us today at 480.556.7058
