Buying a brand new home involves much more than simply choosing a floor plan and selecting paint colors. If you don’t do a little homework, you may face some unpleasant surprises that can affect your budget and the project timeline. Here are a few questions that every prospective homeowner in New Jersey should ask home builders before signing a sales contract.

May I Visit a Model Home?

Looking at a floor plan can give you a good idea if a home will work for you, but it’s not quite the same as visiting a model home. Not all communities have model homes available. The model may still be under constructionif the project has just begun.

If a model home isn’t available, ask if you can visit one of the builder’s other communities. Although those homes may not be duplicates of the home you plan to purchase, visiting them is a good way to evaluate craftsmanship and attention to detail.

Can You Provide References?

Input from the builder’s previous customers will help you decide if buying a home from the company is the right choice for you. Ask if the customers are happy with their homes and if they’ve experienced any maintenance issues. If they have, were they satisfied with builder’s response? Find out their thoughts about the construction process, including any snags or delays. Finally, ask them if they would buy another home from the builder.

When Will My New Home Be Ready?

As a prospective homeowner, you’re probably eager to take possession of your new house as soon as possible. Keep in mind that the sales representative you speak to may not offer the most accurate information about completion times. If he or she tells you that it’s possible to move into your new home in just a few months, ask how many homes have actually been completed in that time period in the past. In some cases, a short delivery timeline may be realistic. If you choose a quick delivery home that’s already under construction, it may be ready in as little as two or three months.

Ask to see the contract before you fall in love with a new home. If the contract states that the company has one year to complete the home, it won’t matter what the sales representative promises. Determining a realistic completion date is essential if you need to sell your current home and make alternate living arrangements until your new home is ready.

What Options and Upgrades Are Available?

One the most important benefits of building a new home is the opportunity to choose paint colors, cabinets, lighting, appliances and other features of the home. When you buy an older home, you’re stuck with the options the previous owner chose, unless you’re willing to spend thousands to remodel the home. New homes, in contrast, are a blank slate. You can truly make them your own by choosing products and finishes that reflect your taste and personality.

Ask the sale representative to show you both standard features and all upgrade options. Although upgrades will add to the cost of your new home, it’s less expensive to pay for the finishes, cabinets or appliances you really prefer than to renovate your home later.

You’ll also want to find out when you must make decisions about finishes and if it’s possible to change your mind once you’ve made a choice. Decisions must typically be made about 30 days after you sign the contract.

Who Is My Contact and How Often Can I Expect Updates?

The sales representative you initially worked with may not be your contact throughout the construction process. Ask who will update you on the construction of your home and if telephone calls, emails or texts are the preferred contact method.

It’s also important to find out how often you’ll receive updates and how soon you’ll receive a reply if you ask a question. Communication is very important during the building process. If the builder doesn’t seem to encourage homeowner calls or emails or won’t commit to providing timely responses, you may want to move on to another home builder.

Can I Visit My Home During the Construction Process?

Most builders encourage homeowners to visit during the construction process, although in most cases, you won’t be able to just drop in anytime due to safety and security concerns. Find out how you can arrange visits and how often you may visit.

Do You Offer Warranties?

No matter how much the company prides itself on its craftsmanship, little things (and sometimes big things) can go wrong in new construction. Warranties offer coverage for material failures and installation errors. Ask for a detailed list of the items that are covered under the warranties to ensure that key systems are protected.

Do you have questions about building a new home? Get in touch with us. We’ll be glad to answer your questions and give you a tour of one of our brand new communities.

Sources:

National Association of Home Builders: Questions to Ask Your Home Builder

https://www.nahb.org/en/consumers/home-buying/questions-to-ask-your-homebuilder.aspx

Dominion Lending Centres: Things to Think About Before Building a New Home

https://dominionlending.ca/news/7-questions-to-ask-yourself-before-building-a-home/