Buying a new construction home is an excellent way to customize your dream home, avoid the hassle of needing to outbid other buyers, and give you the flexibility you need to meet your budget. However, some new construction homes are notorious for being chock-full of construction issues. Fortunately, there are several ways you can avoid being stuck with a poorly built property. First and foremost, it’s important to know what qualities to look for when buying a new construction home.
1. Has a Reputable Builder
Different builders specialize in new construction homes. These builders specialize in designing floorplans, purchasing desirable underdeveloped plots of land, and developing this land for various new homes. Make sure your new home is backed by a reputable builder. To do so, look for online reviews of other home buyers. If they had a positive experience with the builder, from having their concerns met to simplifying the purchasing process, it’s a good sign that the builder has taken care in designing your home.
2. Backed By a Warranty
No home is ever perfect. Homes are bound to have construction issues at some point or another. However, a long warranty ensures you’re covered in case there are any defects in your home. From leaks to faulty wiring, faulty appliances, and more, having a longer warranty lets you know the builder is confident these issues will take a while to appear. Longer than a year is a good place to start.
3. Choice of Upgrades
New construction homes are known for their cookie-cutter style design, both inside and out. While this might not be an issue for all homeowners, some homeowners might find this cookie-cutter-style design a bit boring or drab. Don’t worry. There are plenty of new construction companies that offer homeowners the chance to upgrade the design of their homes. Your new build should come with upgrades if desired, such as new flooring or updated kitchen backsplashes. While you could add these upgrades later on, it can save you the headache of needing to invest separately in different upgrades.
4. Dedicated Customer Service Team
Whether you’re looking to explore mortgage options with the builder, have questions about the design plan, or want to talk to someone during your design process, it’s important to have a dedicated customer service team to help. Make sure your builder has a team that is available by phone, email, and in person so you won’t be left in the dark during the home-buying process.
5. Part of a Good Community
Lastly, many new construction homes are built as part of a community. The best new-construction homes often have amenities nearby, such as pools, community centers, parks, and playgrounds. When purchasing a new construction home, consider the type of community and how it fits your lifestyle. The last thing you want is to buy a home in a severely underdeveloped community, or one with few amenities for yourself and family. In addition to amenities, check for nearby schools and shopping centers to help make your experience more enjoyable.
