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Nick Yahoodian • November 10, 2022

What to look for when purchasing a new construction home

For many buyers, purchasing a home under construction sounds like an incredible opportunity. New homes are built sometimes by developers who often build an entire neighborhood, individual home builders, or even Home Designers or Architects. A home that has just been built, and nobody else has lived there since it was completed, is referred to as a new build.


However, you must choose whether a new construction home is the best option for you. Before making a purchase, be sure to know what you're looking for and to take into account these important factors.


Pros and Cons of purchasing a newly constructed home

A new construction house purchase offers benefits and drawbacks. Before deciding whether a newly constructed home is the best option for you, carefully consider these.


The benefits of new construction

Buying a new construction appeals to many people. They have a variety of benefits.


1. The final touches that go into your property can frequently be customized

Many of the finishing touches that go into a newly constructed home are frequently incomplete when you buy it. You may choose the features you want, rather than trying to fit your vision and your things around elements that are already in place.


2. No one has ever lived in the home

It's completely new and yours alone! This is a big selling point for a lot of consumers.


3. A new home is probably more energy-efficient.

The past few years alone have seen a rapid increase in energy efficiency, and this growth is expected to continue in the years to come. With the most recent features throughout, energy- efficient heating and cooling systems, and doors and windows that leak as little energy as possible, a new home is frequently more energy-efficient than one that is older.


4. New constructions with superior amenities are sometimes found in new neighborhoods.

In locations that are seeing a lot of expansion, new buildings frequently rise swiftly, which you can take advantage of. You can choose a community with greater parks, more recreational opportunities, and a range of surrounding shops and eateries.


5. New houses are frequently ready to move into.

You don't have to wait around for someone to depart or deal with mending and cleaning up after them.


6. Initial maintenance costs are frequently lower.

You shouldn't have to bother about patching up as many details throughout the first few years in your new home. Additionally, a home warranty that covers a lot of potential issues may be included with your new construction.


The drawbacks of new construction

No house purchase, of course, is without its drawbacks. Be cautious to weigh these drawbacks before buying a newly constructed home.


1. New construction might not have as many design options

You might not have as much freedom as you would, for instance, if you were constructing a home yourself. Additionally, you could discover that purchasing a new construction limits your selections for flooring or paint colors—all things you might wish to replace after you acquire the house.


2. Not all builders have the expertise to construct your home.

Behind the beautiful features of a newly constructed home, poor construction can be swiftly hidden. Sadly, they can begin to appear once you move in. Some of the potential issues may be covered by a home warranty, which the builder may offer. When purchasing your home, make sure all proper permit requirements were followed. You can get records from local Building and Safety.


3. Upgrades can significantly increase your price.

Before moving in, you might wish to modify a newly constructed home. However, those adjustments can easily add up, particularly if you don't assess your budget first.


4. The closing on your home purchase may take longer than expected.

If you choose a new house in a new area, you might need to wait until the construction is complete before you can close.


5. You could have less wiggle room when negotiating the price of a newly built home.

When buying a new construction home, keep in mind that you might not have many negotiation options if your budget is restricted. Building a new home requires a big investment, and every extra feature you include in the house raises the cost further. As a result, you might not have much wiggle room when you approach the table. If you're interested in a freshly built property, negotiation may be much less likely, especially if you're up against other purchasers. What to look for in a newly constructed home


Make sure you are aware of the things you must look for and what is important to your family while evaluating a new construction property. You can choose something that better suits the individual requirements of your family by weighing these important factors.


● Feedback from prior customers. View examples of prior houses built by the builder you're thinking about. How have they endured the test of time? Speak with people who have bought some of those homes, if you can. Find out what customers like and hate about their homes, as well as what they would alter if they could, and how helpful the builder was throughout the process. Were there any noteworthy issues? This discussion might help you better understand what to anticipate when you purchase a newly constructed property.


● Contractor options. Many builders will give buyers in their new neighborhoods a comparatively small number of selections. You might want to thoroughly evaluate your alternatives and what matters to your family before making a decision. Does the builder provide a selection that will allow you to replace carpeting in your home with hardwood, laminate, or tile, for instance, if you don't want carpet? Can you pick the paint colors yourself? Before making a purchase, talk over these possibilities so you know what to anticipate.


● Warranties. Even the best contractor is prone to mistakes. Unfortunately, after you buy the property, those mistakes might result in significant costs. Examine any warranties or guarantees that the contractor offers. You want a builder that will stand behind their work and put in extra effort to give you the kind of high-quality house you desire.


● A list of the amenities offered. When acquiring a new home by a developer, you frequently tour a model home rather than the actual one you'll be buying. The model home is made to look as well as it possibly can. In addition to the fact that the builder frequently takes greater care with it, it could also include premium upgrades and extras that don't really fit into your budget or that you simply cannot afford. Make sure you completely comprehend the alternatives or extras you'll be purchasing along with your property—and what you won't—before you decide on your new house. Inquire up front about the price of such upgrades, especially the ones in which you are most interested.


● Contingencies with the contract. Get everything in writing before making a new construction house purchase. The builder has to complete certain milestones by a specified deadline if you add choices to your property. Make sure you obtain all the specifics in writing if there is anything that needs to be fixed after you move in and confirm with your lender that it may be done after closing. Do you wish to renovate your house? Have them and their costs documented in writing. A contractor backing out on you later is the last thing you want.


● Any other expenses. A new build home purchase may incur some additional expenses. You could have to worry about window treatments, landscaping, and other improvements to the property.


● If you want the newest features or want to make sure you have everything set up for your family later, buying a new house might be a terrific investment. You may improve your chances of making a home purchase you'll love by taking these factors into account

up front.


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