Our Advice

Once location has been selected you can now focus on new home sites and move to thenext step-research the builders. A reputable homebuilder will belong to a local homebuilders association. Also, it is advisable to check with the local building inspector for an opinion on quality.

Choosing a builder is just as important as choosing the style of the home. The builder not only has the responsibility for the largest investment a buyer may ever make, but his or her skill and preferences can have a direct impact on future comfort and happiness.

Not all new home communities are the same. Each one carries the distinctive mark of the builder, whether that happens to be innovative floor plans, distinctive craftsmanship, bold architectural statements, or just great value. Each builder also has a different personal style and way of communicating with his or her clients.

The buyer should consider references of past clients. Drive through one of the builder's previous subdivisions on a Saturday morning and try to get a random sample of opinions. Ask questions like: are you happy with your home? People are usually willing to share their joy or their sorrow.

Before the closing, a home inspection tour will be conducted. During the tour the builder will point out all of the features and provide warranty information on each. Learning about maintenance and upkeep responsibilities is very important. Most new homes come with a one-year warranty on workmanship and materials. However, such warranties do not cover problems that develop because of failure to perform required maintenance. Many builders provide a booklet explaining common upkeep responsibilities and how to perform them.

Manufacturers provide warranties that are covered by the manufacturer, not the builder. The builder is responsible for any building code violations that occurred. However, in the unlikely event that there has been a violation (because builder research was conducted), the responsibility becomes the builder's.

During the inspection, the purchaser should look for scratches in the counter tops and flooring. Walls should not have gouges and the moldings and trim should be square. The buyer should take pictures before the title is taken, particularly if a problem is discovered. The builder will prefer, under all circumstances, to conduct any and all repairs prior to the buyer moving in because it is easier for them to work on repairs in an empty house.

There are over 30,000 parts in a new home. Therefore, the propensity to find a small imperfection is great. However, many builders conduct their own thorough inspection before the buyer sees it. Most builders employ a cleaning service to make sure the home is clean prior to the closing.

One year later, it's not uncommon to find settlement cracks in the drywall or nail pops. These are easily remedied and are the responsibility of the builder. A call to the builder is recommended prior to the termination of the one-year warranty.