Considering Building a New Home?

Have you found yourself contemplating building a new home? In this crazy market, it is one way to guarantee that you end up with a house that meets your exact needs. You have the ability to design the perfect kitchen, your dream bathroom, and any other “must have” item you might not be finding in homes that are currently for sale. While it may sound like a great idea, just be advised, new construction comes with a whole other list of things to keep in mind either before starting the process, or during. Here are a few things that some people found they wish they had known before they jumped on the “home builder” bus.

Prepare to make LOTS of decisions. Every detail needs to be made, flooring, tile, outlets, grout, trim, lighting …. everything – and it can be exhausting.
Be prepared for the timeline to not be the timeline. Delays happen – contractors don’t show up, materials are on back order …. have a plan if your move in date gets pushed back.
Watch out for shortcuts. If you find an issue, and point it out – often a contractor will look for the quickest, cheapest fix – not necessarily the correct fix – know what to look for and speak up.
If you are on a tight budget, be aware that often expenses are higher than the initial dollar amount – so you may want to start lower than your max.
Envision walking through your home, before you finalize your floor plan – where do you want the laundry room located? Where do want appliances in the kitchen? Do you think you have enough windows, or too many?
Financing can get tricky. Be sure to work with a lender who is well versed in new construction lending, and know that you may have a larger down payment, and higher interest rates, as homes under construction are considered a bigger risk than a fully built home.

Building can be fun and exciting, and stressful – just be sure to go into the process with knowledge and a plan – and use a team of contractors that you can trust!