You’ve decided you want to build a new home instead of buying a resale home, but now you have the task of choosing a home builder. On some levels, a lot of builders look the same. For instance, the popularity of things like open-concept living areas on the first floor and master suites upstairs means that most builders will include these things when designing homes.
Still, there are important differences that you should look out for. Pay attention to the things that matter most to your family, and allow that to guide your decision. Our tips should help you get started.
Price Should Not Be the Most Important Factor
Understandably, you need to find a home that comfortably fits within your budget. But don't be so focused on price that you end up skimping on quality. High-quality materials can cost more upfront, but tend to offer better value long-term. By choosing higher quality from the start — either by working with a builder who provides that from the start or upgrading your material options — you get more bang for your buck.
Standard Materials Vary Widely
Each builder uses certain materials in their base model. Choosing all of the standard options will give you the lowest possible price on your home. This is the “starting from” price that you’ll see on the builder’s website. You can then choose to upgrade the materials to something better. Once you start changing those standard options to the materials you want, the price may quickly increase.
Many consumers are surprised to learn that the standard options vary between different builders. For instance, getting granite countertops from one builder might be an upgrade and could add $10,000 or more to the cost of the home. Another builder might consider the granite countertops as the standard material. They’ll probably have a higher “starting from” price, but you may pay less overall.
Find Your Favourite Community First
If you’re thinking about building a home in a brand-new community, you’ll have a fairly wide selection of builders to choose from. However, your choice of community might be limited to only the communities that the builder is building in. On the other hand, if there’s a particular community that you prefer, you may only be able to choose from their list of approved builders.
It's a good idea to find the community you love first, then explore the builder showhomes to find the option that's right for you. The good news is you'll find a variety of home types and models to choose from, making it easy to find a new home in your price range with the features you want.
Consider Builder Promotions
Builders will get you excited to purchase by offering attractive promotions. These might include things like gift cards or free upgrades to the home. This can be a great way to get a deal on your home, but it's only good if you're still getting the model you want in the community you love. Think of promotions as an added bonus and not something worth sacrificing your new home needs for. Understanding which incentives to look for can make your decision much easier.
You Can Get a No-Commitment Quote
When you buy a home, you’re making a huge, life-changing decision, and you deserve to get all of the details beforehand. This includes getting a full quote from each builder you’re considering. Some people are nervous about doing this because they worry that getting a complete quote takes a lot of time or that they’ll feel pressured to use that builder.
This is the builder’s job. Have them work up a full quote for you that’s based on the specific details that you want in your home. Ask whether the quote includes things like exterior landscaping, appliances, and other things that might be extra. It’s only when you get these quotes from different companies that you can really make an educated decision.
Take your time when choosing a builder for your new home. When you thoroughly do your research, you’ll feel empowered to make the right decision for your family.
