As you start the process of looking for your new home, you know thorough research is the best way to find the right builder for you. You want a company that’s going to meet all of your needs and treat you with the respect you deserve.
As you visit showhomes, it’s important to take a list of questions you want to ask a builder. The Area Manager should be able to answer these questions and help you get a better sense of what it will be like to work with them.
We’ve put together a list of some of the best questions to ask an Area Manager.
1. What is the timeline for building a home?
Each builder should have their own timeline for home builds. You’ll want to know how long the process will take from start to finish so you can time the move to fit with your schedule. You’ll also want to know when the builder needs you to make each decision.
For instance, you usually start out by choosing a floor plan and a lot for the home, but you may still have several months before you need to make design decisions. Many builders also have a deadline for last-minute changes. Once that date passes, you won’t be able to make adjustments. While timelines can't really be set-in-stone (delays happen!), an experienced builder should be able to give you a general idea.
2. Which of these features cost more?
When you walk into a showhome, you typically see a sign or flyer stating this style of home has a certain starting price. However, you know the price increases with upgrades, so the showhome you love may really be $100,000 more than the price of the base model.
The Area Manager will be able to tell you which features in the showhome are standard and which are upgrades. Be sure to also ask to see showhomes that use the standard materials so you see what they look like in action. This will help you decide if you should opt for builder upgrades now or make changes later.
3. Can you include this in my home? Are there additional charges?
If there are special things you want in your home, ask. That feature might be available in a different floor plan or the builder might be able to include it with your build even if it isn’t part of their usual design.
Of course, these types of changes typically come with a charge. You may need to pay extra for a specific material, and you may even need to pay for an architect to incorporate the changes into your home’s design. Once you see the cost, you may change your mind.
4. Where can I build this home? Which home styles are available in my desired community?
The community you build in is just as important as the home you buy. Keep in mind, community guidelines often have restrictions with regard to the style of the homes. For instance, you can’t build a modern-looking home in a community with a focus on classic architecture.
If you’ve fallen in love with a particular floor plan, ask the Area Manager which communities will allow that design. If you love a particular community, you may need to start by asking which styles of homes are available there. Most builders have a version of each floor plan somewhere in Edmonton. You can travel to look at the showhome even if it’s not in your ideal neighbourhood.
5. How does financing work?
Financing for new construction is slightly different than financing a resale home. A builder may require you to use one of their preferred lenders because other lenders can slow down the process. You can also find out when you need to make your down payment and get a sense of how much you might need to bring on closing day. Of course, a lender can better answer most of these questions, but the Area Manager can put you on the right track.
6. What does the price of the home include?
It’s important to figure out what your final cost is going to be. When the Area Manager shows you an estimated price of the home you want, you need to ask for a detailed list of what that includes and what other expenses to expect when buying a new home.
For instance, initial estimates don’t always include things like landscaping or a fence. If you don’t factor these costs into the equation, you’ll be overestimating how much home you can afford.
7. What does the warranty include? Is there any support after I move in?
All new homes come with new home warranties in Alberta, but you should ask about what your new warranty will cover. Learn more about what your responsibilities are in keeping the warranty valid. You’ll also feel better if you know the builder has a process for addressing customer complaints soon after moving in.
8. What do I need to get started?
Once you’ve found a builder you like, it’s time to ask the Area Manager what you’ll need to do to get started with the buying process. This may require a mortgage pre-approval, a down payment, and/or scheduling a meeting to go over the paperwork. Each builder has a slightly different process.
Asking the right questions will help you choose a great Edmonton home builder. Feel free to add any of your own questions to our list.
Beyond Area Managers, consider other people you'll absolutely need help from when buying a new home to make the process as easy as possible for you.
