Buying a New Construction Home? A Few Tips to Avoid Panic

A brand-new home! Who hasn’t dreamed of creating the perfect home from scratch and moving into a space no one has ever lived in? There’s something special about a fresh home, but remember, new doesn’t mean perfect. And it certainly does not mean that there won’t be imperfections, small or large, to contend with.

One of the most important things to understand up front is what does your warranty cover? A builder’s warranty covers typical defects and other problems, but the fine print outlines timelines, procedures, and limitations. A thorough reading before closing will clarify how to handle any issues arising when you move in.

When you are ready to move in, your checklist will differ from a typical resale home. First, always have an independent home inspection, just as you would if you purchased a used home. Alert the builder immediately of anything that the inspection uncovers. During the final walk-through, you will also want to ensure the home was completed correctly; are the light switches level, are the floors even, and is the paint free from nicks and scratches? You are buying a new home and it should look new.

Buying a new home is exciting. The good news is that most issues are minor and can be quickly corrected by the builder or home warranty company when discovered. No need to panic when imperfections show up.