When you buy a brand-new home, you will most likely make your decision based on the builder’s plans or model homes, or a combination of the two. This requires careful thought and attention. It can be challenging to visualize what your home will look like when built, or imagine what it will be like to live in. It’s also important to understand what is included with your purchase and what’s not, down to the smallest detail.
There are two keys to successful home buying from plans and models. First and foremost, make sure you’re dealing with a professional home builder or their sales staff - individuals who answer your questions thoroughly, don’t pressure you, and are clearly interested in helping you find the home that best meets your needs and circumstances. If you don’t feel comfortable with the builder or their staff, you should probably look for a different company to do business with. Secondly, don’t rush. Take time to consider all aspects of your purchase and ask lots of questions. The more information you have, the easier it is to eliminate uncertainties and feel confident when you do make a decision.
Construction quality
Look closely at the overall quality of builders’ model homes, from design and construction to finishing touches. While the model home may be only one of many designs offered by the builder, it provides a clear indication of what you can expect when you buy from the company. Ask for a list of specifications, so you can find out what construction materials, mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems and finishing materials the builder is using. Check who the manufacturers are - ideally, they should be familiar and reputable brand names that offer a solid product warranty.
Floor plans
Most home builders offer a range of new home styles, floor plans, sizes, and prices. Bringing your ‘needs and wants list’ to the sales office helps the salesperson to zero in on the home that would be most suitable for you. When you find a plan or model you like, imagine living in it. How will it work for your family’s daily routine? Would it be suitable for any special activities you enjoy? Adaptable to future needs? Would you want to modify the layout? Often builders can reconfigure interior spaces.
Room size can be difficult to judge. Rooms that look adequate on paper may be too cramped once your furniture is in. Sometimes windows, doors, a fireplace, and traffic paths limit furniture placement, even in a large space. If you are buying from plans, use a model home for comparison to get a sense of space and flow, or use the sales office to get a gauge on dimensions.
Know the measurements of your furniture so you can determine more easily if a room is the right size. Alternatively, use cut-outs, scaled to size, to test the placement of your furniture on a printed house plan. You may also want to draw the traffic pattern through the home to see if there are any awkward spaces. Increasingly, new home builders are turning to computer graphics to help purchasers to visualize what they are buying; for instance, 3D floor plans and computer-generated drawings using a manufacturer’s ‘real’ products. A virtual show home can be available 24/7, and with cinematic renderings, the builder can create a fluid presentation of the home. Ask if these sales aids are available or check on the builder’s website.
Features, upgrades, and options
One of the unique aspects of buying a brand-new home is that you get to decide on the features and finishing touches that you want.
Here are some of the things you should be aware of and consider:
Standard inclusions. A new home comes complete with a range of standard features and finishes that are included in the basic price of the home. These vary from one builder to another, and often from one home design to another. Uniformly, though, the quality of today’s standard products is excellent, offering home buyers great value for the money.
For a number of standard items, home buyers are offered choices that won’t affect the purchase price, such as the style of kitchen cabinets and the color and design of floor coverings.
Remember that many model homes will include a number of upgrades, so as you tour the model, ask to have these pointed out. Be sure to ask the sales representative what the standard items are in every case.
Upgrades and options. Most builders offer a full range of upgrades - products of a higher quality such as thicker carpeting, premium countertops, or full exterior brick cladding. Upgrades will add to the price of the house, but typically the builder will credit you with the cost of the item you are replacing, so the extra expense is limited to the difference between the items. Finally, many builders will also encourage you to consider other features and finishing touches, large and small, that can add value, enjoyment, and convenience to your home.
These options are considered extras, and the cost will be added to the price of the home.
Making the right choices
So how do you choose the features and finishes that are right for your home, budget, and lifestyle? Begin by finding out exactly what standard features are included in the basic price of the home, and how many standard choices the builder offers.
Similarly, find out about upgrades and extras: What is available and at what additional cost?
Review your home buying budget so you know how much you are comfortable spending.
Choose the upgrades and extras that matter the most to you, and that fit within your budget. Items that involve construction, such as larger windows and doors, are the least expensive and disruptive to do when the house is first being built. On the other hand, standard carpeting can easily be replaced in the future.
Large home building companies may have a separate design centre with product samples and trained specialists to assist you. Smaller companies may dedicate part of their sales office or model home to product selections.
Some builders have set up working relationships with manufacturers and suppliers (e.g., flooring, lighting, cabinets). Appointments are made for you to visit the showrooms of these businesses and work directly with their representatives to make your product selections.
Consider your family’s needs and match your selections with your lifestyle. For instance, white kitchen cupboards may not be ideal in a house full of children, while lever door handles are great for anyone with mobility impairment. Also, consider if your choices are compatible with your belongings. For instance, does the color of the hardwood flooring work with your dining room set?
Plan for long-term appeal. Designers suggest that you keep the ‘big ticket items’ neutral and add color through items you can change easily later without significant expense.
Ask about the builder’s most popular features; it can be helpful to find out what other home buyers have selected.
And take your time.You are going to live with your choices for a long time, so you want to do it right.
Since 1943, the Canadian Home Builders’ Association has been the voice of Canada’s residential construction industry. Reprinted with permission by the Canadian Home Builders’ Association. For more information, visit chba.ca.
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