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When you are considering building a new home
and you are looking at models, you can’t assume that what you see is what
you get. Most builders these days are pretty good in explaining
this, but it still is a good practice to question every feature of
the house to ensure you know what you are getting. Plus you will be
obligating yourself to purchase something which you really haven’t yet
seen – your new home. So you want to take a close look at the builder’s
models.
One of the very first things to do is get a close look at how the
models are constructed. If it seems there is less than quality workmanship
in the main marketing tool of the builder -- the model, it indicates there
could be a problem in how they build homes.
Does the ground slope away from the house?
Is there any accumulation of water in the yard?
Are there signs
of erosion?
Is the shrubbery at least 2-3 feet from the house?
Are the basement window wells clean and graveled?
Shingles flat
and tight on the roof?
Flashing is secure
Gutters, downspouts
and splash blocks drain away from the house
All roof vents are
straight and not leaning
Are all doors and windows sealed around the
edges?
Do windows and doors open easily?
Do windows and doors
have weather-stripping?
Are the trim and fittings tight?
Do the
floors squeak?
Does the paint cover the surfaces smoothly?
Did
the painters miss any spots?
Is the carpet flat and do the seams
match?
Any gaps in vinyl tile or linoleum?
Consistent finish to
wooden floors
Cabinet door operate smoothly and fit well
Any
indication of dampness in the basement?
Any cracking in the basement
floor or foundation walls?
Are there any defects or shoddy
workmanship that is visible in exposed areas?
Read and ask questions
about the builders warranty program.
There is sometimes confusion over
what is standard in a model home versus those items you see which may be
decorator touches. Question absolutely everything you see to ensure what
you are getting as part of the total package. Take nothing for granted.
Additionally look at every aspect of the deal to fully understand what the
house will be and how it will be built. Remember also that the sales
person at the model works for the builder and is trying to get the best
deal for the builder. It's not that this is a bad thing, but often
purchasers do not understand this.
Be aware and ask questions about the
following:
How will the house be sited on the
property?
How big is the lot?
Property boundaries
How close
will you be to the homes on either side?
How many shrubs are included
and what will they be?
Is there a warranty on shrubs and
grass
What are the plans for the areas adjoining the new
development?
When you look out the windows, what will you see or be
looking at or into?
Restrictions, easements, rights of way and
covenants regarding the property
What kind of finish will the
driveway get and when?
Periodic inspections with builder
representatives
Commitment on delivery date
The amount of notice
you will receive before settlement
What kind of grass installation
will there be -- sod, seed etc?
Exterior elevations and materials to
be used
Grading of the lots
Existing trees
Gutters and
downspouts
Ceiling heights on all floors
Standard light
fixtures
Floor finishes
Moldings throughout the
house
Electrical, cable and TV outlets placement and cost for
addtional
Window package
Plumbing fixtures
Sliding doors versus
French or atrium doors
Number of cabinets, their locations and
cabinet tops
Fireplace surrounds
Built-in shelving
Number of
bathrooms
Types of appliances
Size of water heater
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