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Common Misconceptions About Building A New Home With A Home Builder

August 31, 2024

Building a new home is an exciting prospect, but it also comes with its fair share of misconceptions. Many potential homebuyers shy away from the idea of building a custom home due to various myths and misconceptions. In this comprehensive article, we’ll explore the most common misconceptions about building a new home with a home builder and provide the facts to help you make an informed decision.

Myth 1: New Construction Homes Are More Expensive

One of the most prevalent misconceptions is that building a new home is always more expensive than buying an existing one. While custom homes can be pricey, they don’t necessarily have to break the bank. Costs vary widely based on design choices, materials, and location. With proper planning and budgeting, custom homes can be built to suit a range of financial situations. Additionally, new homes often come with energy-efficient features, which can lower utility costs over time. When considering the long-term savings on repairs, maintenance, and energy bills, building a new home can be a cost-effective option.

Myth 2: Builders Don’t Need Guidance

Some customers believe that once they hire a builder, they can step back entirely. However, it’s crucial for customers to stay engaged, ask questions, and be part of the decision-making process to ensure their expectations are met. A good builder will welcome input and guidance from the homeowner throughout the construction process. By communicating openly and working closely with the builder, homeowners can ensure that their vision is brought to life.

Myth 3: It Is Harder To Finance A New Home

This is a common misconception. A new home may actually be easier to finance than an older home. Builder upgrades, incentives, and the lower risk associated with buying a newly constructed home can make the process less challenging and faster. Experienced builders often have strong relationships with lenders or subsidiaries whose primary focus is to help borrowers find creative lending options.

Myth 4: New Homes Are Of Poorer Quality Than Older Homes

Many people believe that older homes are built with better quality materials and craftsmanship than newer ones. However, this is not always the case. New homes are subject to the latest building codes, which have become tighter over the years. These tighter codes have resulted in better energy efficiency, safety, and structural integrity, better equipped to resist fire, and better health and indoor air quality.

Myth 5: You Can Easily Add More Features Later

Some customers think it’s easy to add features like a basement or a deck later, but retrofitting can be more complicated and expensive than including such features in the original plan. It’s a good idea to work with an experienced builder to ensure they help you thoroughly plan out your new build to capture all your necessities early in the planning phases.

Myth 6: Building A Custom Home Is Too Complicated And Time-Consuming

There is no question that building a custom home involves countless decisions, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. The easiest way to simplify the process is to hire a reputable builder you trust and who communicates effectively and often. An experienced builder knows what questions need to be asked, even if you do not. In addition, they will provide guidance and expertise throughout the process.

Myth 7: Assuming Your Builder Knows Exactly What You Want

The level of communication between the homeowner and designer can impact the final results of the project. As a result, make sure that you communicate well and ask questions anytime that you have concerns.

Myth 8: Construction Will Progress Perfectly And Without Delays Or Errors

The most damaging misconceptions new home buyers often have is that construction will progress flawlessly during the build and that they will move into a perfect home upon completion. The reality of new home construction is there are usually delays and unforeseen issues during active construction, and then service items or minor touch-ups and repairs that need to be addressed after the home is completed. It is important to keep a positive attitude and “rolling with the punches” in order to have a satisfying experience when building a new home.

Myth 9: You Won’t Need a Home Inspector

When building a new construction home, it’s a wise idea to hire a home inspector to conduct several inspections throughout the various phases of construction. Buyers always hire home inspectors for resales, but when it comes to a new home, buyers feel that since it’s new, no inspections are needed. Hiring a home inspector to monitor the construction is a smart investment.

Myth 10: Custom Equals Expensive

While custom homes can be expensive, they don’t always have to be. Costs vary widely based on design choices, materials, and location. With proper planning and budgeting, custom homes can be built to suit a range of financial situations.

Myth 11: Thinking You Won’t Need Representation

New homebuyers think that they don’t need representation because the agent in the sales office will handle everything. The agent in the sales office represents the builder and will work in the seller’s best interest. If they have their own representation, their agent can advise them on issues that they don’t even realize are there. Their agent can also negotiate on their behalf when most buyers don’t even realize they can negotiate with a new home builder on the sales price, options, incentives, and terms.

Myth 12: You’ll Save Money Not Using a Real Estate Agent

One of the most common misconceptions homebuyers have when buying a new construction home is that they think they will save money on the home by not using a Real Estate Agent. It’s quite the opposite, in fact. The commission percentage is a predetermined amount worked out by the builder and the sales representatives so the number does not change one way or the other. You’re more likely to work out a better deal with a Real Estate agent working on your behalf because they know how the process works and what to ask for. You’ll also have added protection throughout the entire home building and buying process with the resources a Real Estate Agent can provide.

Myth 13: Homebuilders Always Go Over Schedule

Thanks to the latest technology in construction scheduling, every step of the process is precisely mapped out to help complete your home on time. And while there is a chance supply chain issues or other unforeseen circumstances could affect a build timeline, you can abandon the guesswork and relax knowing where your home is in the process with the help of a construction manager who will keep you up to speed as it progresses.

Myth 14: Homebuilders Will Always Try to Upsell on Features

Trust is key when it comes to building a home, so always go for a company with builders who prioritize their client’s needs and wishes. With just a little bit of research, you can confidently select the right builder who will work with you and be transparent every step of the way.

Myth 15: Homebuilders Only Offer Basic Floor Plans

When it comes to building your home, it’s reasonable to want creative control over the details. With high-quality builders, you’ll have the freedom to select options for your home that fit your personal style and life. You can use digital design tools and work with expert designers to ensure you get a home that’s exactly what you need and want.

Myth 16: Homebuilders Cut Corners to Improve Profits

While the home-building industry is driven by profit, the best companies take pride in their work and have a reputation for exceptional craftsmanship. Ask for recommendations and gauge previous clients’ experiences through online reviews to find a company that values craftsmanship and customer satisfaction.

Myth 17: All Homebuilders Are the Same

Choosing a homebuilder is not as easy as it seems because there are so many options–as well as varying levels of quality and reputation. Doing your research is essential. Homebuilders often specialize in specific architectural styles, so be careful not to assume they are all the same. At the end of the day, it’s important not to settle for a mediocre builder because you will end up with a lackluster home.

Myth 18: Building a Home Is Way Too Stressful

Finding the perfect home builder for you is the key to a successful and stress-free construction project. By putting in the effort to plan and research, you can help ensure your dream home will be built just the way you envision it. And with the right builder by your side, constructing a new home can be a thrilling and enjoyable adventure, without the stress.

Myth 19: Homebuilders Will Use Cheap Materials

To build a successful business, you need to deliver quality homes that satisfy your customers. Reputable builders use high-quality materials and adhere to strict building codes and standards to ensure the durability and safety of their homes.

Myth 20: You Can’t Buy New If You Need to Move Fast

All builders have some inventory on the ground to capture buyers who need to move within a certain timeframe. Many builders also offer quick move-in homes, which can eliminate the build process from your timeline, so you get all the benefits of a new construction home such as warranties and new fixtures without having to wait for the home to be built.

Myth 21: You Can’t Have a Home Inspection

While there are always multiple inspections as a new home is being built and when it’s complete, buyers can also hire their own home inspector prior to their closing to make sure nothing has been missed during the other inspections.

Myth 22: There Are Too Many Decisions on New Construction Homes

Some buyers relish the chance to choose everything in their new home, but others think that experience could be overwhelming. However, homes are available for those that want new but don’t want to make a lot of decisions. You can find a nearly complete or totally complete home from most builders, so all the choices have been made and match what most buyers want. You can also choose a builder that offers just one or two packages with everything that complements each other, so all you have to do is pick a package.

Myth 23: You Can’t Use a Real Estate Agent

Most builders welcome buyers’ agents as a partner in the process of buying a new home. Real estate agents can help people decide which lot to buy, which upgrades they should invest in and help them evaluate community amenities and HOA fees. The builders pay the commission, not the buyers, so it doesn’t cost any more to have someone representing the interests of the buyers.

In conclusion, building a new home with a home builder can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but it’s essential to separate fact from fiction. By understanding the truth behind these common misconceptions, you can make an informed decision and embark on your journey to building your dream home with confidence. Remember, communication, research, and working with a reputable builder are key to a successful and stress-free home building process.

Read More: Things To Consider When Selecting A Countertop In Your New Custom Home

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