Newly-constructed homes are always appealing. With a new-build, you can have your new home designed the way you want. This includes choosing the appliances, countertops, drapes, and everything else. They are also usually more space- and energy-efficient. A new house would also require less immediate repair work, which can help you save money in the short-term.
However, it’s not all peachy with newly-built houses as you could end up dealing with problems such as lengthy construction delays and build issues. Sometimes, a new development never gets finished when the developer runs out of funds.
To avoid these problems, consider the following suggestions:
When it comes to buying a new house, it’s not just about the model you want or its location. A more important consideration is the developer you’ll be buying it from. Find out about the developer’s track record. If there’s already a homeowners’ association in the development, ask about their experience with the developer. You can talk to owners of homes finished by the same builder.
You can also talk to real estate agents who have experience working in the area and who may have handled the resale of units built by individual developers. These agents would have insider information on the reputation of developers, including the one you’re considering.
You can also check for available reviews online concerning the developer or the community where you plan on buying a home.
You can hire a home inspector or an experienced contractor to check the house you’re buying at different stages of construction. This way, you’ll get a professional evaluation of the quality of work being done, including wiring and plumbing. You can also make periodic site visits while construction is ongoing and do a final inspection when the work is done. Before doing this, however, ask the builder to let your representatives check the home at least three times during construction: when the foundation is poured, when the framing is done, and when the house is finally finished.
The final inspection should be the most thorough and should cover the roof, walls, electrical, insulation, and plumbing systems.
However, if you are buying a finished unit, get an inspector to give it a thorough check. Even if there is such a thing as a warranty period, you wouldn’t want to find out during your first bath in the master’s bedroom that you’ve flooded the living room below. A thorough inspection can also help detect defects that may only reveal themselves years later, such as incorrectly applied stucco.
Make sure that whatever commitments the developer’s representatives make are documented. Also, as much as possible, purchase a house that comes with a new home warranty from an independent insurance provider rather than directly coming from the developer. Just make sure the coverage is comprehensive and reasonable. Moreover, avoid closing escrow until the unit is completed to ensure you don’t give the builder a chance to be lax and delay construction.
The main thing is if you’ve chosen a developer with an excellent track record, you’ll deal with fewer issues and have fewer misgivings.
If you’re currently torn between buying a house in Newport Beach that’s new or a gorgeous existing one in the same area, Hanu Reddy Realty can help. We can also help you find more or better alternatives should you want them.
Call us today so we can help you find your dream home right away.
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