When we work with buyers at Modern Construction Management, we always review key details they need to know while looking at new construction homes, or when considering building a custom home on acreage they purchased.
There is A LOT to consider! These are huge decisions – and even bigger investments – so we want to ensure buyers know everything they need to know to make an informed decision.
To help buyers, we put together this list of questions they should ask when looking at new construction homes near Prior Lake, MN.
When looking for a new construction house, you likely are interested either based on the location or because of the designs of the property. Or maybe even both! While location and the style of the house are important, the first question you should ask when inquiring about a new-build home is who the builder is. This is essential! All builders have different techniques, pricing, and let’s face it – quality! You want your family’s home to be built by a reputable company in the Prior Lake, MN area. You need to know the quality of the craftsmanship and the building materials used before putting money down on a home.
If there are already homes built in the community, try asking current residents if they are happy with their homes. You can also look for online reviews.
The next question you should ask when looking at new-build properties in Prior Lake is what features are standard in the homes, and which are upgrades. When walking through a model home, you might falsely assume everything shown comes standard with the house. In many cases, some of the fixtures or appliances may be upgraded features.
The base price of the home typically includes the standard items. Upgrading appliances and fixtures can add up quickly, so make sure you know what you’re getting and the cost of all upgrades.
Ask the company if there is a warranty on your home, what it covers, and how long it’s for. Most homes come with a warranty, but it’s essential to know the details so you know what to expect when you move in. If the furnace goes out the first winter, you want to know if it’s covered under your warranty policy.
Make sure you know what the timeline is for building the house. This can impact when you sell your home, or move out of your current residence, so it’s essential to get an idea of what you can expect. Of course, this can shift, but it will at least give you an estimate to work around.
Every building company has different policies about when you can view the house. Ask if you can walk through the house during the construction phase. This will allow you to notify the builders of issues during the process, instead of when the property is finished. However, in some cases, you might not be able to see the house until it’s finished.
While new houses are less likely to have issues that existing homes encounter with defects in critical systems, or areas not being up to code, it’s still important to make sure your new-build home is safe. Ask the construction company if you can have the home inspected before you close on the property.
Often, a construction company has a preferred lender or title company they work with. Ask them if there are incentives for working with these companies rather than working with your own lender or title company. They might be able to offer discounts on upgrades or closing costs for going through their preferred companies.
New construction developments often have Homeowner Association fees and regulations. Make sure you get all of the information upfront. Failure to follow the rules can result in fines. Some rules might also be deal-breakers for you in purchasing a house in the community.
You should also ask what amenities are included in the HOA fees. Some communities might have parks, gyms, pools, and other facilities.
When looking for a new construction home in Prior Lake, or when building a custom new home on a plot of land, trust the work of our team at Moderno.
We’ve built more than 800 homes in the past decades and developed hundreds of plots of land. We use 100% transparency while building your quality home, keeping you in the loop on the schedule, build process, and financing.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation with our team!
