INTRODUCTION TO NEW CONSTRUCTION HOMES 4
ADVANTAGES & DISADVANTAGES OF NEW CONSTRUCTION
COMPARING NEW CONSTRUCTION TO EXISTING/RESALE HOMES
QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF
WORKSHEETS TO HELP YOU DECIDE
ASSESSING YOUR READINESS
CONSIDERATIONS FOR OWNING LAND/LOT
FACTORS TO CONSIDER IF SELLING AN EXISTING HOME HOME RENOVATION CHECKLIST
COST COMPARISONS: BUILDING NEW VS REMODELING
FACTORING IN LONGTERM COSTS
NEIGHBORHOOD AND COMMUNITY CONSIDERATIONS CHOOSING A BUILDER
PROCESS
TIMELINES FOR EACH PHASE
DESIGN AND CUSTOMIZATION
TIPS FOR SELECTING NEW HOME OPTIONS
FINALIZING & CONTRACTING
TIPS TO HELP THE PROCESS GO SMOOTHLY
BUILDING BEGINS
CONSTRUCTION PHASES
ENJOYING YOUR NEW HOME TIPS FOR A LESS STRESSFUL MOVE
“Buildingahomeis morethanjust constructingwalls andaroof it's aboutcreatinga spacewherefamilies cangrow,memories aremadeand dreamstakeshape.”
Hi.I’mStephenCarlson,PresidentandFounder atCoastalContracting.I’vespentover12years buildingandrenovatinghomesalongthe beautifulMississippiGulfCoast.Myjourney startedin1968inNewOrleans,acityknownfor itsrichhistoryandvibrantculture,andI’ve carriedtheinfluenceofthatuniqueupbringing withmeeverystepoftheway.In1979,myfamily relocatedtoCarriere,Mississippi,whereI learnedthevalueoftight-knitcommunity.
In1999,mywifeCherie,oursonNicholas,andI madethemovetotheCoast,wherewe’ve madeourhomeandplantedtherootsfor CoastalContracting.Thisareahasalwaysbeen aninspirationforme itsblendofhistory, culture,andnaturalbeautyspeaksto everythingIloveaboutlivingandworkinghere.
AtCoastalContracting,mygoalissimple:to createbeautiful,well-craftedhomesthatreflect theuniquevisionsofeachofourclients.I believeineducatinghomeownersthroughout thebuildingorrenovationprocesssotheyfeel confidentandinformedateverystep.Quality andattentiontodetailarethefoundationof everythingwedo,andI’mproudofthe reputationwe’vebuiltfordeliveringhomesthat arenotjuststructurallysoundbutalso aestheticallystunning.
Beyondmywork,I’mdeeplycommittedto supportingourlocalcommunity.Weactively contributetoorganizationsliketheMississippi HumaneSocietyandPinkHeartFunds,causes thatmeanalottomyfamilyandme.
Thankyouforyourtrustandsupportthroughout theyears.I’mproudtocalltheMississippiGulf Coasthomeandlookforwardtocontinuingto buildhomesthatstandthetestoftime—justas thisincredibleregionhas.
Inthiscomprehensiveguide,wewillcovertheessentialaspectsofpurchasinga newconstructionhome,including:
Understandingthekeydifferencesbetweennewconstructionandexisting homes
Identifyingyourfamily'sprioritiesandassessingtheoverallvalue Navigatingthefinancingoptionsandchoosingtherightbuilder
Understandingthehomebuildingprocessandcustomizationoptions
Movinginandenjoyingyournewhomewithpeaceofmind
Bytheendofthisguide,youwillhaveaclearunderstandingof:
Theadvantagesanddisadvantagesofpurchasinganewconstructionhome
Thestepsinvolvedinthenewconstructionpurchasingprocess,frominitial planningtomove-in
Howtomakeinformeddecisionsthatalignwithyourpriorities,budget,and lifestyle
Strategiesforensuringasmoothandsuccessfulnewconstruction experience
Lovewhereyoulivebutneedmorespace?Howaboutahomerenovationtoget thatbrand-newfeelwithoutchangingaddress?Wehaveincludedachecklistto helpyoudecideifstayingputandrenovatingisthebestfitforyouandyour family.
WHAT IS CONSIDERED A NEW CONSTRUCTION HOME?
Anewconstructionhomeisa residentialpropertythathasbeen newlybuiltfromthegroundup,often aspartofanewhousingdevelopment orcommunity.Unlikeexistingorresale homes,newconstructionoffers homebuyerstheuniqueopportunityto createalivingspacetailoredtotheir specificneedsandpreferences.
ADVANTAGES OF NEW CONSTRUCTION:
Customization
Buyerscanoftenpersonalizelayouts andfinishestofittheirpreferences.
ModernFeatures:
Homesincludethelatesttechnologies andconveniences.
NewSystems
Allsystemsandappliancesarebrand new,ensuringefficiencyand warranties.
BuilderWarranties
Comprehensivecoverageonstructure andappliancesfromreputable builders
EnergyEfficiency
Newhomesoffermodernconstruction forreducedutilitiesandenvironmental impact.
DISADVANTAGES OF NEW CONSTRUCTION:
HigherCosts
Newhomescanbehigherpriceddueto land,materials,laborandcustomizations.
ConstructionDelays
Weatherandsupplyissuescanpush backmove-indates.
UnestablishedNeighborhoods
Newareasmaylackamenitiesand communitycharacter.
Homebuyersmayfaceawaitfrom monthstoayearormorefrom contracttomove-in LongerWaitingPeriod
LimitedLocations
Canbeinlesscentralareas,awayfrom urbanconveniencesandestablished services.
THINGS TO COMPARE
CustomizationOptions
RenovationPotential
Builder'sWarranties
MoreNegotiationOpportunities
ModernFloorPlans
EstablishedNeighborhood
CommunityAmenities
NewAppliancesandSystems
MatureLandscaping
Low-MaintenanceMaterials
NEW EXISTING
QUESTIONS TO
ASKYOURSELF
Formostpeople,buildingacustomhomeisa once-in-a-lifetimeopportunityanditcanbereally exciting!However,itcanalsobeintimidating, especiallyifyou'renotadequatelypreparedor havetherightbuilderbehindyou.
Ifyou'reconsideringbuildingyourcustomdream home,herearesomequestionsyoushouldask yourselfbeforestarting.
CONSTRUCTION
deaoffixingupahome
Wantlessmaintenancewithfew unexpectedrepairs
Wantincreasedenergyefficiency andsavings
Wantthelatestsmarthome technology
Preferhomeswithold-world character
Wantthepeaceofmindknowing thateverythingisnew
Excitedabouttheabilityto customizethehome
Preferanestablishedneighborhood withmaturelandscaping
Wouldratherpurchasenowbut movelater RESALE PROPERTY
Don’tmindtheuncertaintyof unexpectedrepairs
Wantimprovedindoorairquality
Whenbuildinganewhome,it'sessentialtoprioritizefeaturesandamenities thatalignwithyourfamily'slifestyle,budget,andneedstocreateaspace thatenhancesyourdailylife.
SpaceRequirements
Assesscurrentandfuturespace needsforchangesinfamily dynamicsorlifestyle.
DesiredLayoutandFloorPlan
Evaluatetheflowand functionalityofdifferentfloor planstofindtheonethatbest suitsyourfamily'sdailyroutines.
SpecificFeaturesorAmenities
Identifythemust-havefeatures thatwillenhanceyourqualityof life,suchasagourmetkitchen,a spa-likemasterbathroom,ora three-cargarage.
Distinguishbetweenessential needsanddesiredextras.
Identifywhatfeaturesaremusthavesversusnice-to-haves.
Featuresthatmaximizedaily lifeandlong-termsatisfaction.
Prioritizespendingonelements thatwillmostenhanceyourdaily livingandprovidelastingvalue.
Planforpotentialfutureupgrades oradditionstostaywithinbudget.
Considerflexibilityinyourhome designtoallowforfuture enhancementswithoutexceeding yourinitialbudget.
WHAT’S YOUR SCHEDULE FOR STARTING?
As soon as possible
1 to 3 months
3 to 6 months
6 months or longer
IS YOUR BUDGET?
$250,000 to $300,000
$300,000 to $350,000
$350,000 to $400,000
$450,000 to $500,000
$500,000 +
CUSTOMIZATION
Buildingahomefromthegroundup,topersonalizethedetailsto suitmylifestyleandtastes fromthelayout,cabinetsandflooring tothesinks,lighting,paintcolorsanddoorknobs!
LOWERMAINTENANCE
Sincenewhomesarebuilttomeetcurrentbuildingcodesand haveup-to-datetechnology,therearenoworriesaboutbigrepairs orheavymaintenanceissuesforthefirstfewyears—meaningno leakyroofsorfailingHVACsystems!Plus,homebuildersoffera limitedwarrantyifsomethingshouldbreak
LOWERENERGYCOSTS
Newhomesfeaturethelatestenergy-efficientsystemsand materials,whichusuallyleadstolowerenergybills woo-hoo!
NEWNESS
Startfreshasthefirstownerofmyhomeandenjoybrandspanking-newsystems,finishesandfixtures.
LOCATION
Choosingthelotorlandandthelocation
LONGERWAITTIME
Ittakesanaverageofsixtoeightmonths toconstructanewhome.Thismeansa gapinlivingarrangementsbetweenthe timeofsellingtheoldplaceandbuilding thenewone
STRESS
Buildingmeanschoosingthehome design,pickingoutflooring,fixtures, cabinets,countertops,interiortrim, exteriortrim,andsoon Itmeansmaking choicesthatstaywithinbudget Managingallofthedetailsthatgoalong withbuildingahometakestime,effort, anddecision-making.
BUSTINGBUDGET
Therearedollarsignstoupgrade countertops,fixtures,andappliances. Upgradescanquicklydriveuptheprice.
FINANCING
Understandinghowtodoaconstruction loanvs amortgage,timing,andcosts
NOISEANDLANDSCAPING
Buildingahousewhereothernewhomes arebeingbuiltmeansconstructionnoise andtraffic Itwillcalmdownasother homesgetcompleted,butit’ssomething toconsiderifyourtolerancefornoise levelandmessinessislow.Anewhome alsomeansputtinginnewgrassand landscapingaftermovingin.
HOW LONG DO YOU PLAN TO BE IN THE HOME YOU BUILD?
1 to 5 years
5 to 10 years
10 to 20 years
Our forever home
DO YOU OWN LAND OR A LOT TO BUILD ON?
No WHERE WOULD YOU LIKE TO BUILD?
Within City Limits Out on Land in the County On a Waterfront Lot Yes
DO YOU HAVE A HOUSE TO SELL TO BE ABLE TO BUILD?
No
Yes
Unsure – need to talk to our financial institution
DO YOU HAVE A BUYER’S AGREEMENT WITH A REALTOR?
No
Yes
If Yes with who:
AGENT'S NAME
Embarkingonthejourneyofbuildinga newconstructionhomeisanexciting prospect,butit'sessentialtoensure thatyou'rewell-preparedbeforediving in.
Byassessingyourreadiness, understandingthelandownership process,andconsideringthe implicationsofsellingyourexisting home,you'llbebetterpositionedto navigatethenewconstruction experiencewithconfidenceandclarity.
ASKING YOURSELF THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS
Whenplanninganewhome,think aboutyourtimelineandhowflexible youcanbe.Decidehowlongyoucan waitforconstructionandsetarealistic budgetthatcoverseverything, includinglandandfinishes,withagood financingplan.Focusonyourmain goals,likespace,layout,orspecial featuressuchasenergyefficiencyor smarttech.Also,considerhowinvolved youwanttobeintheprocessandbe preparedforpossibledelays.Keeping thesethingsinmindwillmakeyour homebuyingjourneysmoother.
Evaluateneighborhoodandcommunity factorstoensuretheymeetyourneeds andenhanceyourlong-terminvestment value.
LOCATION AND AMENITIES:
Assessproximitytoessentialamenities likeschools,parks,healthcare,and transportation.Considerlocalschool quality,propertyvalues,andlifestyle impact,aswellasnearbyrecreational andculturaloptions.
UNDERSTANDING HOA:
Learnaboutyourneighborhood's HomeownersAssociation(HOA), includingfeesformaintainingcommon areasandamenities,aswellasrules andrestrictionsonlandscaping,exterior modifications,andcommunityconduct
FUTURE DEVELOP
Investigatepoten developments,in commercialproje upgrades.Consid traffic,noise,and inthefuture.
RESALE VALUE AN
Researchareatre resalevalueand consideringlocal growth,anddesir communityplans values.
Ifyouhaven'talreadysecuredalotforyournewhome,thereareseveral factorstokeepinmind:
Researchavailablelandoptions inyourdesiredarea,considering factorssuchaszoning,utilities, andaccessibility.
Workwithahomebuilderand realestateagentexperiencedin landsalestohelpyounavigate theprocess.
Explorenewconstruction communitiesthatofferavariety oflotoptions.
Understandthecommunity's rules,regulations,and architecturalguidelines.Askfora copyoftheCovenants.
Ensurethatthelandiszonedfor residentialconstructionandthat theintendedusealignswithlocal regulations.
Familiarizeyourselfwiththe necessarypermitsandapprovals requiredforbuildingonthelot.
01. Timing
Determinewhetheryouneedtosell yourexistinghomebeforebeginning constructionorifyoucanmanage bothprocessessimultaneously. Workwithyourbuildertoestablisha realisticconstructiontimelinethat alignswithyoursellingandmoving goals.
02. Pricing
Consultwitharealestateagentto determineacompetitivepricing strategyforyourcurrenthome. Considerthepotentialimpactof marketconditionsonyourselling timelineandproceeds.
03. Contingencies
Discusswithyourrealestateagent andbuilderthepossibilityof includingcontingenciesinyour contractstoprotectyourinterests. Understandtheimplicationsofa contingencythattiesthesaleof yourexistinghometothe completionofyournewconstruction home.
Sometimes,youloveyourneighborhood,yourcommunityandthememories madeinyourhome butyoujustneedalittlemorespaceoranupdateddesign. Insteadofgoingthroughthehassleofmoving,whynotconsiderahome renovationoraddition?Renovatingcangiveyourhomethatbrand-newfeel withoutchangingyouraddress.
Beforemakingadecision,here’sahelpfulchecklisttodetermineifstayingput andrenovatingistherightmoveforyouandyourfamily:
DoYouLoveYourNeighborhood?
Ifyou’reattachedtoyourcurrentlocationandloveyourneighbors, schools,ornearbyamenities,stayingputmightbetheperfectsolution.
IsYourHome'sLayoutMostlyFunctional?
Ifyourhomehasagoodfoundationbutneedsafewtweaks likean
AreYouReadyforSome TemporaryDisruption?
Renovationscanmeanliving throughconstruction.Butthe rewardofabeautifullyupdated homemakesitworththeshortterminconvenience.
DoYouHaveaClearVisionfor WhatYouWant?
Whetherit’sanupdated kitchen,amodernized bathroom,orabiggerliving room,havingaclearideaof yourgoalscanhelpguidethe renovationprocess.
WouldaRenovationIncrease YourHome’sValue?
Awell-executedrenovation canincreasetheresalevalue ofyourhome,makingita smartfinancialinvestment.
DoYouHaveaTrusted Contractor?
Therightcontractorwillensure yourprojectisdonesafely, efficiently,andtoyour satisfaction.AtMasterBuilt Homes,weguideyouthrough everystep,fromdesignto completion.
Ifthissoundslikeyou,arenovationor homeadditioncouldbetheperfect waytocreateyourdreamspace withoutleavingthehomeyoulove.Let CoastalContractinghelptransform yourhouseintoaperfectfitforyour family nomovingrequired!
COST COMPARISONS: ASSESSING THE OVERALL VALUE
Whendecidingbetweenbuildinga newconstructionhomeorpurchasing anexistingproperty,youhaveto considertheoverallvalueandlongtermcostsassociatedwitheach option.Bybreakingdownthetypical expensesinvolvedinnewconstruction andcomparingthemtothecostsof renovatinganexistinghome,youcan makeaninformeddecisionthataligns withyourfinancialgoalsandpriorities.
TYPICAL NEW CONSTRUCTION COSTS
Land/Lot
A1/4acrelotinadesirablespotmay cost$100,000,whilea1/2acrelotina ruralareamaycost$50,000.
Buildinga2,500squarefoothomeona slabwithmid-rangematerialsmay cost$400,000-$500,000. Materials
Laborcostsfora2,500-square-foot homemayrangefrom $150,000-$250,000. Labor
PermitsandFees
Buildingpermitsfora2,500square foothomemaycost$2,000-$5,000,
UpgradesandCustomizations
Upgradingtohigh-endappliancesmay costanadditional$10,000-$20,000.
RENOVATING/REMODELING AN EXISTING HOME
KitchenRemodel
Aminorkitchenremodel(new countertops,appliancesandpaint) maycost$14,597-$41,503
PrimaryBathRemodel
Abasicbathroomremodel(new fixtures,tile,andvanity)maycost $7,000-$30,000.
Additions
Addinga400-square-footroommay cost$50,000-$100,000,dependingon thecomplexityandfinishes.
SystemsUpgrades
ReplacinganHVACsystemmaycost $5,750-$10,000.
RoofReplacement
Replacingastandardasphaltshingle roofmaycost$10,000-$30,680.
ACCORDING TO ANGI, THE AVERAGE COSTS CAN RUN UP TO:
$16,748 $26,966 $81,199
REMODEL A BATHROOM REMODEL A KITCHEN BUILD AN ADDITION
Whencomparingnewconstructionandexistinghomes,considerthelongtermcoststhatcanimpactyouroverallvalue:
MAINTENANCE
Anexistinghomemayrequirea newroof($10,000-$30,000)or HVACservicing($100-$500 annually),whileanew constructionhomemayhave lowermaintenancecostsdueto modernmaterialsandsystems.
UTILITIES
Anexistinghomewithoutdated systemsmayhavemonthly utilitybillsaveraging $250-$400,whileanew constructionhomewith energy-efficientfeaturesmay havebillsaveraging$150-$250.
HOA FEES
Anewconstructioncommunity mayhaveHOAfeesof $200-$500permonth,whilean existingneighborhoodmayhave feesof$50-$300permonth. CompareeachHOA'samenities, services,andvalue,suchas landscaping,pools,orgyms.
Whenassessingtheoverallvalueof newconstructionversusexisting homes,considertheirpotentialfor resaleandappreciation:
Reviewrecentsalesdataand markettrendstocompareresale valuesofnewandexistinghomesin yourdesiredarea:
Inagrowingarea,anewhome boughtfor$500,000mightresellfor $600,000infiveyears,whilean existinghomeboughtfor$400,000 couldreach$450,000inthesame timeframe.
Considertheappreciationpotential ofnewconstructionhomesin growingorhigh-demandareas:
Anewconstructionhomeinarapidly developingdowntownareamay appreciate20-30%over5-7years.
Evaluatethepotentialfor existinghomestoappreciatein valuethroughstrategic renovationsandupdates:
Investing$50,000inawell-planned kitchenandbathroomremodelmay increaseanexistinghome'svalueby $75,000-$100,000.
Selectingtherightbuilderisoneofthemostcriticaldecisionsyou'llmake whenembarkingonthenewconstructionjourney.Areputablebuilderwillnot onlyensurethatyourhomeisbuilttothehighestqualitystandardsbutalso maketheentireprocesssmootherandmoreenjoyable.
KEY QUESTIONS TO ASK POTENTIAL BUILDERS
Howlonghaveyoubeenin business,andhowmany homeshaveyoubuilt?
Whatwarrantiesdoyouoffer, andwhatdotheycover?
Canyouwalkmethrough yourconstructionprocessand timeline?
Whatcustomizationoptions doyouoffer,andhowflexible areyouinaccommodating clientrequests?
Howdoyouhandle communicationwithclients duringconstruction?
Canyouprovideadetailed breakdownofthematerials andbrandsusedinyour homes?
Financinganewconstructionhomediffersfromobtainingamortgageforan existingproperty.Understandingtheloanoptions,requirements,andbudget considerationsiscrucial.Bygettingtoknowconstructionloans,loantypes, preapprovalprocesses,andextracosts,youcanconfidentlymanagethe financingprocessandsmoothlysecureyourdreamhome.
OVERVIEW OF CONSTRUCTION LOANS AND THEIR REQUIREMENTS
Theseloanstypicallyhaveahigherinterestratethantraditional mortgagesduetotheincreasedriskforlenders.
Fundsaredisbursedinstagesasconstructionprogresses,with inspectionsconductedateachstagetoensuretheworkmeetsthe agreed-uponspecifications.
Borrowersareusuallyrequiredtoprovidedetailedplans,specifications, andaconstructiontimelinetosecureaconstructionloan.
Lendersmayrequirealargerdownpayment(10%-20%)andproofof income,assetsandcreditworthiness.
LOAN TYPES:
Construction-to-PermanentLoans
Combinesconstructionloanandpermanentmortgageintoone. Convertstoatraditionalmortgageafterconstruction. Singleclosingprocesssavestimeandclosingcosts.
Stand-AloneConstructionLoans
Coversconstructioncosts;refinancesintoapermanentmortgage post-construction.
Requiresqualifyingfortwoseparateloanswithtwoclosings. Idealforthoseseekingbettermortgageratespost-constructionor planningimmediatesale.
RenovationLoans
Forsignificantrenovationsonexistinghomes,considerFHA203(k)or FannieMaeHomeStyleRenovationloans.
Financepurchaseandrenovationcoststogether;fundsheldinescrow anddisbursedduringrenovation.
Offerstheconvenienceofasingleloanapplicationandclosingforboth purchaseandrenovation.
Understandingthehomebuildingprocess,includingthesteps,typical timelines,andpotentialdelays,alongwithregularcommunication withyourbuilderandsitevisits,isessentialforasmoothconstruction experienceandrealisticexpectations.
1
Obtainpermits, finalizeproject detailswithyour builder,andsecure financingand insurance.
2
Preparethelandby clearing,grading, settinguptemporary utilities,and excavatingforthe foundation.
Pourfootings,build foundationwalls, installdrainage systems,andbackfill soil. 3
Installinsulationand drywall,thentape, finish,andapply primerandtextureas needed. 6
Installandinspectrough electrical,plumbing, HVAC,wiring,pipes,and ductworkbefore progressing. 5
Buildfloors,walls,and roof;installsheathing andweatherbarriers; frameinteriorsand openings
Installexterior finishes,roofing, gutters,windows,and doors
Installcabinets, countertops,trim, flooring,andtile; paintinteriors;and fitlightand plumbingfixtures.
Installappliances, finalizeutilities, completewalkthrough,and secureoccupancy certificate.
FACTORS THAT CAN IMPACT SCHEDULES:
Weather
Badweathercandelayoutdoor constructionstageslikesite preparationandframing.
MaterialAvailability
Supplychainissuesorbackordered materialscandelayconstruction, especiallyforcustomitems
LaborShortages
Locallaborshortagescandelay constructionassubcontractors prioritizelargerorurgentprojects.
Finalizeplansearlytoavoidlatestagechangesorindecisiveness thatcanhaltprogressandextend timelines. DesignChanges
TYPICAL TIMELINES FOR EACH PHASE
Pre-Construction:4-8weeks
SitePreparation:1-2weeks
Foundation:2-4weeks
Framing:3-6weeks
Rough-In:2-4weeks
InsulationandDrywall:2-4weeks
ExteriorFinishes:2-4weeks
InteriorFinishes:4-8weeks
FinalTouches:1-2weeks
COMMUNICATION AND SITE VISITS:
Scheduleregularmeetings withyourbuildertodiscuss progress,askquestions,and makedecisions. 1.
Visittheconstructionsite frequentlytoobservethework firsthandandensureitaligns withyourexpectations. 2.
3.
Documentyourvisitswith photosandnotestomaintain arecordoftheconstruction process.
Addressanyconcernsor discrepancieswithyourbuilder immediatelytominimizedelays andpotentialcosts. 4.
TopTipsforSelectingNew
Sincethiswillbeyourhomeforyears, choosefeaturesthatmatchyour lifestyleandpersonaltastes.Think aboutyourcurrentandfutureneeds activities,hobbies,andhowyou entertain.Trendsmaycomeandgo, butselectwhatyoutrulylove.And remember,neutraltonesalwaysstay instyle!
Upgradingoptionsmayfeelmore worthwhileiftheycanboostyour home’sresalevalue.Featureslike upgradedkitchens,smarthome technology,anddurableflooring(like nocarpet)areoftenatthetopof buyers'wishlists.
Thatextrabedroomorbathmaybe tempting,butmakesuretocheck withyourlenderfirsttoensureit doesn’tpushyoubeyondyourloan limit.
BUILDER'S WARRANTY AND PROTECTION POLICIES
Reviewthebuilder'swarranty documenttounderstand coverage,limitations,andclaim procedures.
Considerpurchasingathird-party homeprotectionplanfor additionalcoverageofsystems andappliances.
Securehomeowner'sinsurance withappropriatecoveragelevels anddeductiblesforyournew home.
Beforeconstruction,reviewplans, contracts,budget,financing,andbuilder's policiesforclarityandconfidence.
REVIEW OF PLANS, SPECS, & CONTRACT TERMS
PlansandDrawings
Reviewplans,elevations,andsite layoutforaccuracy,including dimensions,roomsizes,andfixture placement..
Specifications
Reviewdetailedmaterial specificationstoconfirmalignment withselectionsanddocumentany changesorupgradesclearly.
ContractTerms
Understandtheconstruction contract,especiallypayment, changes,warranties,anddisputes; seeklegaladviceifneeded.
CONTRACT SIGNING AND DEPOSITS/PAYMENTS
Reviewandsignnecessary documentswiththebuilder, includingagreedchanges. Providerequireddepositsas percontract,understandthe paymentschedule. Keepsigneddocumentsand plansaccessiblefor constructionreference.
Toensurethatyourhomebuildingexperienceisassmoothandstress-free aspossible,considerthefollowingtips:
CommunicationStrategieswiththeBuilder
Dostayinregularcommunicationwithyourbuilder.Comeprepared tomeetingswithanyquestions.Documentallcommunicationsand designateaprimaryfamilycontacttostreamlineinteractions.
StayOrganized
Don’tdelaymeetings,walk-throughs,andoptionsselection,asitcould delaytheconstructiontimeline.
ManageExpectationsandUnderstandPotentialDelaysorChanges
Recognizethatconstructiontimelinescanshiftduetoweather, materialshortages,orlaborissues.Staypreparedforpotential changes,maintainopencommunicationwithyourbuildertoaddress delays,andremainflexibletoensureapositivehomebuilding experience.
AdvocateorYourselfandAskingQuestionsThroughoutthe Process
Activelyaskquestionsandexpressconcernsthroughoutthe homebuildingprocess.Seekclarificationsandassertyourpreferences withyourbuilderandotherprofessionals,whileconsideringtheir expertadvice.Collaborateonsolutionsforanyissuesthatarise.
Don’tDoTheseforFinancing
Don’tmakeotherbigpurchases(suchasanewcar)beforeyouclose onyourhome.
Don’tchangeyourjobbeforeyoucloseonyourhome.
SitePreparationandPermittingProcess
First,thesiteisclearedandgradedfor properlevelinganddrainage,andasurvey isdonetomarkboundariesandmeet zoningrequirements.Atthesametime, permitsaresecured,andinspectionsare scheduledtoensureeverythingmeetsthe standardsthroughoutthebuild.
GroundbreakingandFoundationWork
Constructionbeginswithsiteexcavation andpreparingthefoundationaccordingto theplans.Concreteispouredtocreatea strongfoundation,whichneedstimeto cureproperly,usuallytakingseveraldays toafewweeksdependingonthe conditions.
FramingandStructuralWork
Afterthefoundationisready,framing beginswiththeconstructionofwalls, floorsandroof,quicklyshapingthe house.Thestructureisreinforcedwith plywoodorOSBsheathingtostabilize andprepareforexteriorfinishes.
MonitoringProgress
Regularsitevisitsandinspectionsarekey tostayingontrackandensuringeverything meetsthespecs.Keepcommunication openwithyourbuilderforupdates,and makesureanychangestoplansorpermits aredocumentedtopreventdelaysand staycompliant.
Rough-InWork
Essentialsystemslikeplumbing,electrical wiring,andHVACductworkareinstalled duringtherough-inphase,settingthe groundworkforutilitiesbeforebeing enclosedbyinsulationanddrywallfor finishing.
InsulationandDrywallInstallation
Postrough-in,insulationmaterialslike fiberglassorfoamareinstalledfor temperatureandsoundcontrol.Drywallis thenfitted,taped,mudded,andsandedto prepareasmoothfinishforfinaltouches.
ExteriorFinishes
Alongsideinteriorwork,thehome'sexterioris completedwithsiding(vinyl,fibercement, wood,orbrick),roofingforelemental protection,andsealed,energy-efficient windowsanddoorstoimproveinsulationand preventleaks.
InteriorFinishes
Aftersettingdrywallandexteriorfinishes, interiorworkbeginswithtriminstallation (baseboards,casings,molding),cabinets (withcountertopsandbacksplashes), painting(walls,ceilings,trim),andflooring (hardwood,tile,carpet),refiningthehome's finallook.
FinalInspectionsandWalkthrough
Asconstructionconcludes,finalinspections confirmbuildingcodecompliance.The subsequentwalkthroughletsyouinspectthe finishedhome,addressconcernswiththe builder,andfinalizedetailsbeforemove-in, markingakeymilestoneinyour homebuildingjourney.
LineUpaMover
Evenifyoudon’thaveanexactclosingdate, youcanfindaprofessionalmoverunlessyou decidetoconvincefriendsandfamilytohelp instead.Checkeachmover’sreferencesand makesuretheyarelicensed.
StartPacking
Feelfreetostartpackingearly thesooner,the better!Beginwiththingsyou’vealreadystored away,likeboxesinthegarage,attic,orstorage unit,anddecidewhattokeep.Then,moveonto yourclosets.Thisisagreattimetosortthrough clothesanddonateorsellwhatyounolonger need.
Setasideaboxforessentialsyou’llneedonday one:bathtowels,toiletpaper,papertowels, plates,plasticutensils,bedsheets,soap,and anyothermust-haves.Youmightalsowantto keepoutafewbasickitchenitemslikepots, pans,mugs,anddishes.
KeepImportantDocumentsAccessible
Asyourmovegetscloser,it’simportanttokeep allyourhomepurchaseandfinancing documentshandy,alongwithanyreceiptsand paperworkrelatedtothemove.Thiswillmake thingsmucheasiertomanage!
Afteralltheplanning,decisions,andconstruction,themomentyou've been waiting for has finally arrived – it's time to move into your new home! This section will guide you through the process of settling in, maintaining your home, and understanding your builder's warranty andserviceprocess.
MovingInandSettlingIntoYourNewHome
Scheduleyourmovewellinadvanceandhirereputablemoversor enlistfriendsandfamilytohelp.
Make a plan for unpacking and organizing your belongings to maketheprocessmoreefficient. Take time to get to know your new home and familiarize yourself withitsfeaturesandsystems.
Meet your new neighbors and explore the community to start feelingathome.
TIPS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Createahomemaintenance scheduletostayontopoftaskslike changingHVACfilters,cleaning guttersandservicingmajor appliances.
Regularlyinspectyourhome's exteriorandinteriorforsignsof wear,damageorpotentialissues. Keepahomemaintenancefundto coverunexpectedrepairsor replacements.
Considerpurchasingtermite protectiononyourhome.
ACTIVATING UTILITIES AND SETTING UP SERVICES
Electricity:Contactyourlocalelectric companytosetupanaccountand scheduleserviceactivation.
Gas:Ifapplicable,contactyourlocal gascompanytosetupanaccount andscheduleserviceactivation.
WaterandSewer:Contactyourlocal waterdepartmenttosetupan accountandscheduleservice activation.
InternetandCable:Research providersinyourareaandsetup accountsforinternet,cable,orsatellite services.
TrashandRecycling:Contactyour localwastemanagementcompanyto setuptrashandrecyclingservices.
BUILDER'S WARRANTY AND SERVICE PROCESS
Reviewyourwarrantydocuments carefullytounderstandwhatis coveredandforhowlong. Learnaboutthebuilder'sservice requestprocessforaddressing warrantyissues. Keeprecordsofallwarranty communicationsandrepairsfor futurereference.
Rememberthatsomeitemsmay becoveredbymanufacturer warranties,suchasappliancesor HVACsystems.
Builder'sWarrantyOverview:
Newconstructionhomesusuallycomewith abuilder’swarrantythatcovers workmanshipandmaterialsforoneyear, systemslikeelectricalandplumbingfortwo years,andstructuralelementsforuptosix years.Besuretoreviewthewarranty carefullytounderstandwhat’scovered,how long,andanyexclusions.
Homeowner'sInsuranceand AdditionalWarranties:
Gethomeowner'sinsurancetoprotectyour newhomeandbelongingsfromdamage, theft,orliability.Talktoyourinsurance agenttofindcoveragethatfitsyourhome's valueanduniquefeatures.Youmightalso wanttoconsiderextrawarrantiesfor appliancesandsystemsnotcoveredbythe builder’swarrantyforextrapeaceofmind.
Builder’sAfter-SaleSupport:
Familiarizeyourselfwithyourbuilder’s customerserviceandafter-salesupport policies,includingwarrantyclaimsand repairrequests.Understandtheir communicationmethodsandresponse times,andkeepdetailedrecordsofall interactionstofacilitateasmooth warrantyprocess.
ManagingWarrantyClaims:
Promptlyfilewarrantyclaimsorrepair requestsusingyourbuilder'sprocedures, providingdetaileddescriptionsandvisuals. Keeprecordsofallclaims.
Buildingyourdreamhomeisanexcitingjourney,andwehope thisNewConstructionGuidehasprovidedyouwithvaluable insightsasyoubegintoplan.Readytotakethenextstep?Our NewHomeSpecialist,SusieSiemiontkowski,isheretoguideyou everystepoftheway.Withoveradecadeofexperienceinnew constructionandrenovationsontheMississippiGulfCoast,Susie isyourlocalexpert. Fromselectingtheperfectfloorplantodesigningeverydetailof yourdreamhome,Susiewillworkcloselywithyoutoensureyour visionbecomesreality.Havequestions?Reachouttoday,and together,we’llmakeyourdreamhomearealitywiththebest resourcesandsupportbyyourside.Let’sgetstarted!
Stephen Carlson PRESIDENT & BUILDER
