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Video — Agent Secrets — Comparing Builders And New Home Projects

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Beautiful, modern model homes and neighborhoods can make the job of comparing different builders and projects a challenge. Here are a few questions to help you. Ask everyone the same questions, like:

How is the final price of a home in your project set, and when?

Do you offer a warranty option? Can we have a copy of the warranty terms?

How many different models are available? Can we see plans or brochures?

Can I make changes and upgrades during construction? Until what stage?

When do inspections take place in your construction schedule?

Who would be supervising construction of our particular home?

When is completion scheduled? What happens if there are delays?

Also ask about other projects, and their history in this business:

Are you insured? Licensed?

How many other homes have you built? Where?

Do you provide references, such as from prior buyers?

Ask for written confirmation of things you consider to be key. Compare the answers from different projects, sales teams and builders. And consider involving a real estate buyers agent, or new-home cobroker, for professional advice.

5 Ways To Compare Home Builders

If you've already gone through the different builders or made a short list with the help of our knowledgeable advisors, the next step will be to compare the different builders. This can be hard to do because every builder offers a different product with a different set of inclusions, costs, and levels of service. During the process, it should be your top priority to choose a builder who can meet your specific needs instead of giving you amenities that you might want but aren't necessary for you. Putting your needs in order of how important they are can be the easiest way to do this.

This article explains the most important things about each builder that should be compared as a whole. Most people are looking for things like these, which will make building much easier.

Quality

Customers will often go to a builder's display home as one of the first things they do when deciding between builders. This is a great way to see what the builder is really capable of making and how the floor plan looks in the building itself. Keep in mind, though, that a display house is the best version of a property. It has the most upgrades and was built to the highest standards. This should always be kept in mind. Usually, it will have all of the extras, the most expensive finishes, and the nicest furniture. It will also be decorated with all of the things that aren't included. When you visit a model home, be sure to ask about the costs of buying that particular home design and what is and isn't included in the starting price. Keeping these two things in mind will give you a pretty good idea of what you should expect. Instead of focusing on the expensive furniture, you should think about how the space is designed, laid out, and flows.

Inclusions

It is important to compare different builders based on the inclusions they offer. This might not change how you feel about the real builder much, but it will help you figure out how much extra money you'll need on top of the base payment.

Find out how to find the best builder for your needs.

Comparing the inclusions that are included can be hard at times, so many people make long lists or even use spreadsheets to do this. On the other hand, if you go to www.ibuildnew.com.au, you will be able to compare inclusions and other important details side by side. Because of this, it is now crystal clear and easy to understand what you can expect to happen.

Quotes

Getting quotes from different builders and comparing the inclusions they include might be a lot like comparing the inclusions they include with different builders. You can make this step as easy as possible by talking to one builder about everything you want in the house and asking them for an estimate. Then, take out any extra fees that come with it, and give it to the next builder on your list to see if they can give you a better price or some other benefit. By using the same criteria to compare builders, you will be able to get a more accurate idea of the services they provide.

Reputation

This one might be hard in some ways. At the end of the day, it's important to have some idea of whether or not a builder stays in good contact with past clients. On the other hand, as is common in most business fields, a small number of unhappy customers can make it hard for the majority of happy and satisfied customers to be heard over the noise. Talk to as many people as you can and, if you can, look online. A search for the builder's name will lead you to many customers who are either in the process of finishing their own homes or who have just finished them. You can always ask to talk to a customer of the builder whose house is almost done so you can get some direct and up-to-date feedback.

Financial Situation

This one is really important for you to remember. If you want peace of mind and to avoid big problems in the future, it's a good idea to find out how financially stable the builders on your short list are. If the company that built or developed your home goes out of business, you don't want to be left with a house that isn't finished or that doesn't live up to its promises.

If you ask or look into whether your consultant has long-term relationships with their subcontractors or suppliers, this could be a sign that they are in a good financial situation. You could also check online at places like the ASIC website to make sure that the company's creditors are not taking legal action against it. Keep in mind that it does take time for a construction company to get started and become a trusted player in the industry.

Putting together the house of your dreams is a big job, and finding the right builder is key to its success. Examining your options while staying confident and well-informed will make the trip easier and more enjoyable.

Author
Adan Harris
Contributor
January 27, 2023
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