Construction Tips & Info
Selecting a Home Builder
With the right approach and the right builder your new home buying experience will be a pleasurable one. It is therefore recommended to have a thorough understanding of the differences between each area builder before committing to your new home. Many times, the perfect match is a builder you have not considered or heard about through family, friends, and co-workers. Either way, there are a number of factors one must consider when researching, evaluating, and purchasing a new home.
Reputation
Consider a builder’s niche in regards to type, style, and price range of the houses they typically construct. Whatever their specialty, it is important to match your needs to a builder with appropriate experience in the type of home of interest to you. Checking credit history, references, and credentials can provide assurance your money is in capable hands. Many savvy new home purchasers will request both a complete list of all those homes built over the past year and a list of references. Consider touring the neighborhoods the builder has built in and visually assessing each home.
Quality
Craftsmanship and construction techniques vary from builder to builder. Construction quality has a direct relationship with a homes durability, efficiency, and resale value. Obtain a list of the subcontractors used. A good builder recognizes the importance of reliable and experienced subcontractors. Rather than visiting a showcase or model home it is important to visit the typical home built by each builder. Interior trim work is one of the most revealing signs of a builder’s quality. Don’t forget to visit job sites! Good quality work typically occurs on a clean site.
Value
While newly constructed homes often cost more than used homes they may actually be less expensive over time because they require less maintenance and are more energy efficient than older homes. They are often easier to live in due to modern floor plans and state of the art amenities. In addition to cost, explore the hidden values associated with each builder. Are they well versed in the statutes and building codes that may affect your home? Is there network with local authorities, inspectors, and personnel a favorable one? How will their experience benefit you before, during, and after you move-in?
Service
Building a home can be a difficult process if your questions and concerns are not met. A good customer service record is a good indicator of a reputable builder. Were past homes built on schedule? What type of builder warranty is offered? If a problem arises after move-in how will it be resolved? Will you be restricted to contact the subcontractor or will your builder handle such inquiries? The National Association of Homebuilders suggests all homeowners ask each builder what kind of service the buyer can expect after the sale.
Communication
There should be a strong commitment by your builder to communicate with you. A complete understanding of each other at all times will help minimize unnecessary expenses and avoid unwanted stress. Look for a builder that will walk you through the entire process from site preparation and financing to timelines and actual construction. Consider those who will make the process of budgeting and selecting products and upgrades clear, understandable, and convenient.
Types of New Construction
Construction options, cost, and quality typically vary from one type of construction to the next. While the final outcome is more dependent on the builder chosen, it is important to understand the difference. Three categories generally describe the main types of new home construction: "Stick" or site built homes, Modular homes, & Manufactured homes.
"Stick" or site built homes
A traditional built home is a home built on site according to the design and specifications agreed to by the building contractor and buyer. The builder either subs work out to their subcontractors during the construction process or completes all the work on their own. Before construction begins, a set of plans or specifications is completed. Allowances are then allotted for home items such as fixtures, carpeting, and lighting.
"Modular" homes
A modular home is a factory-built home of one or more sections. A design with standard specifications can either be chosen in plan books or the company can modify plans and specifications accordingly. Homes delivered to the state of Wisconsin are built to their state code. Unlike manufactured homes, modular homes do not have wheels for delivery, but instead are delivered on trailers and lifted onto a permanent foundation and anchored in place.
"Manufactured" homes
Manufactured homes are built according to Manufactured housing construction and safety standards, commonly referred to as the HUD code, which governs factory construction of manufactured housing. HUD codes are typically less stringent than the code stick builders or modular home manufacturers have to follow. On average, a HUD home is constructed of less expensive materials and plans and changes are limited. A metal frame, by law, must be constructed on a non-removable steel chassis. Many communities have restrictions on where (and if) manufactured homes can be located in any given area.
What is a New Construction Consultant?
Whether you are thinking about building a custom home or purchasing a new spec home it is important to seek the services of an experienced real estate professional. The new construction marketplace of today has become quite complex and today’s home buyer is now faced with a number of factors to consider. Here are some common questions:
- What are the names of all the builders in the area that might fit my needs?
- How come there is such a big difference in construction costs?
- What is the best way to finance my new construction?
- Where are the best subdivisions to purchase a lot?
- What types of homes can I expect to be built around mine?
- Who should I consult with for legal questions?
- What is the best way to compare one builder to the next?
- How can I avoid a double move?
- What subcontractors does each builder use?
- Who should I talk to get an honest opinion of a builder’s quality?
- What types of contingencies should I have in an offer?
- When is the best time to sell my existing house?
- What types of warranties does each builder offer?
- Who can answer my questions regarding ordinances and restrictions?
- What materials and deadlines do the builder’s contracts guarantee?
- Will my new home have good resale and investment value?
- What type of service and communication can I expect from each builder?
- Is new construction the best option for me?
KLAPPERICH NEW CONSTRUCTION CONSULTING
Whether you are contemplating purchasing a new home that has already been built, purchasing an existing home, or are interested in building your own it is typically a wise decision to seek the services of a licensed realtor to guide you along each step of the way. A Klapperich New Construction Consultant can help decide whether new construction is right for you, assist you with builders, and monitor each step of the new construction process.
SERVICES AND DUTIES PROVIDED
| Initial new construction consultation |  |
| New construction needs and wants analysis | |
| Builder search and summary | |
| Spec home search and summary | |
| Site search and summary | |
| Scheduling of builder interview | |
| Proposed construction/site research | |
| Warranty overview | |
| Offer to purchase contract and contingencies | |
| Scheduling and timelines | |
| Sale of existing home | |
| Site visits and inspections | |
| Final site walk-through before closing | |
| Closing day | |
| Post move-in follow up | |
KLAPPERICH NEW CONSTRUCTION CONSULTING is offered to allow anyone exploring the option of new construction to understand the building process, provide guidance along the way, and conveniently coordinate your move. There are many benefits including:
| Knowledge and Guidance |
A Klapperich New Construction Consultant can help you understand the various steps involved in the entire building process and help answer your questions and concerns |
| Compare Value |
A Klapperich New Construction Consultant can help you compare existing homes, spec homes, the option of new construction, and the investment and market value of each |
| Coordinate Your Move |
A Klapperich New Construction Consultant can assist you with scheduling and timelines and expedite the sale of your existing property in a convenient manner |
If you are interested in talking with a New Construction Consultant to discuss how new construction consulting may be beneficial to you, click here. If you would rather visit our agent page to review the profiles of the Klapperich Team, click here.
New Construction Tips
- Know your builder
Having a thorough understanding of your builder’s background, experience, and reputation is critical when purchasing a new home. Customer service and communication often define the difference from one builder to the next.
- Visit Construction Sites
Whether you have already begun construction or are still in the interviewing process a builder’s construction site is typically a sign of both quality and organization. A visual assessment of a job site is often the only way to determine how a new home will perform in the years to follow.
- Follow up on references
Making inquiries to each reference is a simple way to determine unknowns and alleviate concerns. Committing to new construction with unanswered questions is not recommended and often results in undue stress to a homebuyer.
- Know your needs and wants
Whether buying for yourself or others as well, it is important to consider each of your needs and wants before both selecting a builder and committing to your new home. Locale, style, floor plan, and amenities vary significantly; changes can be both prohibitive and costly.
- Order a 1 year roster of homes
Model homes and showcase homes are often loaded with upgrades. By visiting a sample of recently built homes and their surrounding neighborhoods a home buyer can get a more general idea of a builder’s typical home.
- Have a new home buyer representative
Obtaining the services of a New Home Buyer Consultant is a critical step in the new home buying process. Whether it is helping you compare builders, assessing resale value, or overseeing each step of the new home buying process it is important to understand the value of consulting with a third party.
- Obtain a copy of a written builder warranty
Most states have regulations in place regarding builder warranties to protect not only the consumer but also the builder. The State of Wisconsin offers minimum protection for the new home buyer and a thorough understanding of each builder’s warranty is highly recommended.
- Understand Ordinances, Restrictions and Bylaws
Each and every subdivision and new development has varying degrees of rules and regulations of ownership. While they are designed to protect the residents of each it is important to know how such rules will affect both your property’s investment value and day to day lifestyle.
- Futureproof your home
Considering the future goes beyond blueprints when buying a new home. Besides analyzing the needed space and floor plan for tomorrow it is wise to consider emerging technology and changing lifestyles. Convenience options and wiring for communications and entertainment are typically cost effective upgrades in design but become expensive additions after move-in.
- Enjoy the New!
Buying or building a new home can be one of life’s most joyful memories with the proper research and steps taken. A good builder and New Home Buyer Consultant are two important steps to get you underway. Dreams can come true and be sure to step back along the way and enjoy the new!
