If you are planning to buy a home, you may be currently weighing up your options and trying to decide which type of home is best for you. There are many choices available when it comes to selecting a property, but one of the most favorable choices is buying a new home. There are many benefits to be gained when buying a new property over a resale. A new home enables you to buy a property that is a blank canvas and has not been modified by past owners; a newly built house also allows you to have more input into the finish and fixtures. So, if you are keen to take advantage of these benefits, you may have already begun researching building companies and looking around for upcoming developments.
If you have not bought a newly build property in the past, the buying process may seem a bit of a mystery. As you would expect, there are some significant differences between buying a new property compared with a resale home, so being aware of these is really helpful. One of the most obvious differences is buying a house from a builder means it is not yet complete. So, understanding what the typical house construction process looks like will help you to prepare for buying your new-build home. Read on to learn more about the typical house construction schedule:
Choosing Your Lot
Once you have found the right builder and your perfect location, you will need to select a lot for your property. When choosing a lot, there are several things to consider, so it is a pretty important decision to make. You will need to think about how much sunlight and shade your lot will receive, whether neighboring properties will overlook it, and whether it is centrally located on the development or tucked away on the outskirts.
Preparing the Lot
Before the construction of your new home can begin, the builder will need to prepare the lot. When you choose your lot, it may not yet be prepared for the build, and you may select it off-plan. Preparing the plot requires the builder to remove any trees or debris and to level the ground before further work can begin. Once the site is clear, the builder will start preparing the foundation of the property. Footings are then dug, and the utility pipes are installed to provide a connection to your water, electricity, and gas supply. The building should be viewed by an inspector at this stage who will inspect the foundation before the construction process goes further.
Starting the Build
When the footings and work on the foundation have been completed, the builders will begin work on the rough frame of the property before completing the main shell of the house. At this exciting stage, you will see your new home begin to take shape and will be able to get a better idea of what it will look like when completed. The next stage of the building process will see the siding and roof being completed.
Decide on Features and Finishes
One of the significant advantages of buying a new build home is you get some say in how you would like it to look. Depending on how far along the construction process the property is, you may be able to select interior features for the home. Being able to choose the style of kitchen cabinets and countertops you would like and deciding on the flooring for your home are examples of some of the choices you may be able to make. However, unless you are buying a custom home, you may not be able to make any major changes, such as altering the position of walls or windows.
When discussing the finish and fixtures for your new home, be sure to inquire about any extra costs involved. Some finishes may be considered upgrades, and you may be charged extra if you select these.
Completing the Interior
Before your chosen finishes are installed, the builders will get to work on insulating your property and fitting the drywall. A primer coat will be painted onto the drywall to prepare it for decorating. After the insulation and drywall are complete, your builders will fit the interior trim. At this stage, the door frames, doors, and window sills are installed.
Adding the Finishes
The final and one of the most exciting times in the building process will now take place. All the fixtures and finishes you have chosen for your property will now be installed in readiness for moving into your new home. The walls will be given a final coat of paint, your chosen kitchen will be fitted, and items such as carpets and bathroom fittings will be installed. At this stage, the external finish will also be completed to the agreed standard. So, the driveway will be poured or paved, the turf will be laid in the yard, and pathways will be constructed.
Final Inspection
With the work on the house complete, the property will now be inspected by a building code official. They will verify that the work has been finished to the required standard and complies with regulations.
Visiting Your New Home
After the final inspection, but before moving in, you will meet with your builder at the house. When you visit, the builder will walk you through the various elements of the house and provide you with the essential information you need to know before you start moving in. During this walkthrough, your builder will explain the warranty for the building, plus the maintenance and roles you need to carry out to take care of the property. The builder will also explain the home’s different components and how they should be used, such as the HVAC system. This walkthrough is your opportunity to ask any questions you may have about your new home before moving in.
The final item of the schedule is to move into your new home and enjoy life in your new property.