Ask the Pro
Buying Your New Home From Plans and Model
Homes — Some Helpful Suggestions
When you buy a brand new home, you will most likely make your
decision based on the builder's plans or model homes, or a
combination of the two.
This requires careful thought and attention to detail. It may be a
challenge to visualize what your home will look like when built, or
imagine what it will be like to live in. It's also important to
understand what is included with your purchase and what's not, down
to the smallest detail.
Experienced salespeople believe there are two keys to successful
home buying from plans and models. Most important, deal with a
professional new home builder— someone who has a solid reputation
and professional sales staff who will work closely with you
throughout the buying process. Secondly, don't rush; take time to
consider all aspects of your purchase and ask lots of questions. The
more information you have, the easier it is to eliminate
uncertainties.
Take a close look at the overall quality of builders' model homes,
from design and construction to finishing touches. While the home
may be only one of many designs offered by the builder, it is your
best indication of the quality you can expect when you buy from the
company.
Go through each builder's information package to find out what plans
and features are offered. Drawings and floor plans will help you to
visualize the homes. A specification sheet will list construction
materials, mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems and finishing
materials in detail. Check who the manufacturers are—with familiar
brand names, you know you will get lasting satisfaction and a
product warranty.
Keep in mind that most builders dress up their models home in order
to demonstrate a range of options available to buyers. Upgrades are
features that are not included as standard items but can be bought
at additional cost. They offer a higher level of quality or are
extras. For instance, the family room may come with standard-grade
carpeting; upgrades could include superior carpeting or hard-wood
flooring. Upgrades are usually indicated in the model home on
separate signs or on a list posted in each area. If in doubt, ask
for clarification.
When you find a plan or model you like, imagine living in it. How
will it work for your family's daily routine? Would the home be
suitable for the special activities you enjoy (e.g. social
gatherings, indoor gardening)? Adaptable to future needs (e.g. home
office, nursery, live-in relatives)? Would you want or need to
modify the design or features to better suit your needs?
Room size can be difficult to judge, even in a model home. A foot or
two in either direction can make a tremendous difference in terms of
the furniture you can fit into a room. Sometimes windows, doors, a
fireplace and traffic paths limit furniture placement, even in a
large space. Experienced salespeople suggest using paper cut-outs,
scaled to size, to test placement of your furniture on the printed
house plan.
Consider the location and area immediately around your home. Will
you get the sun where and when you want it? What about privacy and
outdoor noise? Protection from the elements? Room to pile snow in
the winter?
Before you sign a contract, you will want to verify what's included
in the standard purchase price and what's not. That way, you'll know
exactly what to expect, and you can make informed decisions about
your budget and any upgrades or additional features you might want.
Using the builder's model home as your starting point, ask the
salesperson to explain what's standard and what's an upgrade, room
by room, inside and out. Look at the selection of finishes and other
additional features, or ask for an appointment at the company's
décor centre or suppliers' showrooms. (The final selection and
matching of finishings is usually done later, after construction has
begun.) The contract should specify features and finishings, whether
they are standard or upgrade, and include a detailed description
where possible—make, product number, colour and so on. This will
ensure that everyone (you, the builder and the salesperson) agrees
to exactly the same thing.
Professional new home builders share your goals—a clear vision, a
smooth process and complete satisfaction.
