New construction mistakes can be difficult for homeowners to avoid. After all, just what exactly do you know about fiberglass batts or blower tests? These are common industry terms, but not exactly everyday topics of conversation. Without overwhelming you with jargon or asking you to study up, we'll look at our top five for buyers to avoid new home mistakes.
1. Accept What You Don't Know
Believe it or not, it's beneficial to come in without expectations or assumptions. If you don't know very much about the construction process, that's perfectly fine. It shouldn't stop you from buying a new build. However, it should prompt you to seek expert opinions. When you're unsure of something, it's better to speak up than nod along. From calling up past clients to hiring third-party inspectors, you have the power to clarify what's going on in your soon-to-be dream home.
2. Stay Involved
There are different degrees of involvement for buyers, depending on the policies of the builder and the interest of the buyer. Some buyers will want to be consulted on nearly everything, but others take a hands-off approach. When builders feel as though there's no oversight, they might be more likely to make executive decisions that stray from the original plans. Look for builders who go the extra mile. For example, a company that provides a quality report at the end of each workday. (Just make sure that it's one that you can interpret.)
3. Check the Job Site
This is probably the easiest tip for anyone who's unfamiliar with the home construction process. Cleanliness is often a sign of the builder's attention to detail and time management skills. If they don't see a problem in leaving litter around, they might not see a problem in rushing through the roofing either. Plus, how the site looks is also a signal to the crew and neighbors in terms of morale. The more disorganized, the more difficult it can be to respect the land and the home. However, keep in mind that a clean job site doesn't necessarily mean everything is perfect. Some crews might not compromise on their work just because they leave a mess, and vice versa.
4. Talk to the Supervisor
You should know who's in charge of regular supervision and what they think of the process. You don't have to be friends with them, but you should feel comfortable getting them on the phone and having a discussion. Supervisors should be giving you the real progress reports- ones that include unforeseen snags in the process as well as the triumphs. Just keep in mind that how a supervisor interacts with the crew will depend on their system. Some builders might rely primarily on subcontractors, which can affect the involvement or schedule of the supervisor.
5. Don't Second-Guess Yourself
When you're building a home from scratch, you don't want to make too many changes when you're already in the construction process. This doesn't mean that you can't have some last-minute requests, but it does mean that you should be keeping them to a minimum. Altering plans has ripple effects for other jobs down the line, creating more chances for mistakes to be made. You should have the location, team, and configuration details finalized long before anyone breaks ground. By keeping tabs on the build, there are fewer chances of an unpleasant surprise. While builders will work with you if problems are discovered after the official home inspection, it's easier to avoid those negotiations altogether by being involved from the beginning.About the Author
Marsha Charles
Consistent top listing and selling agent receiving Chairman's Club award for superior sales achievement almost every year while associated with Preferred Properties, Inc. Consistently receive the International Presidents Premier award for sales volume since joining Coldwell Banker Realty and ranked in the top 1% of agents in Connecticut and Westchester County. In 2021 I received the International Society of Excellence award for sales volume in excess of $100,000,000. I have been named a Top Five Sales Agent for customer satisfaction since 2010 (longer than any other agent in Connecticut) and listed in Connecticut Magazine. Named one of the Top Agents in Connecticut by Real Trends since 2018.
I work with sellers and buyers and also have a strong understanding to needs of those who are relocating . Background and experience in advertising, public relations and photography offer creative and innovative marketing plans for sellers.
Realtor designations include: Graduate Real Estate Institute, Certified Residential Specialist, Certified Residential Marketing Specialist, and Pricing Strategy Advisor. Served as President of New Canaan Board of Realtors (two terms), Director (three terms) and currently serve on Professional Standards Committee. Named Realtor of the year by the New Canaan Board of Realtors in 1994and again in 2022.
Married and mother of other of four children who attended and graduated from the New Canaan School System, Member of New Canaan, Darien, Greenwich and Statewide MLS systems. Areas covered include New Canaan, Darien, Greenwich, Rowayton, Norwalk, Wilton and all of lower Fairfield County.
