What questions should I be asking builder, before I build/buy thier home?

Question

I am thinking about buying a DR Horton "America's Builder" Home. It isn't built yet. I have read some questionable things about them on-line (still thinking about it though, everyone talks about the bad things, never the good things.)

But, what questions should I be asking before we give them the down payment and start to build? I don't want to go in blind and wish I would have thought about more questions.

Answer 1

you need to understand what is included and what things cost.  I would have the agent walk the model and each room to explain what is included and optional.  The model IS NOT THE BASE HOUSE.

Also make sure you know what materials are used on a house.  For example:

subfloor 3/4 OSB is better then 5/8 plywood

do they glue, nail AND s***w the subfloor into place

do they prime the walls before they paint

What brand and what are the specs of the HVAC units

When they install ceramic floors, what do they put under it: "wonderboard/concrete" is best, NOT PLYWOOD

Is the builder a energy star or like builder?

What type of sealing do they put on the foundation

What spaces are 2x4 (16 on center on outside is normal, but 24" on center interior is likely - 16" is better)

Is the kitchen vented to outside (it should be)

The bottom line is: NEVER ASSUME, Ask and always always get it in writing.

PS.  I have sold over 2000 new homes and have found that a buyer's agent DOES NOT HELP with these questions.  Why, because they have no idea either.  Plus a buyers agent costs around 3 percent, which you MAY be able to get (all or part) from the builder.

Also understand closing costs and try to get them to pay.  It depends on the amount you are putting down.  Less then 10 percent down, you can get up to 3 percent paid by seller, over 10 percent down, they can pay up to 6 percent.

Read the contract.

I have found that most problems have to do with you a buyer not understanding what is happening.

Put in writing that you can have a home inspection prior to drywall and that the builder promises to fix any problems.

Do not settle until the home is finished.

Do become rushed during the process.

Understand what is going to happen to the rest of the community.

When you purchase a home to be built, the lot grading and clearing is NOT the way it will be when it's finished.  Ask for a grading/house location survey and I would make the contract contingent on you OKing this.  Trees that you believed were going to be there, may not be.  PS they have to do this in order to dig the foundation anyway (and ususally need it to apply for permit).

Answer 2

You need someone with experience to help you with this.  Find yourself a local real estate attorney.  They can help you with the legal end of it, and they should be able to refer you to an agent to deal with the builder.  If you do it yourself, you will pull your hair out.  I rebuilt and sold my home with only a real estate attorney for help, and I will never go that far again.  Good luck.

Answer 3

do not rep yourself; hire a buyer's RE agent, not a listing type agent.

ideally, even, an exclusive buyer's agent.  LET them do what you are

trying to learn to do.

and don't forget the annual county tax RE lien sales

available for further help