Have you decided to build a new home in the Pittsburgh area? It’s a great time to make the investment in this real estate market, and you will be thrilled with the results of creating your own custom spaces and amenities — as long as you ask the right questions when selecting a builder.
There are plenty of options in Western Pennsylvania when choosing a builder, and it’s no surprise that people can become confused and a little overwhelmed. It’s important to ask each prospective builder:
What kind of customer satisfaction feedback have you received?
Don’t just rely on the credibility of builder-supplied testimonials, take time to look at galleries of homes that they have built, and also visit properties in person, if possible. Find people who have used the builders you are considering and ask about their experiences. Also take the time to research each builder’s professional background.
How many people will I be working with on the design and construction?
Many homebuilders have their customers meet with a different person at each stage of the process – sales, design, and construction. That’s a lot of information for the average consumer to remember from one step to the next. And it means there are multiple chances for important information to be forgotten or muddled. Finding a builder who has one point person or coordinator to guide you through the process from beginning to end will make things simple and give you the time and confidence to handle major decisions about what you want in your new home.
What is included in the standard home design?
This is a big question. A good place to start is by looking at the builder’s sample or model homes, and ask about their library of floor plans. When you start looking for a home builder and you are sticking to a budget, make it clear to the builder what you are willing or able to spend on a home, and verify exactly what is included in a standard package. An initial price might look great to you, but then you find out later that features you expected to have in your house are available only as pricey upgrades. It pays to examine exactly what you are getting for your money, and to not be put off by standard home costs that seem higher than others until you have researched the finishes and features that each builder considers to be “standard”.
What locations are available, and what does each location offer?
You may have settled on one part of the Pittsburgh region for your new home, but it’s worth exploring with your builder all of the pros and cons of the locations available to you, including proximity to major traffic arteries, schools, hospitals and shopping centers. Other things to consider are community amenities, commute times, and future development in the area.
How much am I going to pay for a piece of property?
Ask prospective home builders to provide you with a range of prices for available properties.
How long does it take for you to build a home?
Most new homes can be completed in less than a year – some as quickly as 5 months. The builder you choose should be willing to work with you based on your own personal choices and needs, and not rush the project or drag it out.
Building a new home is a huge decision, and one you want to make without regrets. Choosing the right builder will give you peace of mind and satisfaction with your home, property and your whole neighborhood.