14 questions to ask your homebuilder
Mar 09, 2017
The process of progressing your custom home from vision to move-in should be an exciting experience. Choosing the right homebuilder is the first step toward ensuring your satisfaction. Here are 14 questions to ask your homebuilder before making this important choice.
- Will you build on my lot or do I need to purchase property from you? Some homebuilders focus on their own communities, while others will build elsewhere. Certainly, if you already have land in mind, you need a homebuilder who will build on your lot.
- Can I provide my own plans or do I need to choose one of yours? Some homebuilders stick with their own home designs because they’re “tried and true”. Others are comfortable working with quality home plans from another source (emphasis on “quality”).
- How many homes like the one I’m looking for have you built in this area? When a homebuilder is familiar with the geography, regulations, and challenges of building a home of a particular size and with certain features, you have the peace of mind that he is experienced with successfully navigating each one. That means timely construction without unanticipated overruns.
- Are you licensed and insured? Protect yourself by choosing a builder who can provide proof of insurance and a current builder’s license for the state where your home will be built.
- Do you offer a financing option? Is there a preferred lender you use? It can be convenient to use a homebuilder’s preferred lender, and they might offer better options than another lender. Before you decide on your homebuilder, determine your choices and whether or not you must use a preferred lender.
- What is standard in your homes and what is considered an upgrade? You need to determine what’s included in your price, so you’re comparing apples to apples with all of your homebuilders. Some standard features are options for other builders. Be clear about what you’re getting, particularly for those features that are important to you.
- Can I make changes after the construction has begun? It will cost more to make changes, and that price often goes up the farther along your home is in the building process. Discuss how your homebuilder handles changes so you know what to expect.
- What type of home warranty do you include? Appliances are covered by the manufacturer’s warranty. The quality of the structure (workmanship, systems, materials) should be covered by the builder’s warranty. The builder will specify the time period, so ask how long they guarantee your home and how repairs are handled during this time.
- What energy-efficient features do you include? Today’s appliances, construction materials (windows, doors, insulation), and HVAC systems are geared toward energy efficiency. Ask each builder to explain the extent of their energy efficient commitment.
- Can you provide references from your homeowners, and can I tour a few of your homes? With any major purchase, you check reviews of past customers. Don’t be shy about asking for references. A reliable homebuilder will proudly share his successes.
- Who will be in charge of building my home? Can I meet this person? The contractor or project manager will become your close friend during the construction of your custom home. Learn that person’s experience and then talk to him before making your decision. Is he easy to work with and accessible? Does he understand and appreciate your concerns? How is communication handled?
- Is landscaping included in the price? If so, what exactly do you provide? Know whether you are getting a lawn, shrubs, and/or trees, and specifically which plants are included.
- How often can I tour the worksite? It’s your home, and you should be able to visit during construction, but showing up unannounced or too frequently can impede the progress. Determine the best process and schedule for arranging these tours.
- What is the estimated time to complete the homebuilding? When can you start? One builder might be able to complete your home in three months but has a backlog and can’t start soon enough to meet your deadline. Ask for realistic start and completion dates, and any factors that will impact them.
Our Bluffton community, Heritage at New Riverside, has just opened its newest phase. It features larger homesites we've ever offered in this community. We exclusively build our Heartland Collection with floor plans from the mid to high $200s. Conveniently located, Heritage at New Riverside is only 10 minutes from Old Town Bluffton, 20 minutes to Savannah, and less than 30 minutes away from Hilton Head and Parris Island / MCAS. It’s location places it in the Beaufort County School System and is less than 2 miles from Pritchardville Elementary. We're open for on-site tours and virtual appointments. Please contact Scott Kelly, our on-site agent, at skelly@lamarsmith.com or (843) 540-8129 . We'd be honored to be the new home builder you choose.
Your health and safety is our priority! Throughout the last couple of months, our team has been working remotely and maintaining social distancing.
Every day we all strive to be efficient. At our jobs, with our personal relationships, through our hobbies and with our families, efficiency is key. What if we told you that your home was shockingly inefficient? At Lamar Smith Signature Homes, we can tell you with absolute certainty that energy efficiency is a top priority in the homes we build. In fact, our new homes have some of the best energy ratings on today’s market. According to the Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET) and the U.S. Department of Energy, the average resale home on today’s marketplace scores a 130 , which is about double the average HERS score in a new Lamar Smith Signature Home. The lower the HERS rating, the lower your power bill.
Covington Pointe has opened it’s new phase! Located off of Highway 341, this beautiful community is located less than an hour from St. Simons and Jekyll Island. As the mainland city of the Golden Isles , you and your family will love living close to Georgia’s gorgeous coast in Brunswick.
There’s no need to postpone the search for a new home just because it’s winter. While you’re hibernating, you could be missing out on the home of your dreams. You probably start your new home search online, browsing real estate listings in the warmth of your cozy home. Once you have narrowed down your list of homes to see, follow these tips for house-hunting in the winter.
Are you thinking about updating your bathroom? The new year brings new design trends for every room in your home, from the colors to the fixtures to the style. Bathroom vanity design trends for 2018 can show you how to make a big difference here with the focal point of the room.
An open concept is a desirable floor plan for today’s homeowners. Having rooms without walls enhances the spaciousness, but it also presents a design challenge. With less definition provided by walls and doorways, how do you create your spaces within this open space?
The new year is here, and it’s bringing a new look in home color trends. Look for colors that boost your spirit with palettes of vibrant color that might remind you of opening that box of 128 crayons.
Our Covington Pointe community is designed for busy families who want a home that fits into their unique lifestyle. Featuring a wide selection of floor plans, this gorgeous community is located among top-ranked elementary and middle schools with a convenient sidewalk system connecting the community to each one!
Every year, about 210 home fires start with a Christmas tree, according to the National Fire Protection Agency . One-third of these fires results from an electrical problem, says the U.S. Fire Administration . That twinkling symbol of holiday joy could end up causing you tremendous loss, unless you follow steps to prevent a Christmas tree fire.
At Smith Family Homes, we believe in building more than a house. We’re building a place to host memories with friends and family.
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152 Thunderbird Dr. Ste 207
Richmond Hill, GA 31324
Prices, promotions, incentives, features, options, amenities, floor plans, elevations, designs, materials, and dimensions are subject to change without notice. Square footage and dimensions are estimated and may vary in actual construction. Actual position of house on lot will be determined by the site plan and plot plan. Floor plans, interiors and elevations are artist's conception or model renderings and are not intended to show specific detailing. Community improvements and recreational features and amenities described are based upon current development plans which are subject to change and which are under no obligation to be completed. Community Association fees may be required. Options shown not available in all locations, selections in photos shown may no longer be available or offered, can change at anytime - See agent for details.
