Pre-Drywall Meeting
Once the house is framed and the main components have been installed (electrical, plumbing, HVAC, etc), then it is a good idea for you to hire a private inspector to perform a pre-drywall inspection. This can help detect both minor and major issues that the builder needs to fix before the drywall goes up. I have seen everything from improper or missing structural connections in attics to minor issues such as the hot/cold direction on your kitchen faucet being reversed. These inspections are critical for your home and safety. This is not a place to cut costs and skip.
The builder will then meet with you at the home to review the inspection items and ensure that all of the structural items chosen are correct. It is important that you also choose where the TV mounts will be, where the floor outlet will be, etc. The builder will mark your decisions down and provide you with a copy of the final choices. You will reference this sheet moving forward at all meetings.
Visiting Your Home Site
Most builders welcome you to visit the site during the build process but they ask that you give them advance notice. Depending on where they are in the process, it may be dangerous for you to walk around (think nails, holes, etc). A very common mistake that buyers make: assuming that everything they see is wrong and needs to be brought to the builder’s attention. While there may be some legitimate issues that the builder should know, most items will be addresses along the way without you pointing it out. The builder asks that you trust the process and give them time to address things as they get to them. Long story short: do not panic and be patient. It almost always works out in the end. If the issue you see is truly major, then you should point it out. It is also important to know that the job site probably won’t be very tidy or clean. This is a construction site and the final home and yard will be professionally cleaned for you to move in.
Builder Updates
Along the way, the builder should provide you with weekly or bi-weekly updates via email. Sometimes you get lucky and the builder will include photos with the updates. It is good to ask questions long the way if you are confused about anything. This is a team effort, so if you are not getting the level of communication that you would like from the builder, it is best that you speak up early on.
Cabinets In… How Much Time Is Left?
Most builders will tell you that it is approximately 8-10 weeks to completion once the kitchen cabinets are installed. Don’t expect a firm closing date just yet, though. As the time draws closer, the builder’s closing coordinator will reach out to set your Builder Orientation Meeting and Closing.
Final Inspection
Once again, I highly urge all buyers to obtain a final, private inspection when the house is complete. You want to ensure there aren’t any major issues, such as leaks. The inspector can re-examine items in the attic, for example, that they found during the pre-drywall inspection. Some buyers think that the home has been inspected by the town, but they are not looking at the home in the same way that a private inspector would. Don’t skimp out on this… spend the money because it is well worth it.
Builder Orientation Walkthrough
After the final private inspection and about a week before closing, you will meet with the builder to go over:
- All of the warrantees
- Where the water shutoff is located
- How to operate appliances, garage opener, fuse box, smart home locks, etc
- Inspection items that needed to be addressed
You will also have the opportunity to blue tape any imperfections that need to be addressed. Don’t be upset or nervous when you see a lot of blue tape in the end. This is the case with most homes and the builder will address these in order to deliver a near perfect product.
Final Walkthrough & Closing
The morning of closing, you will return to the home for a final walkthrough with the builder. You need to ensure that all repairs were made, that the blue tape items were taken care of and that there aren’t any major issues (such as a water leak). If there are any outstanding items that need to be addressed, you can either postpone the closing (for truly big ticket items) or sign off on a post-closing repair sheet.
New construction will allow you to get the house keys after you have signed the papers for the closing. (Resale homes make you wait until the deed has been recorded.) It still is not recommended that you schedule movers to arrive or any other workers for the day of closing. There is always a possibility that that deed will not get recorded until the next day. So although you might get the keys, the home is not fully yours until the deed is recorded.
Last Thoughts…
Building a new construction home (from a track builder) can be a fun process if you have the right mindset and are patient. Understand your budget before signing the contract and the design center appointment. Pay attention to any major issues that you see in the home with you visit it but ignore the smaller items that will likely right itself down the road.And don’t schedule anything for the day of closing, other than a celebratory lunch or dinner!
***
If you are interested in finding out how I can assist you with your real estate needs, click this Calendly Link to book time for us to chat.
Relocating to the Cary area? Click here for the Cary Relocation Guide.
Thinking of selling your home? Click here for the Seller’s Guide.
Learn More:
