Top 10 Questions to Ask New Construction Home Builders

If you're in the early stages of considering a new home build, you may be feeling overwhelmed by the process. From picking your perfect lot to choosing the right floor plan and materials, it's easy to get lost in the details... 

That's why it's so important to find new construction home builders that have your best interests at heart and will provide you with a fantastic experience.

How do you know which builder is right for your home? By asking questions! Before signing on the dotted line, take some time to do research and ask potential builders important questions about their reputation, the building process, and what you can expect from working with them. 

Here are 10 questions that will help you make an informed decision:

How long have you been building homes?

You wouldn't want an amateur to build your house, so make sure you're working with a builder who has a proven track record of satisfied customers. Asking how long the builder has been in business can reveal:

• How established the builder is
• How experienced their team is
• The quality of their work

At Caruso Homes, we've been crafting quality personalized homes since 1986. Our decades of experience ensure:

• Superior craftsmanship
• Personalized attention
• A smooth building process

Can I view any of your finished homes and communities?

Transparency is one of the most important qualities in new construction home builders. A good builder will have no problem allowing you to see firsthand what they can do.

Taking a tour of a model home and a completed community gives you a better idea of the builder's style and quality of work. Plus, visiting completed projects can help you envision what your future home could look like and whether it will meet your family's needs.

At Caruso Homes, we invite potential buyers to tour our model homes located in master-planned communities throughout Maryland, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Delaware.

If you live out of state or visiting in person just isn't convenient, we also have photo galleries and virtual tours available.

Can your floor plans be customized?

Some builders have very limited floor plans and don’t allow any changes, while true custom home builders will allow you to come with your own plans that were designed just for you. Pay attention to the builder's design options available and how flexible they are when it comes to making changes.

However, it’s also important to recognize that homes that are designed and built by a custom builder will cost more, take more time to design and build, and are more likely to have delays or issues because the floor plan has never been built before.

With the Caruso Homes On Your Lot process, we offer the best of both worlds. By selecting one of our existing plans, you get the assurance that our team has built the plan multiple times and the kinks have already been worked out. Also, because of our ability to purchase materials in bulk, your pocketbook will benefit as well.

And, we understand that no two families are alike–so why should their homes be? We have a wide variety of options you can select to personalize your home and if you need something that we don’t offer, we can make customized changes to the plan, so you have control over the look and feel of your home.

What choice of homesites do I have and do some homesites include premiums?

Are you looking for a woodland view, a little bit of acreage, or perhaps a waterfront property? Could a corner lot or cul-de-sac offer better privacy? These are all great features, but do they come at a cost?

Some builders do charge a premium for certain lots, so it's important to understand what’s available to you and whether it’s included in the base price.

At Caruso Homes, we offer plenty of homesite options so you can find the one that's right for your budget. We're always transparent about the process, and that includes when it comes to pricing and your specific lot.

Will you build on my lot?

If you want a truly personalized home, you may be considering building on your own lot. This comes with its own set of hurdles like:

• Negotiating with the landowner
• Securing permits and approvals from local governments
• Clearing land and getting utilities hooked up
• Navigating zoning, HOA, and other regulations

Many builders are unwilling to tackle this process, but others specialize in it.

At Caruso Homes, we understand that building on your lot is a time-consuming task — but one we're happy to take on! Our team of experts will guide you through the build-on-your-lot process. And because we've done it countless times before, you can be confident that we know how to do it right. 

What community amenities are available?

Living in a community with pools, a clubhouse, fitness centers, and parks can make your home so much more enjoyable! That's why it's important to understand the amenities that are available in the neighborhood you're considering.

From resort-style amenities for active adults to renowned golf courses, make sure you find out what’s included in the HOA and what additional amenities may be available.

How long will it take to build my new home?

Typically, building a new home can take anywhere from 6-12 months depending on the size and complexity of the project. Ask your builder for an estimated timeline so you know when moving day will arrive.

At Caruso Homes, we understand that time is precious and moving is stressful. So to make the process easier for our homebuyers, we developed the Caruso EXP site. It's a one-stop platform for all your new home needs:

• Track construction progress
• View photo updates
• Communicate with the Caruso team
• Access essential documents
• Request services
• And much more!

With Caruso Homes, you'll know exactly where you are in the building process.

What financing options do you or your preferred lender offer?

If you've never bought a new construction home before, you may be confused about the financing process. To make sure you understand your options, ask your builder what financing solutions they offer.

Getting pre-approved for a mortgage is the best way to determine what you can afford and how much home you can get. Even with climbing interest rates, now is still a good time to buy. Speaking with a knowledgeable lender can help you find the best rate for your budget and provide options like flexible terms or no-down-payment financing.

Do you offer any incentives?

Many builders do offer incentives to sweeten the deal on your home purchase. These can range from price reductions or free upgrades to money-back closing costs.

At Caruso Homes, we understand that buying a new home is an investment — and we want to make it as affordable as possible. Throughout the year we offer our special incentives, so be sure to contact us to find out what's available now!

What type of new home warranty do you offer?

Every home should come with peace of mind and a home warranty is the best way to make sure you're covered in case something goes wrong. Find out:

• What type of warranties are available from your builder
• How long they last
• And what's included

We understand the value of quality construction and have put together a comprehensive warranty to protect your investment. You can count on Caruso for years of worry-free living!

Whether you're looking to build in a master-planned community or on your own lot, Caruso Homes has the new construction home you need. With our range of customizable floor plans, innovative design options, and competitive incentives - plus our experienced team to answer all your questions - there's no better partner for your new home! Contact us today to get started.