Be an Educated Buyer

Know What to Ask

•What are the Standard Construction Specifications for the home?
    (Get a list)

•What does the builder include in their base price?

•Are there any additional fees for modifying or drawing your own floor plan?

•Does the building offer a complete "Turn Key" construction package? If so, what does it include, or do you have to find your own sub- contractors?

•How is the hiring of the sub-contractors for the construction process handled? Are they drawn from a core base of contractors (some builders randomly select sub-contractors based on the area in which they are building)? How long have the sub-contract(s) been with the builder?

•Does the builder employ a full time field supervisor?)

•Is the site inspected for potential additional costs prior to signing a purchase agreement?

•Is the builder quoting you allowances or actual costs? (example: lighting, cabinets, flooring))

•Is a sump pump or air drain included in a "Turn Key" package?

•Is there an additional delivery charge for the home?

•Is there an additional charge for the "use tax" on the materials used to build the home?

•Is there an additional charge for the crane used to place the home on the foundation?

•Is there an additional charge for the house blueprints?

•Is there an additional charge for the basement blueprints?

•Is trash removal included in the cost?

•Are gutters included in the cost?

•How is the carpet installation handled?

•Is the house cleaned when construction is finished?

•How is the service and warranty work handled (by the company or sub- contractors?

•Is repairing drywall cracks included as part of the service warranty?

•What is the efficiency rating of the standard heating system?

•How much upfront or down payment cash is needed to receive blue- prints or to order the home?

•Is any part of the down payment refundable?

•When looking at a model, is the quoted cost "as shown" or is it the base price without options included?

Remember, the best buyer is an informed one!