New Custom Homes: How to Be a Great Client

If you’re considering building a new home, you may be wondering what your role as the homebuyer will be. After all, you want the process to be as seamless as possible. (And our builders want the same!) Here’s how people thinking of new custom homes can be their builders’ favorite clients: 

Look Into Your Crystal Ball

Of course it’s impossible to predict the future, but by trying to imagine your future needs, you can choose a house design that will work for you and your family for years to come. Ask yourself these kinds of questions: 

• How many bedrooms and bathrooms would we like in our new home? 
• Where will we prepare, serve and eat meals, both outside and in? 
• How often will we entertain? How do we want our home to accommodate guests? 
• What furniture will we bring to our new home? 
• What is our favorite home style and how do we want our home to feel? 

Time spent thinking of and planning for your new home will be well-spent, especially as you consider floor plan options offered by the builders in our master-planned community. Take notes and compile photos (from magazines or in an online platform like Pinterest) to guide you when you’re making decisions about choosing fixtures, furnishings and finishes for your new house.

Read and Ask Questions

When it comes to new custom homes, people often will only go through the process once in a lifetime. In other words, most homebuyers will not be familiar with the steps to take or paperwork involved. Builders and their representatives expect buyers to have lots of questions. It’s better to ask when you don’t understand something than to hesitate and be disappointed with an outcome. 

Read all the specifications information you receive about your home and pay close attention to budget details. Ask about options for your home and the pros and cons of each choice. It’s always easier to make necessary changes on paper than to wait until work has begun on your house and materials have been ordered.   

Make Timely Decisions

People who haven’t purchased new custom homes previously may be excited and possibly overwhelmed with the choices that need to be made. You’ll make the process go far smoother if you can narrow down your preferences in a timely fashion. Your builder and their representatives will help you make selections. With each choice you make, you’ll be that much closer to moving into your new house!

Communicate

Let your builder know your preferences and give constructive feedback when you feel it’s warranted. Your builder will work to communicate clearly with you, as well. When everyone is on the same page, projects flow much more smoothly.

Have Patience

No doubt at some point, you’ll feel like construction isn’t going as quickly as you would like it to. This often happens when crews are waiting for an inspection or for materials to arrive on site. Weather can delay construction tasks, too. Rest assured that your builder is just as eager as you are for you to move into your new home. 

Be Flexible

Building new custom homes is a big undertaking. Sometimes factors outside of anyone’s control will pop up. In the end, everyone’s goal is for you to love your new home. If it means a change to cabinet hardware or lighting or something else, try to take a long view and roll with the few unexpected things that might happen. 

Planning New Custom Homes

We can’t wait to show you all the home styles, sizes and designs at Rivers Pointe Estates. With our wide variety of options, you’re sure to find something that’s perfect. You and your builder will be excited and proud of the outcome. 

To find out more about building a new home, contact us or schedule a personal tour with Rivers Pointe developer John Toebben.