Dos and Don’ts When Building Your First Home

Building your first home can be one of the most rewarding experiences in a person's life, especially when that new home is located in Hampton Roads. But buyers should take care when proceeding with this exciting endeavor. There are a few dos and don'ts that can help novice homebuyers achieve success with minimal effort.

Don't think that building a home is too expensive. Many of the builders we work with build homes in starting price ranges. There are also many floor plans that may resonate with those building a house for the first time.

Do seek representation first. One of our real estate agents can represent you during the complete home building process with no cost to you. Having a knowledgeable professional who can guide you through the construction phases can save you time and money.

Don't forget to check out your builder. The good news is that the work is already done for buyers when they work with our preferred builders. Members of the Hampton Roads Builder Network are all reputable builders who construct quality homes in desirable communities throughout southeast Virginia.

Do look at as many floor plans as possible. Limiting yourself doesn't make any sense at this stage. There are seemingly endless possibilities when it comes to models and floor plans. Our agents are great at helping you sift through designs to ensure you find the right fit.

Don't fear customization. Many builders work closely with homebuyers to ensure they get the houses they want. If you've always wanted a home with a fireplace in the master suite, the builder may have a floor plan that can accommodate your desires. Minor tweaks like taking walls out and adding doors are generally not big deals to reputable building firms.

Do tour models similar to what you're considering building. During the process, there comes a point when photos, websites and virtual tours just won't cut it. Whether you're building a home for the first time or designing your dream house, you're probably going to want to walk through every inch of a home before deciding if it is for you.

Don't forget the details. All houses are not built the same; they don't come with the same features, and don't include the same things. Be sure to ask your builder exactly what is included in the price.

Do work with your loan officer before signing on the dotted line. Building a home may sound complicated for those going though it for the first time. But getting preapproved and prequalified helps homebuyers know exactly how much they have and want to spend to stay on budget.

Don't discount the importance of timing. Before going ahead with your first new construction home, get an estimated timetable from the builder. Know what the delivery time window is so you can prepare accordingly.

Do take advantage of walk-throughs to monitor progress. Let the builder escort you through your property as it is being built. Use these opportunities to ask questions and take pictures. Building your first home in Hampton Roads doesn't have to be scary; it can be fun when you have the right help from our agents.