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5 Questions to Ask When You Meet with New Home Builders WA

April 5, 2019

Building your new home is a very exciting experience. But it can feel overwhelming as well. There are so many decisions to make, so many factors to weigh, and so many questions that need to be answered. After you have chosen the area where you would like to build your home, and after you have chosen your home builders, it’s time to start making decisions about your new house. The best way to go about this is to sit down with your home builders and go over a list of questions you have for them. We understand that you may not know where to even begin when determining what to ask. That’s why we’re here to help. One of the most important things to keep in mind is that the questions you’re asking should be tailored to the area you are building in. You want to make sure that the people you hire know Washington, which is why we recommend you choose new home builders in WA. They are guaranteed to know the area and build your home based on the appropriate weather and land conditions. Plus, they will already know about the necessary permits and coding. Once you have your home builders picked, there are some questions you should prepare in advance of your meeting with them. This may vary based on how far along you are by the time of the first meeting and based upon if there’s anything already on the area you will be building on. However, before going into your first meeting, think about what your goals are and then base your questions around that. Here are five questions to ask when you meet with new home builders in WA. 1. What Will the Total Cost Be? This may seem like common sense, but it must be said. If you already have plans for your new home settled, this can be a straightforward question. However, be sure to ask not only what the build will cost, but what exactly is included in that build. If there are certain things not included, ask your home builders for a cost estimate and whether they can do it themselves or if they can refer you to someone who can do that work properly. Furthermore, be sure to ask if there are any customization fees for certain aspects or designs you may be considering. If you don’t have your plans for your new home yet, sit with your builders and come up with a plan together. Most home builders have standard floorplans that you can choose or customize to your liking. Tell them what you want in your home and work through what everything will cost. If there’s a budget that needs to be stuck to, explain this and ask for the home builders’ best recommendation in terms of materials and quality work. 2. How Long Will the Work Take? You need to know when you’ll be able to move into this new home so you can plan everything accordingly. Be sure you ask your home builders what the timeline for the project is. By knowing this estimate, you can better prepare for your move during this time, rather than scrambling at the last second to get everything done. Additionally, you will need to ensure your permits are valid for the needed length of time. Another important reason you need to know a timeline is so you can ensure you have budgeted the correct amount. Be sure to ask your home builders what happens if the build time exceeds the amount of time you have originally come up with. Will it cost more for you? 3. What Is the Warranty? You are putting so much time, energy, and money into building your dream home—having a warranty is a necessity. Ask your home builders what their specific warranty is so you know how long you’ll be covered. Additionally, be sure to ask exactly what’s covered within the warranty so you aren’t in for any surprises down the line. You don’t want something to go wrong and think it’s covered under your warranty, only to find out that it isn’t. If you don’t know what a good warranty looks like, ours at New Tradition Homes is quite powerful. For the first two years, we cover all workmanship and materials in the home. Additionally, all the homes we build come with a 2-10 Homebuyers Warranty. This covers all mechanical systems in the home for two years, including plumbing, electrical, and so on. This warranty also includes a 10-year limited structural warranty, which covers the major framing structural systems. 4. How Do You Minimize Water Penetration? The last thing people want to worry about when it’s raining is the potential for water to seep into their homes and cause damage to their floors. It’s important to ask about this from the get-go and find out what the home builders’ preferred water-resistant barrier (WRB) is. There are a few different types of WRBs that are popular. There are perforated plastic house wraps and non-house wraps, such as liquid-applied membranes or peel-and-stick membranes. Be sure to discuss which one works best for you and the home you are building. Being able to control water from outside the home is one of the most critical things you can do to prevent damage and failure to your home. 5. Will My Home Be Energy Efficient? Not only will you be helping the environment if you choose to have an energy-efficient home, but you will be saving money in the long run too. We ensure the homes we build are ENERGY STAR® certified for many reasons. Following ENERGY STAR® requirements results in a home that’s better built from the ground up. Additionally, it delivers better durability, comfort, and reduced utility and maintenance costs. In turn, this provides reduced leaks and drafts, more consistent temperatures, better resilience in terms of rain, and improved indoor air. Plus, this also means better peace of mind for you, as trained and certified professionals perform independent testing and inspections, allowing you to know you’re getting the highest quality possible. In terms of cost-effectiveness, ENERGY STAR®–certified homes are at least 10% more energy efficient than homes just built to code. The average family saves $250 a year from an ENERGY STAR®–certified new home. Building a new home is a life-changing event that should excite you, but one you should also be fully prepared for. These five questions will help spark a great discussion when you meet with your new home builders in WA for the first time. Of course, there are many other questions you’ll likely have as well. These are only meant to kick-start the conversation and get answers to some of the most essential questions you may have when it comes to building your new home.