Builder Experience

Buying a home is one of the biggest investments you will ever make, so it makes sense to prepare. Think about specific characteristics of the house – and the builder – you equate with quality, and make a list. When choosing a builder, visit homes he has already constructed. If you don’t like the quality, go on to the next builder. Consider a Super E® home. Each Super E® home is third party verified, so you are assured of quality.

Achieving Your Vision

Budget

Early on, you need to determine the price range that suits you. If you plan to finance your purchase with a mortgage loan, sit down with your lender or mortgage specialist to discuss your needs and get mortgage pre-approval. That way, you know exactly how much you can spend on your new home.

With new priorities on energy and carbon reduction, two new questions about a budget for your new home need to be asked: what will be the run-on energy costs of the home; and, will your new home still be considered carbon-friendly when it comes time to sell it in the future?

Style

Make a list of everything that’s important to you and divide it into things you must have and things you would like to have. Use the list to help you evaluate each home and community you visit. It is also a great starting point for discussions with builders because it makes it easier to tell them what you are looking for, which in turn helps them to identify the homes that best match your needs and wants.

Technologies

There is pressure on builders to reduce the carbon footprint in new housing. This has led to new techniques, machinery and building materials. What is the track record of these new technologies? What new maintenance will be required? Do these sometimes expensive technologies work? Sit down and talk to your building team about how they propose to meet carbon and energy targets, and determine how comfortable you feel using untried technology.