Which Questions Should You Ask When Looking to Buy a New Build
New build homes hold a number of advantages over pre-existing properties. They can often be customised to suit the needs of the buyer, and they’re always built to modern standards, which means greater efficiency and long-term affordability.
It’s easy to go astray when you’re buying new, however. This goes especially if you’re buying off-plan, and don’t yet know what the building will really amount to.
To get the most from the transaction, you’ll need to ask the right questions. But what are those questions, exactly? Let’s consider a few of them.
Questions About the Property
Of course, you might be thinking primarily about the building itself. You might ask whether you can visit either the construction site, a model home, or both. If you can choose between available floor plans, it’s worth asking to see all of them, as well as any other options for customising the look and layout.
You’ll also want to know what protections are available against problems with the building itself. These protections might take the form of extra warranties and guarantees.
Questions About the Builder
While it’s impossible to know what the building will really look like, you can take some reassurance from the quality and reputation of the builder. Ask how long the company has been licensed, and ask to see their previous work. It’s worth asking not just about the results they’ve achieved, but how effectively they liaise with clients, and respond to questions and feedback. After all, a builder that doesn’t communicate effectively can be hugely frustrating to work with, especially if there’s a problem that needs to be addressed.
Check reviews on services like Google, and make sure that you’re working with a reputable company with a good track record.
Financial and Legal Questions
Among the most important questions you might ask is that of cost. How much is the property going to cost, including extra add-on options, and all of the conveyancing work? Are you likely to be surprised by hidden fees, and how will the developer react in the event that a refund is appropriate?
You might also explore your financing options. Even if you feel that you’ve budgeted sensibly, it might be that a little extra cash can help you to get the house you really want.
Construction and Energy Efficiency
We’ve already mentioned that the major benefit of a new-build home is that it’s made from modern materials. But it’s worth finding out exactly what materials and methods were used, and whether there’s any scope for further upgrades on things like boilers, heat pumps, solar panels, and loft insulation.
A snagging survey can be a wise investment, in that it will advise you of any problems, and give you a legal basis for raising complaints. This is something that you can do yourself, but a professional might pick up on things that you miss.