New Home Construction Questionnaire

We help numerous clients each year purchase new homes. Through our experience, we have learned that it is extremely important to be thorough in your research throughout the entire process. We have compiled our New Home Construction Questionnaire to ensure we cover each aspect of the building process and provide high quality results for our buyers each step of the way.

Lot

1. Where is the retention pond going to be?
2. Is there a lot premium? What makes the lots with premiums worth more?
3. If you (sales agent) could build, what lot would you want?
4. How many lots are left?
5. When will more lots be released?
6. When will building be complete?
7. Which floor plans can be built on which lots?
8. Will we be able to see the site plan prior to the start of the home?
9. How deep is the rear yard and what is the minimum distance between homes?
10. What are your lot deposits policies? Can we put a deposit down to hold the lot for a few days? It is refund-able?
11. What will be the grade of the backyard? Driveway?

Neighborhood

1. Any new retail to be built nearby?
2. What is going on with the land adjacent to the neighborhood? Any development? What is its zoning?
3. How many more phases are there? How much land is available now and how much will be available in the future?
4. When will building be complete?
5. Is the HOA already established? What are the rules/regulations?
6. What is included in the HOA fees? Are all of the public streets?
7. If there are any amenities (pool, clubhouse), when will they be constructed?
8. Can you locate the drainage basins, electrical boxes, sidewalks and any special easements?
9. Are the utilities public? Anything unusual?
10. Is there a septic tank or well? What is its location? If yes for a septic tank, how many bedrooms is it perked for? Why is it perked for that many?
11. In the upcoming phases are you planning on building apartments or townhouses?

Upgrades/Finishes

1. What type of upgrades is everyone in the neighborhood typically choosing?
2. How much are people typically spending on upgrades? Are they more cosmetic upgrades or structural upgrades?
3. Can any changes be made to the floor plan? Can you make modifications?
4. Is the builder open to you bringing your own plans?
5. What is the difference in the model between included builder features and options? Would you walk us through the model to show us these?
6. What is your standard landscaping package? Does it vary by model? Seed or sod?
7. I see you have a lenders incentive. Are they any other special credits towards options currently? Are you anticipating any builder’s events in the near future? When is your next one planned?
8. What is the most recent incentive you have had? Can you extend it?
9. Where is the hot water heater located? What type is it? Any options to choose from?
10. What type of HVAC? Brand? Are there any options for zoning?
11. If there is an unfinished 3^rd floor that can be finished, can the HVAC handle that additional square footage?
12. To what extent can buyers purchase fixtures, etc. outside and have them installed?

Warranty

1. What does the warranty cover in the first year? Second year? After that?
2. Is the warranty transferrable to the next owner?

Builders

1. Who are the builders in the neighborhood? Are they all the same?
2. If they aren’t all the same, why not?
3. What are the reputations of all the builders in the neighborhood?
4. Why are there multiple builders? Is the developer of the neighborhood okay?
   1. If the developer is not, he might be forced to sell lots later on for a lot less which could affect the quality of homes being built.
5. What other communities have you built?
6. What are the energy saving features of homes you build?
7. What is your process for inspection at key points of construction, at final walk-through, and to address any matters that need to be corrected or finalized?