Home builders offer several options to buyers who want to customize their homes. Many new construction communities include onsite sales agents who can help buyers understand their different home-building options.
Buyers should be careful not to over-customize their homes as this could negatively affect resale value. Installing features that appeal to a wide range of potential buyers is best.
Floor Plan Options
Home builders offer various floor plans to help buyers choose the right home layout. They may also have a list of home features to include for an additional cost. When choosing a floor plan, buyers should consider what is most important to them and their budget. A good floor plan allows a family to gather in the living spaces while providing privacy for bedrooms and home offices. It is important to think about how a family will use their home and consider future needs when selecting a floor plan, such as space for children’s toys or accommodating elderly parents who may not be able to climb stairs.
Choosing a floor plan is often easier when a buyer has the help of home builder staff, who can explain the different features and options. Some home builders have a background in customer service, which helps them communicate effectively with clients and help them make decisions about their home’s design. Companies can often provide several custom options to their clients, such as a bay window or an extended patio, such as Davidson Homes. They should be able to show these options on a computerized drawing and discuss the benefits of each feature. They should also show how the elements work together and how they will fit in the space.
Personalization
Home builders can help buyers personalize their homes by offering various options and selections. These choices range from siding and roof colors, trim, flooring, wall color, and cabinetry to lighting and plumbing fixtures, appliances, and more. These choices create a one-of-a-kind home that fits the buyer’s lifestyle and taste. The builder can also make recommendations to meet certain buyer needs, such as a built-in wet bar or a larger garage for the family’s vehicles and outdoor toys. These options are available for both production and custom homes. Production builders generally create neighborhoods of similar homes that offer limited floor plans with some room for personalization. By contrast, a custom home is designed from scratch for an individual client and has far more flexibility for options, personalization, and creative touches.
When selecting a builder, look for a company with a good reputation. Read online reviews and speak to people who have built homes with the builder you are considering. Find out if they were happy with the process and their finished product. Also, check whether the builder offers a warranty program and how they handle customer service issues. A company with its warranty department demonstrates a deep commitment to customer satisfaction. Those who use a third-party warranty provider often need help to keep past customers and attract new ones.
Design Assistance
Home builders must have excellent customer service skills as they work closely with clients throughout the home-building process. They need to be able to answer client questions, explain different design options and home styles, and help them select products for their new homes. They must also have strong knowledge of the construction industry, including the available materials and costs.
Another area of expertise for home builders is understanding the health and safety codes they must follow when creating residential buildings. Knowing the standards they must meet helps home builders avoid legal issues and ensure residents’ structures are safe. In addition, home builders may need to understand the broader housing trends impacting their business. For example, as baby boomers reach retirement age, many want to remain in their homes and look for features that will allow them to do so comfortably. Home builders can capitalize on this trend by offering community aging-in-place options.
Warranty
Homebuilders must have a wide range of skills to turn a set of two-dimensional drawings into a house. They have to be able to coordinate the many players and products involved, including architects, construction managers, and subcontractors. They use project management techniques to ensure all construction phases are completed on time and within budget. They must also have excellent communication skills to work closely with clients and strong leadership abilities to direct their teams.
Production home builders usually own the land on which they build their communities. They ensure that the homes they construct are in demand by paying attention to consumer surveys, hiring mystery shoppers, and analyzing economic and demographic data. They’ll also consider what features their potential customers want — for example, energy efficiency options like more insulation and Energy Star-certified appliances — and be able to make them affordable. Most new-construction homes have warranties protecting buyers from defective materials or workmanship issues. Depending on the state in which you live, home builder warranty regulations may vary.
