BUILDING YOUR NEW HOME

Communication is essential to the building process, but you may feel uncomfortable talking with builders about the steps involved in new home construction. I understand your concerns, and want to make the creation of your new home a rewarding experience.      

The following outline will guide you through the building process. Each stage should involve your input, and I will be available throughout to ensure your complete satisfaction.

◙ If you have a home to sell, I can help coordinate the closing dollars and dates needed to facilitate the entire sales transaction. I can even help coordinate the sale of your current home out of state with the assistance of my network of agents.

◙ I have financial advisors who would be happy to meet with you and provide favorable mortgage financing and processing fees.

◙ If you have not already done so, now is the time to reserve a lot.

◙ I have architectural experience to help with the design of your home. This can save you in architect’s fees. I will work with you and the architect to ensure a home best suited to your lifestyle, needs and pocketbook.

◙ Once the preliminary drawing of your home is complete, you should plan your furniture arrangement. I am an Interior Designer and would be happy to consult with you on your plans. Although this may seem premature, now is your only chance to make architectural changes to support your interior decorating needs.

◙ You will then meet with the architect to review your house plan, make necessary changes and formalize the plan into a final set of working blueprints.

◙ Once your blueprints are finalized, I will have the builder re-price the plan. At this point it is time to go to contract, and will negotiate the best possible price for you. An attorney will then need to review the contract.

◙ After the contract is signed, you should meet with the builder to discuss any pre-construction concerns, such as exact house location, lot lines, etc.

◙ Construction will begin when all contingencies (mortgage approval, sale of existing home, attorney approval, etc.) have been removed. In order to reduce the risk of liability, builders often schedule periodic walk-throughs. These allow you to see the progress being made on your home. This is usually done on weekends, after the home is locked. Depending on the design of your home and weather conditions, the exact progress will vary, with completion times ranging from 90 to 150+ days.

◙ Next you will meet with the builder’s coordinator to focus on selections. Initially, you will concentrate on exterior colors, brick and bath selections. We will discuss any extras or special items included as part of the construction contract. At this time, we should also review your electrical layout and lighting selections. Again, as an Interior Designer I will be happy to help you with all these choices!

◙ The builder’s coordinator should provide us with selection sheets. Items from these sheets-such as cabinetry, carpet and lighting fixtures-may be located in outside showrooms. (We can even do this from state-to-state!) We will work from the blue prints and I will keep in mind the contract allowances we have put in place, because anything beyond that will be directly billed to you and will have to be paid upfront or at closing.

◙ At this time, the framing process should be nearing completion. I recommend that you meet with the electrician on site to discuss placement of all electrical outlets and fixtures. This will ensure compatibility with the interior design plan we set in place. We will also be looking at the framing, window placement, rough plumbing and heating.

◙ Your next meeting should be with the builder’s coordinator to finalize the remaining selections. Any changes to the construction contract should be addressed and an authorization form should be signed by both you and the builder. To avoid discrepancies at the time of closing, we will keep a copy of all change orders.

◙ The builder may schedule another walk through once the cabinetry; trim and drywall have been installed. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the process or quality of workmanship, I can bring in someone who knows residential new construction and can provide and unbiased explanation and opinion.

◙ The builder will conduct an extensive final inspection approximately one week prior to closing. He will complete a checklist either accepting the material and workmanship or noting reasonable adjustment to be completed. (Please note that this inspection includes only the builder and his staff)

◙ Just prior to closing, a final walk-through should take place between you and the builder. I will be happy to accompany you on this final walk through to answer any last minute questions you may have regarding your new home. Any remaining items which still need correction should be itemized and given to the builder. Final repairs should be completed either before or just after closing. Your home should also be professionally cleaned prior to moving in.

◙ All builders in New York State are required to offer a warranty. After closing, I recommend you maintain a list if any flaws appear. The builder should contact you either six months or one year after the closing of your new home. If covered by warranty, the builder is required to make repairs within a given time period.

◙ Once final repairs have been made, you should inspect them and expect to sign a builder release. This simply states that the home is completed to your satisfaction. If not satisfied with the repairs made, you can refer to the NYS ASCP form to review warranty options.

Some final notes from my experience:

◙ There is no such thing as a “perfect” home, although quality and value should be apparent.

◙ Colors may not match perfectly when mixing fixtures made of different materials. Variations in tile color and texture are natural. Most builders do not guarantee complete uniformity.

◙ Some natural expansion and contraction occurs with hardwood floors resulting from variations in humidity. This is a normal occurrence and should not be considered a defect.

◙ Each builder has his/her own policy regarding the construction process. This outlines is intended only to be a general guide.

◙ When utilizing the term “builder” in this outline, we are referring to any representative of the builder. The policies of construction companies vary in regards to whom you are dealing with at each stage.

I look forward to working with you on the construction of your new home! ~SUSAN

Developing A Floor Plan

Defining your space is crucial for creating a harmonious environment. It is also important to know your space limitations before you begin moving and placing furniture. The foundation of a comprehensive interior design plan includes accurate dimensions of your living space. Depending on the degree of decorating you want to do, we suggest creating an accurate Floor Plan. A floor plan is a birds eye view of your room usually drawn to scale, Example: 1/4" = 1' . They have cut-out silhouettes available for furniture in this scale to save yourself time arranging pieces with common dimensions. As an Interior Designer, I work with you on furniture placement early on, so the house will be built with your lifestyle in mind!  NO EXTRA CHARGE!