The New Construction Process: Explained
Does this sound familiar? You are driving around Edmond and looking for your dream home. You see a few houses that you like, but nothing that checks all of the boxes. Then you find the perfect new neighborhood.
It’s in the right school district, has plenty of green space for your furry friends, there is a beautiful walking trail, clubhouse, gym and then the neighborhood pool starts calling your name! The only issue is that the lot you love doesn’t have a house on it! There is a builder sign, but you’re unsure about building. I mean, isn’t the process long, complicated, and fraught with headaches?
Well, do I have good news for you! The process is simpler than you might think, especially in a planned community. Oklahoma City is lucky to have builders in all price ranges that are fantastic to work with. And, if you are working with a Realtor to build a new home, we can help coordinate the process and keep your stress levels down. Wondering where to start when building your dream home? The process can be daunting, but let's break it down to a few simple steps.
Generally, the new construction process will follow these five steps:
Choose a lot.
There are a lot of things to consider when picking your lot. If building on raw land; slope, drainage, and utilities need to be considered. In a planned community, pay attention to traffic flow, noise, location to amenities, and home orientation if those are important to you.
Select a floor plan.
This is one of the most important things you will choose. You want to make sure that the space works for your needs! A few things you’ll want to consider are bedroom and bathroom count, single vs multi-level, open concept vs traditional layout, extra spaces like a bonus room, study, theater, etc. Some builders will have set floor plans to choose from, while custom builders can work with you to design a totally customized layout.
Pick the upgrades.
Some upgrades will almost always add a dollar value to your home, while other upgrades are just personal preferences. Additional usable square footage will almost always add value, while cosmetic upgrades like upgraded flooring or high end light fixtures may be personal preference items.
Sign the contract.
Your Realtor will help navigate the contract terms and explain different options with your contract. Each builder will have their own contract terms and process to sign the contract.
Watch your home come to life!
Once you get under contract, the process can begin! Your builder will give you an estimated timeline on the construction process based on your individual home and lot.
Whether you’re thinking of custom building or buying new, let us help guide you through the process. We know and work with the best builders in Oklahoma City and Edmond and would be happy to introduce you to them.