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YOUR COMPLETE NEW CONSTRUCTION GUIDEBuilding a Home

welcomeH E L L O .Like I said above, you might neverbe fully ‘ready’ to build a customhome (just like you’re never fullyready to have your first baby), but ifyou have the desire and thewillingness to put in the time andeffort PLUS you’re financiallyprepared, then go for it!Jennifer RodgersREAL ESTATE BROKER/ OWNER517-398-2541JENNIFERRODGERS@GREENKEYSELLSMI.COMWWW.GREENKEYSELLSMI.COMYou’ve been searching for the ‘perfect’ house for months (maybe even years) andyou just can’t seem to find it. If you’ve exhausted all the options for homes availableto purchase, it might just be a sign that you need to build a home that is ‘perfect’ foryour family’s needs. You’ve also done your due diligence and you are aware that itmight be less expensive to buy an existing home (that already has maturelandscaping), BUT you’re willing to spend a little more money to build a home sothat you get exactly what you want.Building your new home is an exciting and at times overwhelming experience, but foryour builder, it is very routine, which is why you need to be an active participant inall aspects of the home building process to ensure you end up with "YOUR" dreamhome. If you have realistic expectations for what caliber and size of home you cancomfortably afford, then you are ready to build.

JENNIFERRodgersReal Estate Broker / Owner517-398-2541jenniferrodgers@greenkeysellsmi.comwww.greenkeysellsmi.comSHANN ONPrainAssociate Broker517-937-7834shannonprain@greenkeysellsmi.comCALEBRiddleJORDA NCulliverBRITT ANYArnoldR E A L E S T A T E A G E N T SMEET THE TEAMRealtor ®517-395-5827calebriddle@greenkeysellsmi.comRealtor ®517-416-6329jordanculliver@greenkeysellsmi.comRealtor ®517-302-6798brittanyarnold@greenkeysellsmi.com

S E C T I O N 0 1is newconstructionright foryou

Q U E S T I O N S T O A S K Y O U R S E L FFor most people, building a custom house is a once in a lifetime opportunityand can be really exciting! It can also, however, be intimidating, especially ifyou're not adequately prepared or have the right team behind you.If you're thinking about building your custom dream home, here are somequestions you should ask yourself before getting started.

W H A T ' S T H E D I F F E R E N C E ?NEWCONS TRUC T IONRESA LEPROP ERTYWant peace of mind knowingthat everything is newLove the idea of fixing up a homeWant less maintenance with fewunexpected repairsDon’t mind the uncertainty ofunexpected repairsWant increased energy efficiencyand savingsWant the latest smart hometechnologyPrefer homes with old worldcharacterWant improved indoor air qualityExcited about the ability tocustomize the homePrefer an established neighborhoodwith mature landscapingWould rather purchase now butmove later

W H A T ’ S Y O U R S C H E D U L EF O R S T A R T I N G ? As soon as possible1 to 3 months3 to 6 months6 months or longerW H A T I S Y O U R B U D G E T ? $200,000 to $250,000$250,000 to $300,000$300,000 to $350,000$350,000 to $450,000$450,000 +W H A T M A K E S Y O U E X C I T E D A B O U T B U I L D I N G ? C U S T O M I Z A T I O NBuilding a house from the ground up, to personalize the details to suitmy lifestyle and tastes—from the layout, cabinets and flooring to thesinks, lighting, paint colors and doorknobs! L O W E R M A I N T E N A N C ESince new homes are built to meet current building codes and haveup-to-date technology, no worries about big repairs or heavymaintenance issues for the first few years—meaning no leaky roofs orfailing HVAC systems! Plus, many homebuilders offer a limitedwarranty if something should break.L O W E R E N E R G Y C O S T SNew homes feature the latest energy-efficient systems and materials,which usually leads to lower energy bills—woo-hoo!N E W N E S SStart fresh as the first owner of my home and enjoy brand-spanking-new systems, finishes and fixtures.L O C A T I O NChoosing the lot or land and the location

W H A T A P P R E H E N S I O N S D O Y O UH A V E A B O U T B U I L D I N G ? L O N G E R W A I T T I M EIt takes an average of six to eight months toconstruct a new home. This means a gap inliving arrangements between the time ofselling the old place and building the newone.S T R E S SBuilding means choosing the home design,picking out flooring, fixtures, cabinets,countertops, interior trim, exterior trim, andon and on it goes. It means making choicesthat stay within budget. Managing all thedetails that go along with building a hometakes time, effort, and decision-making.B U S T I N G B U D G E TThere are dollar signs to upgradecountertops, fixtures, and appliances.Upgrades can quickly drive up the price.Remember post-move costs likelandscaping and blinds.F I N A N C I N GUnderstanding how to do a constructionloan vs a mortgage, timing, and costs.N O I S E A N D L A N D S C A P I N GBuilding a house where other new homesare being built, means construction noiseand traffic. It will calm down as other homesget completed, but it’s something to thinkabout if your tolerance for noise level andmessiness is on the low end. A new homealso means putting in new grass andlandscaping after moving in.H O W L O N G D O Y O U P L A N T O B EI N T H E H O M E Y O U B U I L D ?1 to 5 years5 to 10 years10 to 20 yearsOur forever homeD O Y O U O W N L A N D O R A L O TT O B U I L D O N ? NoW H E R E W O U L D Y O U L I K E T O B U I L D ?Lot in the cityLot outside of the cityOut on land in the countyOut on land outside ofthe county areaYesD O Y O U H A V E A H O U S E T O S E L LT O B E A B L E T O B U I L D ? NoYesUnsure – need to talk to ourfinancial institutionD O Y O U H A V E A B U Y E R ’ SA G R E E M E N T W I T H A R E A L T O R ?NoYes If Yes with who: A G E N T ' S N A M E

We want plenty of room and amenities for my family.We entertain a lot so having a great place to throw a party is important.A home with the capacity to allow multi-generations (boomerang childrenand even their children or our parents to live with us) is something we need.The location of my new home is important for us and the type of lot/land.Having the builder meet budget and time agreements is critical.Having a customized design in our style done our way with quality customfeatures unique to just us.Saving energy with the latest "smart" insulation and energy-saving features.A low-maintenance home that accommodates mobility challenges orsomeone with a disability.A good return on our investment.Thoughtful space planning with relaxing, play, flex, and work-at-home officespace to support the life we want to live.Outdoor space to live and entertain.Design and construction under the same roof, conveniently managingeverything from within with a one-stop-shop, making it less stressful, morecost-effective, and easier to stay on schedule and budget.RANK THESE TWELVE CRITERIA WITH THE FIRST (1) BEING MOST IMPORTANT AND THE LAST (12)BEING LEAST IMPORTANT.W H A T ’ S M O S T I M P O R T A N T F O R Y O U R F A M I L Y ?

REMODEL A BATHROOMC O S T C O M P A R I S O N SWhen comparison shopping, one may find that a new construction home costs more thana similar-sized older home. However, it is important to take into consideration that with anew construction home, there will likely be far fewer repairs and renovations neededthroughout the time you are living in the home. Not only is EVERYTHING new, but you havealready customized the home so you won’t need to update it to suit your personal style.There is a lot to consider when deciding what type of home will be right for you – whatfeatures you want in the home, what type of neighborhood you want to live in, how muchmaintenance you are willing to do, and more. Talking to experienced professionals such asRealtors and home builders, as well as doing your own research, can help you make thebest decision for you in your new home search.$10,992REMODEL A KITCHEN$23,172BUILD AN ADDITION$83,658ACCORDING TO HOME ADVISOR*, BELOW ARE THE AVERAGE COSTS IN MICHIGAN TO:

S E C T I O N 0 2pickingyourbuilder

D E C I D E O N Y O U R B U I L D E RIf you are looking at a planneddevelopment, find out if there is onebuilder or if the developer allows you tobring in your own builder. If you arelooking at building on a lot that is notrestricted to a particular builder, it’simportant to research builders in yourarea to find one that is reputable andstands by their work. Unfortunately, some builders fail to deliveron their promises, cutting corners onmaterials, or even failing to finish certaindetails. Meet with different builders beforeyou make your selection. It’s important that they are organized andcommunicate well. Make sure the builderhas someone that is communicating withyou through every step of the build so youknow when your choices must be madeand when each phase will be completed. Check out your builder before signinganything. Find out if there are anycomplaints registered against them andask for references from otherhomeowners. Find out if you can tour amodel or a recently completed home andbring someone who can judge the qualityof the workmanship.

Q U E S T I O N S T O A S KY O U R B U I L D E RD O Y O U H A V E T O U S E T H E I R P R E F E R R E D L E N D E R ?Many builders work with a preferred lender that offers attractive discounts on closingcosts when you finance through them. It’s important to know if the lender is working as areferral or if the mortgage company is owned by the same company that is buildingyour home. If your lender and builder both work for the same company, it’s a good ideato have an attorney review your contracts as an independent set of eyes. If you are notrequired to use their lender, talk to other lenders to see who can give you the bestfinancing.C A N Y O U S E E A C O P Y O F T H E B U I L D E R ’ S S A L E S C O N T R A C T ?Builders use their own contracts that are similar to a regular sales contract but includeadditional terms specific to the building process, such as at what points during buildingthe contractor gets paid, and what options you have to choose from. Your agent canhelp you interpret the terms of the builder’s contract before you sign.

W H A T I S T H E T I M E L I N E F O R C O M P L E T I O N ? This will depend on whether the build is a production home, meaning the builder isbuilding select models throughout the development, or if you have hired the builder tobuild a custom home. Production homes can be completed in three to four months,whereas custom homes usually take a minimum of six months. Regardless, the buildershould be able to give you a timeline outlining each phase of construction. Factorsaffecting the timeline include weather, delays receiving building supplies, or the numberof changes you make along the way.C A N Y O U C H O O S E F E A T U R E S , F I X T U R E S , O R A P P L I A N C E ST H A T A R E N O T I N T H E I R S E L E C T E D P A C K A G E S ? You may wish to upgrade certain items, such as cabinetry, plumbing, or lighting fixtures,or you may want to save money by buying your fixtures or appliances on sale. Makesure your builder is open to you making choices outside of their selections. Usually, theywill work with you as long as your selections are available and can be installed withoutmajor changes to the structure.W HA T I S I N T HE L A N D S C A P I N G P A C KA G E I N CL U D E D I N T HE P R I C E? Many people assume their finished home will look like the model or the graphics in thebrochure, only to find out that the builder’s landscaping package is the bare minimum,or even non-existent. You may choose to upgrade it or plan to add your ownlandscaping.

W H A T W A R R A N T I E S A R E P R O V I D E D ? Normally a builder offers a warranty lasting from six months to two years, possiblylonger for some items. You should know what is covered under the builder’s warrantyand for how long. All the major structural items and mechanical systems are usuallycovered. Appliances are not, but they should come with a manufacturer’s warranty.Damage from weather, shrinkage or expansion of the home or foundation, and anythingresulting from the homeowner’s failure to provide maintenance or from work done onthe home after construction is not covered.C A N T H E B U I L D E R C H A R G E E X T R A F O R U N E X P E C T E D C O S TI N C R E A S E S ?Look over the builder’s contract carefully, or have an attorney do so, and note if there isan escalation clause that would allow the builder to pass cost increases onto you in theevent that materials or labor costs increase during construction. C A N Y O U D O A F I N A L W A L K T H R O U G H B E F O R E C L O S I N G ?Usually, there will be a “punch list” of items the builder needs to finish up at the end ofconstruction. This may include a thorough cleaning, touch-up painting, repairing drywallnicks or scratches, last-minute trim work, caulking around cabinetry, changing out orre-keying door locks, and replacing landscaping that didn’t survive planting. It’simportant that you go through the home before closing to make certain that everydetail is taken care of before you sign the closing documents. If you and the builderagree that they will come back after closing to finish some details, make sure both ofyou have signed off on the list of what is still to be finished.

S E C T I O N 0 3newconstructionhome loans

H O W D O C O N S T R U C T I O NL O A N S W O R K ?Construction loans usually have variablerates that move up and down with the primerate. Construction loan rates are typicallyhigher than traditional mortgage loan rates.With a traditional mortgage, your home actsas collateral — if you default on yourpayments, the lender can seize your home.With a home construction loan, the lenderdoesn’t have that option, so they tend toview these loans as bigger risks.Because construction loans are on such ashort timetable and they’re dependent onthe completion of the project, you need toprovide the lender with a constructiontimeline, detailed plans and a realisticbudget.Once approved, the borrower will be put ona draft or draw schedule that follows theproject’s construction stages, and willtypically be expected to make only interestpayments during the construction stage.Unlike personal loans that make a lump-sum payment, the lender pays out themoney in stages as work on the new homeprogresses.These draws tend to happen when majormilestones are completed — for example,when the foundation is laid or the framing ofthe house begins. Borrowers are typicallyonly obligated to repay interest on anyfunds drawn to date until construction iscompleted.While the home is being built, the lender hasan appraiser or inspector check the houseduring the various stages of construction. Ifapproved by the appraiser, the lendermakes additional payments to thecontractor, known as draws. Expect to havebetween four and six inspections to monitorthe progress.Depending on the type of construction loan,the borrower might be able to convert theconstruction loan to a traditional mortgageonce the home is built. This is known as aconstruction-to-permanent loan. If the loanis solely for the construction phase, theborrower might be required to get aseparate mortgage designed to pay off theconstruction loan.Unlike personalloans that make alump-sum payment,the lender pays outthe money in stagesas work on the newhome progresses.

C O N S T R U C T I O N L O A NT Y P E SA construction loan is a short-term loan thatcovers only the costs of custom home building.This is different from a mortgage, and it’sconsidered specialty financing. Once the homeis built, the prospective occupant must applyfor a mortgage to pay for the completed home.However, there are several other loansavailable when it comes to home building, fromground-up building to a complete remodel ofthe entire house. There’s likely a loan out therethat’s right for you, whether you’re starting fromscratch with a land loan or completelyrenovating a home.C O N S T R U C T I O N - O N L Y L O A NThis type of loan is short-term and is usuallyissued for a year. It’s meant to cover only theactual construction period. Many lenders don’t offer this type of loan. Why?With so many variables like the builder’scooperation, getting approvals from localmunicipalities, and more, these are consideredhigher-risk loans. This means they’re harder toqualify for, and the interest rate will likely behigher than a traditional loan.In addition, if you decide to go this route, you’llhave to pay a second set of loan fees whenyou apply for a traditional mortgage.

C O N S T R U C T I O N L O A NT Y P E SConstruction-to-permanent loans are a financing option that prospective custom homebuilders can apply for. Like construction-only, construction-to-permanent financing areone-time loans that fund construction and then convert into a permanent mortgage.During the construction phase, borrowers make interest-only payments.C O N S T R U C T I O N - T O - P E R M A N E N T L O A NAn end loan is a traditional mortgage loan that a home buyer (if you’re building your ownhome) can apply for after the new home is constructed. Unlike some of the otherconstruction loans previously discussed, these are offered by most mortgage lenders.You can get an end loan if construction is complete on the home. One good aspect of anend loan is that the mortgage application for a newly constructed home is the same as itis for any other home. E N D L O A N

O B T A I N P R E - A P P R O V A LO R P R O O F O F F U N D SBuilders or developments often work with particular mortgage companies and will offerdiscounts on closing costs for using their “preferred” lender. Whether you use the builder’slender or someone else, you will need to get pre-approved for financing. If you are notfinancing, obtain proof of funds from your financial institution. Builders use their own contracts that are similar to a regular sales contract, but includeadditional terms specific to the building process, such as at what points during buildingthe contractor gets paid, and what options you have to choose from. I will help youinterpret the terms of the builder’s contract before you sign.What interest rate can you offer?Does the rate come with points?Is it fixed or adjustable?When can you lock my rate?What fees can I expect from you?What type of loan is right for me?Do I qualify for any down payment assistance programs?Q U E S T I O N S F O R Y O U R L E N D E R

S E C T I O N 0 4newconstructiontimelineoverview

C O N S T R U C T I O N P R O C E S Sthe new

C O N S T R U C T I O N P R O C E S Sthe new

A V E R A G E T I M E T O B U I L DBuilding a house can take anywhere from six months to two years, based on a number ofvariables. Location, style, and size of the floorplan, weather, and even the region you live inwill affect the amount of time it takes to complete the build.While the thought of owning a brand new home built to your exact specifications no doubtsounds tantalizing in this hot seller’s market, it is important to know what you are potentiallygetting into and how long you could be waiting to move into your new house.Knowing all the factors and the basic timeline at the outset will allow you to make aninformed decision on whether a new home build is a right choice for you.A V E R A G E M O N T H S T O C O M P L E T I O N*statistics from NAHB5O W N E R B U I L TS P E C H O M EC O N T R A C T O RB U I L T6 7 8 10 119 12

F A C T O R S T H A T I N F L U E N C ET H E T I M E L I N EThere are several common sources of delays that new home builds fall victim to.Some of them can be avoided or mitigated with proper planning, but some willsimply have to be worked through.P E R M I T S A N D A U T H O R I Z A T I O NDepending on where you live, the process to obtain the necessary permits andapprovals can be time-consuming. Whether it is due to a slightly overworked inspector,restrictions caused by local regulations, or just excessive paperwork that must be filed,delays at this stage are not uncommon. It is important to expect potential delays in thisarea and pad your timeline to account for them.W E A T H E R , A N D E N V I R O N M E N TWhere you choose to build your home will also affect the timeline. You may have foundamazing views at your hill-top home site, but bear in mind that all materials andequipment needed to construct your dream home will also have to haul up that samehill, which could cause complications and delays. During the preparation process, clearing and leveling the home site in preparation forthe foundation could also run into delays, with the removal of trees, rocks, and otherunknown debris.Inclement weather can also delay construction. In addition to halting work, storms cancause flooding, damage supplies, or make unpaved roads impassable for equipment.Freezing weather and high winds can likewise necessitate the delay of some buildingsteps. Curing the foundation, installing sheetrock, painting, roofing, and installation ofsewer lines, among other steps, cannot be done during inclement weather. Althoughthere is no way to plan for such events, it is important to be aware of the possibility ofweather delays.

A V A I L A B I L I T Y O F S U B C O N T R A C T O R S A N D W O R K E R SDuring the busiest building time of the year, summer, it is common for subcontractors to beunavailable on schedule due to the number of jobs requesting their attention. Many criticalconstruction steps, from foundation and roofing to electric and plumbing, require licensedsubcontractors who specialize in those fields.S T Y L E A N D S C A L E O F Y O U R H O M EIt stands to reason that larger homes take longer to construct, and the same goes for moreintricate designs. Building a truly custom home could experience unforeseen delays due topotential issues that come up throughout the process of building a floorplan that has not beenbuilt before.If you are utilizing a floorplan provided by a builder, they will have constructed the same orsimilar homes before and will be better aware of, and able to plan for, any potential problems.Homes with specialized materials could also potentially face delays if those materials are inshortage or are unavailable at the time they are needed.Additionally, weather issues in the line of transit could lead to shipping delays or even damageto those materials in transit. Incorrect supplies delivered can also create timing headaches.IF YOU PLAN TO BUILD A FULLY CUSTOM HOME, YOU WILL NEED TO FACTOR INADDITIONAL TIME TO MEET WITH THE ARCHITECT OR BUILDER AND DRAW UP PLANS,SECURE THE NECESSARY FINANCING AND PERMITS, MAKE ALL DESIGN DECISIONS,AND ALSO BUILD IN A CUSHION FOR INEVITABLE UNFORESEEN DELAYS OR ISSUES.Y O UOne of the biggest causes of delays in new construction is an indecisive buyer. Changing theplans halfway through a build, altering material choices, or waiting to make design decisionsuntil the last minute can delay or even halt construction.Some materials take weeks to arrive once you order, so if you wait until it’s time to install thosematerials to decide what you want, it will mean halting construction as you wait for them toarrive.

S E C T I O N 0 5startthebuild

H O M E S I T E R E S E R V A T I O NNow that you haveselected your own-of-a-kind home, it’s time to findthe one-of-a-kind piece ofland to place it on… theHomesite. Not every homefits on every homesite, sonow that we know the plan,we will show you whathomesites your plan fits on.Once you select your homesite, it’s time to do a 7-dayrefundable deposit calleda Homesite Reservation.This will take your favoriteone off the market for thenext 7 days, then we will goover any other remainingquestions you have beforemoving forward to thepurchase agreement.Homesite Reservations areimportant because we canalways duplicate the homebut we can never duplicatethe land.

S E L E C T I N G O P T I O N SF O R T H E H O M EOne of the advantages of purchasing a new construction home is that you get to chooseall the features and finishes to customize the home for your lifestyle and personalpreferences. This could include everything from the number of bedrooms and baths tochoosing whether to add optional features such as an outdoor wet bar or built-in grill onthe terrace.While this can be very exciting for some, it can also be stressful for others as there aremany decisions to be made. To help make this process less overwhelming, familiarizeyourself with key terms and the selections process and allow plenty of time to make thedecisions that will bring you happiness for years to come.

U N D E R S T A N D I N G K E Y T E R M SS T A N D A R D V S U P G R A D E S T A N D A R D F E A T U R E SBuilders typically offer standard items that are included in the negotiated sales price ofthe home. This may include items such as standard flooring, cabinets, faucets,appliances, and more. Be sure you are clear about what items are included in the salesprice of the home before you sign the contract.U P G R A D E F E A T U R E SAvailable upgrades can vary greatly by builder. They may include structural optionssuch as rear decks and finish options such as faucets, fireplaces, and lighting.S T R U C T U R A L V S F I N I S H O P T I O N S S T R U C T U R A L O P T I O N SStructural options include items that impact how the home is built. Examples includewhether you would like to turn a study into an extra bedroom, add a rear deck, or otherchanges to the home’s layout. If you are purchasing a custom-built home, you will likelyhave more options to choose from than if you are purchasing a production home.These decisions need to be made early in the construction process.

F I N I S H O P T I O N SFinishes refer to items that are the finishing touches of the home – cabinets,countertops, faucets, lighting, and more. Decisions on finish options can be made laterin the construction process. Mix and Match vs Packages Mix and Match: Custom homebuilders may offer purchasers the option to select each individual option in the home orat least a wide variety of them. This is typically called mix and match as you can mixappliances, cabinetry or whatever you desire.P A C K A G E SBuilders may offer various packages, such as a standard kitchen package vs anupgrade kitchen package. You would not get to choose the individual items in thepackage (refrigerator, dishwasher, oven, etc) but would select all the appliances as agroup. This type of options process may be preferred by those who would like to makefewer decisions and is likely offered more often by production builders. S P E C H O M EDue to various factors, builders may begin the construction process on a home sitebefore anyone has purchased it. For example, if a builder is building a row oftownhomes and all of the homes in the row have sold except for one, that home stillneeds to be built along with the others. If that home gets built to completion withoutanyone purchasing it, it is often referred to as a “spec home.” Spec homes are finished(or almost finished) homes that have a quick move-in timeframe.

Builders typically have a variety of resources to help you in the options selection process.While some builders may have a showroom, others may have model homes that featurevarious products. Visiting the showrooms and model homes is very useful for seeing colorcombinations and how the items will actually look in the home. Many builders will also havea dedicated staff member to help you with the selections process. This person will offerguidance on selecting options for your lifestyle, what items do or do not go well together,pricing and more. If construction on your home has started prior to your entering into acontract, it may be too late to choose certain options. The options you will be able to selectwill vary depending on how far along your home is in the construction process. For example,it may be too late to select structural options but you may still have time to select finishoptions. Selecting options is time-sensitive as it could impact how quickly your home getsbuilt. Be sure to stay in communication with your builder on the necessary timing for optionsmeetings. Between the time you select the options and the time they are put in the home,occasionally models may be discontinued and options may need to change. Most builderswill work to ensure a comparable product is selected and will notify you of any change.D E S I G N S E L E C T I O N Sthe studio is where inspiration & collaboration come to life.

01This will be your home for years to come so select the featuresthat suit your lifestyle and represent your personal preferences.Consider your present and future lifestyle: what are youractivities, hobbies and entertaining style? Trends will come andgo, so be sure to select items that appeal to you personally. Andremember that neutrals never go out of style. C H O O S E W H A T M A K E S Y O U H A P P Y 02It may be easier to justify spending money on upgraded optionsif you think they will help you sell the home in the future. Itemssuch as upgraded kitchens, smart home technology andhardwood flooring are typically at the top of buyers’ wish list for anew home.C O N S I D E R W H A T F E A T U R E S W I L L I M P R O V E T H EH O M E V A L U E03While that extra bedroom or bath may sound great, be sure tocheck with your lender so you do not exceed your maximum loanqualification. M A K E S U R E Y O U D O N ’ T E X C E E D Y O U R L O A NQ U A L I F I C A T I O N A M O U N TT O P T I P S F O R S E L E C T I N GN E W H O M E O P T I O N S

Finalize & ContractP R I C I N GFor starters, your document will list how much you have agreed to pay for your home.Make sure you understand what’s included and what may incur additional fees orexpenses. Understanding the fine print will help you avoid any hidden costs.T I M E F R A M E SDates and deadlines are critical. Setting this schedule of important dates helps to avoiddelays or incomplete work. You’ll also need to lock down deadline dates. Keep thesemarked on your calendar as a reminder.P A Y M E N T S C H E D U L EYou’ll need to pay your builder an earnest money deposit, along with subsequentpayments as construction progresses. You’ll also need to decide on how payments willbe made.M A T E R I A L S A N D C O N S T R U C T I O NHomebuyers need to have a good grasp on what will be used to construct their newhome. Getting this insight prior to ordering materials is your best bet to make sureyou’re happy with the quality. It’ll be much harder to change orders once materials havebeen ordered, shipped, and used.The next step is meeting to draft and sign a contract, which is designed to protect bothparties. Hampton Homes needs to know unequivocally that they will be paid for theirwork and you also need confidence the home will be completed to the agreed-uponspecification. As you read your contract thoroughly – prior to signing – zero in on these components:

The pre-construction meeting is animportant part of having your new homebuilt and takes place after the contract issigned and before breaking ground. Weknow there are many important decisionsthat need to be made during a new homebuild, so the pre-construction meetinghelps us ensure nothing was missed.By reviewing each major and minor designfeature of your home to verify all aspectsof your home build are aligned with whatyou envision your dream home to be. P R E - C O N S T R U C T I O N M E E T I N GB U I L D I N G B E G I N S

Site preparation01B U I L D P R O C E S SFoundation02Framing03Rough in mechanicles04Installation & drywall05Finish carpentry & painting 06Flooring and finishing touches07Homeowner walkthrough08

B U I L D E R O R I E N T A T I O NWhen construction permits are received and your home is released to start, yourPersonal Builder will contact you by phone:- Introduce themselves and provide you with their contact info- Discuss your home plan and specifications- Give you details about the construction processF O U N D A T I O NOur foundations start with a professionally engineered foundation inspected by theField Manager and local municipality to ensure strength and peak performance. - Homesite prepared for construction- Footer/foundation built- Rough plumbing installed- Slab poured-Block walls constructedMany inspections occur during this stage, to ensure your home is being built to thatstate's building codes as well as our high-quality standards.

F R A M I N GIndustry-leading construction techniques (including manufactured roof trusses and wallpanels) are used to create each home. - Roof installed- Interior walls framed- Everything inside the walls is installed and inspected - Electrical, HVAC, insulation, etc.R O U G H I N M E C H A N I C L E SAll mechanicals, which includes plumbing, heating, cooling, and electrical, will be roughed infollowing the completion of the framing stage. “Rough-In” consists of supply and drain linesfor plumbing, wiring for electrical outlets and switches, and ductwork.I N S U L A T I O N & D R Y W A L LOur construction techniques create framing that allows for optimal insulation. Once allmechanical inspections are completed, we will insulate the exterior walls. Once theinsulation is completed and inspected, the drywall will be hung. After the drywall iscompleted, we schedule the insulation to be blown into the attic.- Drywall- Driveway pouredF I N I S H C A R P E N T R Y & P A I N T I N G Now the fun really begins! During this phase, all the choices you made during your selectionmeeting will come to life. We will install your trim and interior doors and we will alsocomplete all other interior woodwork throughout your home, including cabinets,countertops, and vanities. Your walls and trim will be prepped and painted with yourselected colors.- Plumbing and HVAC fixtures- Flooring- Landscaping and sod- Paint touch-up- Finishing touches- Quality control checks- Full cleaning

F L O O R I N G & F I N I S H I N G T O U C H E SYour vision is almost reality-The look and feel of your custom home is nearlycomplete! After the painting is done, the hard surface flooring and carpet will beinstalled, in addition to the lighting and plumbing fixtures. After all finishing touchesare complete, we will perform a final cleaning of your new home.H O M E O W N E R W A L K T H R O U G H Once your home is nearing completion, you will meet with your ConstructionManager who will introduce you to your new home and discuss how to operate andcare for many of the components. Because your new home is a source of pride toboth you and Hampton Homes Homes, we want to be certain that your home meetsour level of craftsmanship and standards of quality. Start packing boxes—movingday is just around the corner!

You will be notified of your closing date approximately 30days prior to your closing by emailing you a closing checklistwith helpful information and instructions. This letter will havecontact information for the different utility companies youwill need to contact in order to get service turned on in yourname. You will have your closing at the title company officeand all paperwork from your builder will already be therewhen you arrive at your closing. An agent of the titlecompany will walk you through the paperwork and give youthe keys when all the signatures are completed.ENJOY YOUR NEW HOME

01Do stay in regularcommunication withyour builder Do comeprepared to meetingswith any questions Don’t delay meetings,walk-throughs, andoptions selection as itcould delay theconstruction timeline Don’t make other bigpurchases (such as anew car) before youclose on your home Don’t change yourjob before you closeon your home0203 04T I P S T O H E L P T H EP U R C H A S I N G P R O C E S SG O S M O O T H L Y

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