While buying a new-construction home is worth the effort for many people, there’s a lot to learn before you buy – from the types of new construction available to your financing options. It can be different from buying an existing house, so here’s what you should know before buying a new construction home.

A new construction home is a home the buyer is the first to live in, which can happen a few different ways. You may buy a home designed and built by a builder, or you may do all the work, hiring all contractors and subcontractors to build your home from the blueprints you helped create.

New-Build Customization Options

Part of knowing how to buy a new-construction home is understanding what type of new-construction home is right for you. In some cases, you choose every little detail of the home, and in other cases, you only have a say on a few features or designs.

Here are the different options:

Custom Home

In a fully custom home, you pick the features of the house. Plan to decide the smallest of details, like the type of light switches or the direction the electrical sockets face.

Semi-Custom Home

In a semi-custom home, some of the structures and features are set, but you can customize certain features and areas. This is common with cookie-cutter homes. The builder has a distinct structure and style, but you can choose items like the countertops, floors and lighting.

Spec Home

A spec home is a new-construction home sold to you by the builder as is. If you want to make changes, you’ll do so after you own the home and at your own expense. Spec homes usually happen because a buyer who customized the house backs out or someone buys the model home for the builder.

If you’re considering a new construction home, the first thing to decide is what type of home you want. Then team up with a local real estate pro to start the process. Give Metrowest a shout today and let’s see what’s out there!