Finding a home that works for your family is one of the most important milestones in life. This can be a very stressful process, so it’s essential to take the time to make sure you find the right one for your family.
Modern residential house designs often feature clean lines and open floor plans. Other popular elements include a monochromatic color scheme in neutral tones, natural materials, and innovative home technology.
Know Your Needs
When looking at new homes at Your Home Wichita, it’s essential to have a clear idea of what you need. For example, if you’re buying with kids in mind, consider a house with a few extra bedrooms so they can have friends over. Or, a mudroom will save you time by keeping your family’s muddy shoes out of the living areas.
Consider the storage you’ll need. Ensure any homes you visit have plenty of closets and outdoor storage spaces. It would be best if you also asked about any energy efficiency features that appeal to you, as modern builders are putting more emphasis on these things.
Another essential factor to consider is how close the home is to amenities, like shopping and restaurants. You want to be within your work and school, which can lead to stress and time wasted traveling.
Make a List of Must-Haves
It’s essential to figure out your must-haves before starting house hunting. This helps narrow your options and prevents you from falling in love with a home you cannot afford. You may also realize that some aspects of a home are more important to you than you initially thought, which can also help you find the perfect home.
Some must-haves include energy-efficient features like insulated windows and walls, high-efficiency appliances, and workhorse HVAC and plumbing systems. Many new homes are now more focused on sustainability and offer green features that can help save you money in the long run.
Other must-haves include safety features such as childproof outlets and cabinet closures. If you have a family with children, these features are a must for your home to ensure the safety of your little ones. You can even ask your builder to add solar panels and cisterns for water storage and other energy-saving upgrades.
Take a Tour
Whether touring homes in person or on a virtual tour, remember these tips to ensure you get the most out of your home-hunting experience.
Before you start touring homes, list your must-haves and nice-to-haves. This helps narrow your search and eliminates homes that don’t meet your criteria.
If you plan to tour multiple houses, consider bringing someone else to help you focus and assess the different features. This will also give you a second opinion if you decide between two houses that seem very similar.
When you arrive at the community, be kind to the onsite agent and offer to share your tour on social media if they’re okay with it. This builds relationships and shows your support for their business. Plus, it’s a great way to bring more potential buyers their way! (Which means a lot of happy homeowners in the future!) If you aren’t uncomfortable sharing your tour, ask for a contact name and number.
Get a Price Quote
Once you’ve found a floor plan that fits your family, the next step is to get a price quote from the builder. This will include estimating the cost per square foot to construct the home, including labor costs and premium features.
The type of home you choose will also impact the cost. For example, a modern modular home is often less expensive than a custom-designed one because it’s built-in parts at the factory and is assembled on your site.
Check out your local paper for builders in the area and make a list of those who build the types of homes you’re interested in. Be sure to double-check your quotes for math errors and spelling mistakes, which can look unprofessional.
