Building a new home is an exciting adventure, but with all the moving parts, it’s easy to feel a little lost along the way. A few blogs ago, we covered the most popular FAQs in new construction -- from selecting your dream neighborhood to understanding the building process. Now, we’re back with part two to answer even more of your burning questions in our New Build FAQ series. The purpose of these is to dive deeper into the details of home-buying that will make you feel more confident as you move forward in the process.
1. What’s the Difference Between a Twin and a Townhome?
So, you’ve been looking at twin homes and townhomes, and now you’re wondering, “What’s the difference?” Here’s the scoop: A twin home is basically like a single-family home that shares a wall with one other home. Think of it like the best of both worlds—privacy, and space, but without the upkeep of a standalone house. You get a yard, a driveway, and all the perks of homeownership with a little less maintenance. It’s a sweet spot for those who want more room but don’t necessarily want to maintain a large property.
On the flip side, a townhome is part of a row of similar homes. Many townhome communities come with the bonus of an HOA, which handles some of the exterior upkeep, leaving you with more time to kick back and enjoy life. It’s a convenient option for people who love the idea of a cozy community vibe and low-maintenance living.
2. What Is the Home Warranty for New Builds, and What Does It Cover?
Let’s face it: buying a new home is exciting, but it can also be a little nerve-wracking. Luckily, with a home warranty, you can breathe a little easier. While specifics can vary from builder to builder, at Empire Homes, we offer a one-year warranty that’s handled directly by us. This gives you peace of mind, knowing that if anything goes wrong with the essentials during that first year, we’re on it!
The best part? You’re not dealing with some distant warranty company—you’ll work with us directly, which means a faster, smoother experience if anything pops up. A good home warranty ensures that those first few months in your new space are worry-free and filled with excitement instead of repair requests. It’s like a safety net, giving you the confidence to enjoy your new home without having to stress about the unexpected.
3. What Are the Important Dates in Building a New Home?
Building a new home can feel like a roller coaster of excitement (with a few nervous moments), with important milestones built-in along the way. Without taking toy through the entire construction timeline, here are some key dates that are worth noting:
Estimated Completion Date: This is when we’re aiming to have everything wrapped up. While it’s a great target, sometimes things like weather or supplier delays can push this back a little. No big deal—just know that we’re working hard to get you into your new home as soon as possible.
Completion Date: The construction is officially done! Time to get excited. This marks the end of the build process, and it’s when your home is officially ready for the final walkthrough and preparing for closing day.
Final Walkthrough Date: Now’s the time to grab your checklist and ensure everything’s in tip-top shape. You’ll walk through the home with our team to inspect all the details, making sure everything is just how you imagined it. It’s your chance to address any last-minute tweaks before the big day.
Closing Date: It’s the day when all the paperwork is signed, and you officially become the owner of your shiny new home. It’s a big moment, and you’ll walk away with keys in hand, ready to start your next adventure. Cue the confetti!
4. What Is Escrow?
Escrow. While it sounds like a villain straight out of a spy movie, it’s actually the unsung hero in the story of buying a home. Here's a little more on how escrow works.
Escrow is like having a neutral third-party referee who holds onto all your important documents and money during the home-buying process. This ensures everyone is doing what they promised before the final transaction happens. When you’re buying a home, your deposit, title work, and loan documents all go into escrow. Only once everything checks out does the home officially become yours. Think of it as the “pause” button before the big play—ensuring all the right steps are followed before you make that final leap into homeownership.
5. What Happens at Closing?
Ah, closing day—the day you officially get the keys and all your dreams (and your boxes) finally come home with you. This is when you wrap everything up and sign off on all the final details. Here's what to expect when you walk into closing:
You’ll sign all the official paperwork and make everything legal.
You’ll get a copy of the overage invoice (if applicable), just to make sure everything’s accounted for.
You’ll receive a copy of your mortgage survey, so you have all the property details in writing.
We’ll give you the all-important Final Walkthrough Form to confirm that your home’s in great shape.
You’ll get two copies of the Limited Warranty Agreement—because peace of mind is priceless.
And of course, keys—home and mailbox keys, plus garage door remotes. You’ll have everything you need to walk through your new front door—unless you immediately drop the keys between the car seats. Been there.
It’s a lot of paperwork, but at the end of the day, you’re walking out with a brand-new home and the keys to make it truly yours.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
There’s a lot to think about when building a new home, but each step brings you closer to the home you’ve been dreaming about. From understanding the important dates to navigating the closing process, you’re now equipped with the knowledge to make your journey as smooth as possible. Just remember—this isn’t just about buying a house; it’s about making a house your home. Rest assured, we’re here to make sure that when the day comes, it’s nothing short of perfect.