Frequently asked questions about buying a new home

.....and some Added Touch Master Builder Facts !!!

The home buying process should begin with questions—lots of questions to help you to make the right decisions about the builder you choose and the home you buy. Asking questions helps you to understand the buying process and eliminate any uncertainty you may have about it. Here are some of the common questions that home buyers ask in consumer seminars, in calls to local Home Builders' Association offices and in builders' sales centres.

How do I make sure that I choose the right new home builder?

Talk with several new home builders first. Check out each company and the quality of their homes. Visit model homes or sales offices. Get facts and figures about every builder: How long have you been in business? Where have you built before? Where are you building now? Can I visit one of your construction sites?  And so on. Ask about their customer service and third-party warranty. Ask for references from past customers and follow up on them.

How long will it take to build my home?

The time required to build a new home can vary considerably, depending on development of the land, availability of labour, size and design of the home and a number of other factors.  You should be  provided  with a detailed schedule of events and milestones, so you'll know exactly what to expect and when.

Can I make changes to the design?

Often, your chosen plan can be modified, before the foundation is built, to suit your own needs and desires—e.g., moving walls, expanding closets, adding windows. However, each plan has a different approach, so ask about flexibility and limitations in the design. Do I have choices? Can I make changes and when? In some cases, the exterior style elements and colour scheme may be architecturally determined, so there are fewer opportunities for changes to accommodate personal preferences.

Can I visit the construction site to watch the progress of my home?

Seeing your home take shape can be an exciting aspect of buying a new home. Ask your builder about the company's policy on site visits and how to make arrangements. Can you tour your home while it is in progress and when? During construction hours, in the evening or on weekends? Keep in mind that, for safety reasons, you should not enter the construction site for an unscheduled visit.

What if there is a delay in finishing the home?

Both you and the builder want to see your home completed on time, and in the vast majority of cases, your home will be ready as scheduled. Occasionally, a delay may happen as the result of the unforeseeable—most often, sudden shortages of materials or labour. When a delay is unavoidable, your builder will work hard to minimize any inconvenience to you and your family. Ask your builder to explain in detail what you can expect in case of delay.

I have heard about the "other costs" of buying a home. What are they?

By far, the largest cost of home buying is the price of the house. However, there are some accompanying costs that you should be aware of. These costs vary from one region to another, but typically include lawyer's fees, an appraisal fee (for mortgage purposes), fire insurance and adjustments if you are selling your current home. Ask your builder or lender to give you a list of items and an estimate of costs. (Home buyers are often encouraged to set aside between 1.5% and 2.5% of the price of the house.) 

What kind of products will my builder use?

Professional builders use only products with a good reputation and a proven track record, products that are made by established manufacturers, meet Canadian standards and come with a warranty. The use of brand-name products in new homes offers a double benefit—you know what you are getting, and so does your builder.

I am not sure about my builder's construction methods and technologies. How do I know they really work?

Home building has advanced tremendously even over the last 10 years, and technically, new homes are more sophisticated than they used to be. If you have questions about any aspect of how your home is built or how any of the systems or products work, such as the furnace or ventilation equipment, don't hesitate to ask. Professional builders will be happy to explain things in detail.

What is warranted and for how long?

Professional builders provide third-party warranty on their homes to protect purchasers against faulty materials or workmanship, usually for one year, and against major structural faults for up to five years . The warranty also protects deposits up to a certain amount. Warranty programs vary from one province to another, so make sure to have your builder explain exactly what's covered.

What else should I know about?

Home buyers ask many other questions, depending on the specific circumstances. For instance, when you are buying from a model home or from a drawing, you want to know if there are any differences between what you see and what you get. You also want to know about your choice of features, if you can supply your own fixtures or materials, and if you get a credit or refund when eliminating items included with the home.  Where are the electrical boxes or panels placed?

Professional home builders welcome your questions. They know that a well-informed customer is most often a satisfied customer—the greater your confidence in them, the more satisfying the process for both you and your builder.

Added Touch Master Builder will be pleased to answer any and all of your questions. 403.994.9904

Did you know that......

~We have many plans to chose from, as well as the ability to customize any plan to suit your family's needs

~our specs are far superior to most other builders in the industry. A great deal of we consider standards are declared upgrades or extras with other builders. Even our starter homes have many features.

~Only the best trades and suppliers will work on your home - all trades are chosen based on their commitment to excellence - not because they are the cheapest!

~your home will be covered by Added Touch's comprehensive one-year warranty and Progressives New Home Warranty for a further 10 years.

~when you sell your home it will be a huge selling feature to be able to say " Its an Added Touch" home.

~you will deal directly with the owners

~you can make arrangements to view your new home as often as you like

~you will receive a comprehensive step by step guide detailing the entire process of building your home. Streamlined and personalized to your home.

~you can customize your windows, plumbing, electrical, interior and exterior finishes, cabinets, tile, flooring, and many other features

~in special circumstances we allow 'sweat equity' with an excellent credit for what you do

~when building on an Added Touch lots, your legal fees for the land transfer will be covered, using Added Touch's lawyer. In town your Real Property Report is also part of Added Touch's services.

Please call anytime for further information - 403.994.9904

Why Choose a Graduate Master Builder?

The “Graduate Master Builder" is a twofold program that encompasses both experience and education leading to certification. It is designed to have practical relevance and address current issues faced by the home construction and land development industry.

Master Home Builders  recognize that professionalism and the professional ethics of the Institute are founded upon the spirit of integrity, devotion and competence to enhance the image of the Alberta home building industry.

Master Home Builders support and use the Code of Ethics for their guide of conduct at all times. And further recognize that following the Code of Ethics enhances the dignity and status of their profession.

Master Home Builders in Alberta are dedicated to enhancing the publics’ understanding of the home building industry and shall do all things necessary to ensure their professional knowledge will benefit the home buying public.

Master Home Builders will build their reputation on the basis of merit and shall not compete unfairly with other builders or compete primarily on the basis of price without due consideration for other factors.

Master Home Builders will be devoted to and demonstrate at all times, to associates in training, a spirit of understanding and professionalism.

Added Touch Master Builder Ltd - Graduate Master Builder - 403.994.9904