Things to Watch Out For
Custom / New Build
What to watch when you’re building or buying new construction, and how Brian keeps the builder honest.
Touring the builder's model without your own agent
The friendly on-site rep works for the builder, not you. Skipping your own representation rarely earns you a discount, it just costs you an advocate. Bring your agent from the very first visit; the builder usually pays them anyway.
Believing the base price is the real price
The model-home and advertised prices almost never include the lot premium, upgrades, and finishes you'll actually want. The true "out-the-door" number can run tens of thousands higher, know it before you commit.
Signing the builder's contract as-is
Builder contracts are written to protect the builder - on deposits, change orders, timelines, and what happens if something goes wrong. They're often far more negotiable than the rep lets on.
Skipping inspections because it's "brand new"
New construction has defects too. Independent inspections, including before the drywall goes up and at the final walkthrough, catch problems while the builder is still on the hook to fix them.
Trusting the completion date
Build timelines slip with weather, labor, and materials. If your rate lock, financing, or current-home sale is built around the promised date, a delay gets expensive fast. Plan for slippage.
Over-spending in the design center
It's easy to pour money into finishes that won't come back at resale, or skip the upgrades that actually matter. Knowing which choices hold value protects what you put in.