Home Building Process
At one time or another, most people dream of building a new home from the ground up. We've learned a lot about new home construction over the years. We have developed processes and procedures to eliminate "surprises", and we provide our clients with the confidence that we have the know-how to get the job done right. Here's a general outline of our Construction Process, and the steps that we follow.
Construction Process
While each community is different, here are the general steps involved in building your new home:
- Step 1 Clearing & site work
- Step 2 Foundation & rough grading
- Step 3 Framing
- Step 4 Rough electrical, plumbing, and HVAC
- Step 5 External finishes and cladding
- Step 6 Insulation and drywall
- Step 7 Trim, painting, and cabinets
- Step 8 Countertops, tile, hardwoods, and vinyl flooring
- Step 9 Lighting and plumbing fixtures
- Step 10 Mirrors, shelving, and accessories
- Step 11 Major appliances
- Step 12 Final grading, driveways, sidewalks, and landscaping
Choose your home site & floor plan
Meet with one of our experienced sales persons to select the floor plan and home site that are perfect for you! Once the agreement of sale is executed and approved, you will have 15 days to contact a lender to apply for and get approved for a mortgage loan.
Financing
PRDC will work with many lenders—each with a variety of loan programs and a team of processors and underwriters exclusively dedicated to our clients. When it comes time to apply for a mortgage, we can provide you the contact information of a recommended loan partner.
Meet with your PRDC Home Selections Coordinator
While your construction documents are being prepared, you will have an appointment with our Selections Coordinator to choose your interior and exterior finishes.
Pre-Construction meeting
You will meet your Construction Manager for the first time at the pre-construction meeting to review: the floor plan, the design selections, and the location of the home and driveway on the site. We will also answer any questions you might have. It is important to make a list of questions and be prepared since changes can't be made after this meeting.
Pre-Drywall meeting
Prior to installation of the drywall will have a pre-drywall meeting with your Construction Manager to see everything behind the walls and to review the location of your electrical outlets, phone, and cable jacks.
Final Orientation
Upon completion of your home and prior to closing, you will have a final orientation with your Construction Manager to demonstrate your home. Products and features in your new home can be explained. This is also the time to review the workmanship and inspect all finished surfaces such as cabinets, counter tops, faucets, hardware, light fixtures, floor coverings, tubs, mirrors, windows, walls, etc., so that any imperfections can be identified prior to closing.
Show time
A final meeting will take place immediately before closing to review any items that might have needed extra attention from the final orientation. In addition, we will review your home warranty and the customer service process. Finally, you will be shown how to maintain certain items in your home.
Closing
Prior to closing, your sales person will provide you details regarding dates, times, and the funds needed to close. At closing you will be provided with your keys and you will officially become a PRDC homeowner.
Mortgage Calculator
Use our mortgage calculator to help determine how much home you may be able to buy. With this handy tool, you can estimate your monthly payment based on a specific loan amount. Depending on interest rates, mortgage products, and credit scores, you may be able to afford more home than you think!
*The calculator information here is provided as a general guide to help you determine if a property may be viable for you. This does not constitute a "Loan or Good Faith Estimate" for payments and closing costs. Everyone's situation is different and it's best to be pre-approved for a range of potential prices, payments, or loan programs. Please consult with your mortgage professional
Why Buy New
Here are some of the advantages of buying a new construction home versus a previously owned home.
Personal specifications
You can often build a new home to your exact personal tastes. Choose the home site, floor plan, options, and other features you want. Pick your cabinets, hardware, flooring, appliances, etc.
Superior warranty
A new home has a superior warranty that covers the structure, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC elements. You won't have to worry about the expensive repairs that are so common with a used home.
Latest technology
A new home includes new technology, advanced building techniques, water-saving plumbing fixtures, and energy-efficient appliances. With all of these savings, you'll have more money in your pocket every month.
High standards
Building codes are always improving, so a new home is built to the highest standards. Every major phase of the build requires a third-party inspection. And 5th- and 6th-generation building materials are designed to perform better than similar materials built just a few years ago.
Less maintenance
New composite products—such as flooring, lumber, mouldings, and siding—used in new construction require less maintenance and save you time and money.
Safety
Hard-wired smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, dedicated sprinkler systems, and other systems required in new homes increase safety to protect you and your home.
Less repair
New homes require fewer repairs. Old homes are more worn and require more time and money to perform well.
3rd-party assurance
Feel better knowing that a home inspector has "signed off" on your new home. Feel better knowing that no one covered up any problems to entice you into buying. With no prior history in your home, you can rest easy that your household is safe and secure!
Maintaining value
Many new home communities have a Home Owner's Association to protect the integrity of the community and support the up keep of many amenities. This helps to maintain the value of your new home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1
What form of payment do you accept, and how much do you require for a deposit?
Question 2
What is the first step in the buying process?
Answer
A critical first step in buying a new home is getting preapproved for your mortgage. From there, you can decide what is a comfortable monthly payment or price range for your new home.
Question 3
What are some different types of loans for new home buyers?
Question 4
How long is the new home building process?
Answer
The length of the construction period varies depending on the size of your new home and the community you are building in. The average construction time is 270 days for a single family detached home.
Question 5
How can I customize my new home?
Question 6
Are there Home Owners Associations (HOA) dues? What do the fees include?
Answer
Many of our communities feature HOAs. Dues vary by community, as some include more amenities than others. Dues are paid either monthly or yearly.
Question 7
Do communities have restrictions?
Ready to Build with PRDC?
If you're thinking of building a new home in the Philly area, we'd love to help you take those first steps! Contact us today with any questions or to get the process started.