One of the best parts about searching for a new home is the sheer amount of choice available to you. If, like many Calgarians, you’ve decided a brand new home is the way to go, you even have a choice as to where in the home building stage you’d like to purchase. You could oversee your home’s construction right down to the last detail, select one that’s already beautifully finished or opt for something in between. Whatever you prefer, there’s an option for you.
New Builds
Imagine a brand new home built just for you – customized to your standards and specifications in a community you love. A good, flexible builder will guide you every step of the way; from choosing your lot and overall design, right down to designing your dream ensuite.
Once you’ve made the decision to build from the ground up, you’ll want to get out there and see what different Calgary builders are offering. Visit show homes in areas you like, ask questions and check different builders’ websites.
The key thing to remember here is not all builders are created equal – nor are their new home builds. For example, what may be considered an upgrade for one builder, may be considered a standard finish to another.
You’ll also want to check the quality of a builder’s materials and take this into consideration when deciding on your budget. In many instances, a builder may offer a slightly higher price than another, but you’re getting a better value in that they’re using higher-quality materials.
Who Are They Best For?
New home builds are best for homeowners who want to have more control over the design of their home and are willing to wait for it to be built. If you have specific wants and needs in terms of location, lot size, square footage, finishes and features, building from the ground up might be the perfect option for you.
While the building timeline varies from builder to builder, a quality builder should have your home completed in under a year (barring seasonal issues) and will keep you up to date throughout the process.
Move-In Ready Homes
Just as the name implies, these homes are 100% move-in ready. Unlike a new home build where you oversee the home’s design, these types of homes are already beautifully finished and just waiting for an owner.
Move-in ready homes (sometimes known as quick possessions) are generally offered by all new home builders in Calgary so, here too, you’ll want to do your research. You can visit show homes to get an idea of a builder’s style and the different price ranges, but remember, show homes often have upgrades. These finishes may not be included in the move-in ready model you’re looking for.
Another thing to be aware of is the builder incentive or promotion. Don’t get us wrong, they can be a great thing, but while you think you’re getting $20,000 in free upgrades, you may actually be paying for it in the overall cost of your home. Additionally, some builders prefer not to offer incentives because their standard finishes are already of the highest quality. While you may pay a little more, you’re guaranteed to get a superior home without the stipulations that often accompany promotions.
Who Are They Best For?
These homes are perfect for anyone looking for a beautiful new home fast or isn’t as particular regarding the details of a new home build. Again, these homes are already fabulously finished and come in all styles and sizes. If you’re in the market for a great looking home fast, a move-in ready model might be the way to go.
Spec Builds
These types of homes are the perfect halfway point between a new build and a move-in ready model. In terms of the build process, spec stands for ‘speculative’; where a builder begins to construct a variety of home models they believe will be popular and showcase the diversity in their work.
In short, spec builds are homes already started and in various levels of completion. This means you won’t have to take on too many design choices, but you’ll still have some say in the overall outcome. For instance, if the home is in the framing stage, you might be able to choose your flooring, cabinetry, fixtures and more if they haven’t already been chosen by the builder.
Even when it comes to work nearing completion, some builders are more flexible in terms of customization or changes you’d like to make. If you’re considering a spec build, be sure to ask various builders as to how much you’ll be allowed to change and when.
Who Are They Best For?
As mentioned above, spec builds are perfect for anyone wanting to have a bit of say in their home’s design, without the decision process. Spec builds are also generally ready much faster than new builds, but allow for more choice than their move-in ready counterparts.
In short, no matter which option you prefer, your perfect home is out there. Be sure to do your research ahead of time and visit show homes to really get a sense of the builder and their work. Remember, a good builder will work hard to help you find the home you deserve.
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