10 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Builder in the Greater Salt Lake City/Park City Area, by Kathy Opolski, Greater Salt Lake City/Park City Real Estate Expert

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August 21, 2009

Building a home in the Greater Salt Lake City/Park City area is an exciting project for most home buyers. Avoid making some common mistakes by asking yourself the following questions before hiring a builder. Your answers will help you focus on exactly what your expectations are for the project. Another benefit of examining the project from the beginning is to help you determine a realistic budget. Rate your answers in order of importance. This will help you build a new construction home that will best fit your wants and needs.

New Construction Project Questions for the Homeowner:

- What part of the overall project is most important to you?

Some items to consider include budget, quality of construction and materials used, location, and time to complete the project.

- What type or style of home do you want to build?

Some architectural styles are more cost effective than others. If you would like more information about home styles send me an email at kathyo@kathyohomes.com.

- What size home do you want to build?

Consider the number of rooms you would like to have in your new home. List ìmust haveî rooms (such as three bedrooms and two bathrooms) and list ìdesiredî rooms (such as a home office or home theater room.)

- What overall square footage would you like to build?

Overall square footage of a project can be a factor in determining budget and which builder to hire. Some builders only work within a certain size home plan.

- Do you want to build your home in a sub-division, new development or on a private lot?

Often building in a sub-division or new development can be less expensive than building a custom home on a private lot. The reason for this is with sub-divisions and new developments the builder is buying materials in a larger quantity. Another reason for savings is that the builder already has the equipment and crews on-site. A down side to this is you may have to choose between a few pre-determined house floor plans.

- Of all the features a builder offers, which is most important to you?

Some features a builder may offer include on-time delivery, guaranteed price, reputation, credentials, quality materials, and communication.

- Do you want a custom built home or a spec built home?

The answer to this question can affect the budget. RE/MAX Associates can help you find a builder that fits your project needs.

- What materials do you want used in the construction of your new home?

Make sure the builder you choose has experience installing any custom or unusual materials. Take advantage of a builder that has experience and connections with the vendors.

- Where do you want to build your new home?

Lot location can increase the cost of the project. Additionally, the typography of the land can affect the cost and ability of the builder to deliver a quality home.

- What size lot do you want to build your new construction home on?

Determining the size of your land may determine whether or not you build in a sub-division or other development. Neighborhood choice is a factor in lot size as well. If you want acres of land you may be limited with the neighborhood choice.

For help choosing a new construction project that suits your budget and lifestyle, contact Kathy Opolski of RE/MAX Associates at 801-518-4599 or email at kathyo@kathyohomes.com.

There is a lot of free information available to you about buying, selling or investing in Greater Salt Lake City/Park City real estate. For complete information including current homes for sale, property values and more please visit the most complete website online dedicated to everything Greater Salt Lake City/Park City real estate at www.KathyOHomes.com. Please feel free to contact me with any of your real estate or mortgage related questions and I will be more than glad to answer your questions. Call me on my cell at 801-518-4599 or email me at kathyo@kathyohomes.com.

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