Building a new home doesn’t have to be complicated.
Building a new home is an exciting adventure. It’s exciting not just because of the structure itself, although architectural style and aesthetic appeal are certainly important. What makes the home-building journey so special is the ability to personalize the home throughout the process, making it truly yours.
It’s not uncommon for new homes in Denver to display aspects of the homeowner’s personality, whether it’s a particular style of window, a unique exterior paint color, or an unusual design element that adorns the yard. All these features combine to create a space that’s unique to that homeowner, providing the backdrop for the many happy memories they’ll make during their time there.
Oakwood Homes is one of Colorado’s most successful new home builders. We say “successful” because our customers tell us time and again how happy they are with their newly-built home. Building a new home can be stressful as well as exciting, but working with a team of professional home builders in Colorado who know how to guide you through the process makes it easier — and much more fun, too!
Get the Process Started
Many homeowners have given up on buying a “new” home in Colorado’s existing real estate market because of the challenges involved. It’s tough to find a home they love at a price they can afford and close the deal before someone comes in with a higher bid. Instead, these shoppers are turning to new home builders in the area for help. Most of these buyers, however, have no idea how to start the process of building a new home. They have to rely on the builder to get the ball rolling.
Here’s a brief overview of how we do this at Oakwood Homes. Keep in mind that home builders in Colorado each have their own process, and they may differ to some degree. But this will give you an idea of what to expect when creating the new home of your dreams.
Identify a Community
Start by choosing the community you’d like to live in. Do this by visiting new home communities in the area, going through model homes, and getting a feel for the neighborhood. How many homes are already inhabited? How many phases does the builder intend to build in this neighborhood? Does it have the amenities that matter the most to you, such as a pool, clubhouse, or common outdoor areas? Imagine yourself living there. Can you see it? If so, put that community on a list, and move on to the next one. Make notes about the features you like best in each community. This will help you whittle the list down to one or two top choices.
Some buyers shorten this process by starting with communities built by specific new home builders in the area. If you’re familiar with certain builders and have heard good things about their communities from people who live there, start your search here, and you’ll save a considerable amount of time.
Choose a Lot and a Floorplan
Once you’ve chosen the community, you need to select your lot and floorplan. Homebuilders typically have several of each to work with, and most are personalized to a certain degree. Keep in mind that your ability to make changes to the floorplan will depend in part on the size and type of lot you choose. Some builders are more flexible in this area than others.
All this assumes you’re starting the process from scratch. Many homebuyers enter the building process by choosing a lot with a home that’s partially finished. While this tactic may get you into a home sooner, it may also limit what you can do with the floorplan. For instance, on a smaller lot, you may have to live with a two-car garage instead of the three-car garage you’d envisioned.
Personalize Your Home
Once you’ve chosen your lot and floorplan, the real fun begins. At Oakwood Homes, this starts when you are paired with one of our Professional Designers that help bring their vision to life while staying within your budget. These New Home Centers are filled with state-of-the-art design and inspiration to get homeowners thinking about the features that are important to them. A variety of workstations show off top-name brands at every price point. They include everything from lighting, wall tile, floor coverings, hardware, and finishes to life-sized models of kitchens, baths, and living areas. All this helps customers understand the range of possibilities for their own home, helping them narrow their choices to what they love and what they can afford.
Start Building
At this point, your builder will start on your new home — if they haven’t already done so. All you have to do is wait…
Do a Walk-Through
Once your home is nearing completion (and perhaps at specified points along the way, depending on your builder’s process), you’ll do a walk-through with your onsite construction team. This walk-through allows you to check on the progress of your new home, making sure all the features, fixtures, and finishes are correct. If you see anything that’s amiss, this is the time to speak up. Otherwise, you may be stuck living with something other than what you’d initially chosen. This is your home. Make sure it’s right!
Close and Take Ownership
After the final walk-through, you’ll complete any remaining paperwork and then receive the keys to your brand-new home. Congratulations! You’ve just built the home of your dreams!
Let Oakwood Homes Help You Create Your New Home
If you’re planning on buying a new home in Colorado, give us a call. We’d love to talk with you about the benefits of building a new home that’s personalized just for you. We’ll walk you through the process and celebrate with you when it’s done. What could be more exciting than that?