New Construction Home Buying Process

Understanding the timeline and process from contract to closing

Typical Timeline

The new construction process typically takes 4-8 monthsfrom contract to closing, depending on whether you're purchasing an already-under-construction home or one that hasn't started building yet.

  • Quick Move-In: 30-90 days (if home is already under construction)
  • Standard Build: 4-6 months from contract
  • Custom Build: 6-8 months or longer

Detailed Process Timeline

1

Month 1: Contract & Design

Week 1-2: Sign Purchase Agreement

Review and sign the purchase contract. Your buyer's agent will thoroughly review all terms, timelines, and contingencies.

Week 2-4: Design Center & Upgrades

Visit the design center to select finishes, colors, and upgrades. Make structural decisions (if applicable) and finalize customization choices.

Week 4: Secure Financing

Complete mortgage application and secure financing. Provide all required documentation to your lender.

2-4

Months 2-4: Construction Phase

Foundation & Framing

Builder pours foundation and frames the home. You may have an opportunity for a framing walkthrough to see the structure.

Mechanical Systems

Plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems are installed. Drywall goes up, and the home begins to take shape.

Interior Finishes

Painting, flooring, cabinets, countertops, and your selected finishes are installed. The home begins to look like your future home.

5-6

Months 5-6: Final Stages & Closing Prep

Final Finishes & Cleanup

Final touches are completed, landscaping is installed, and the home receives final cleaning and inspection by the builder.

Pre-Delivery Inspection

You'll do a comprehensive walkthrough with the builder to identify any issues that need to be addressed before closing.

Final Walkthrough & Closing

Final walkthrough to verify all issues are resolved, then closing day where you sign all documents and receive the keys to your new home.

What to Expect During Construction

Regular Updates

The builder will provide periodic updates on construction progress. You may receive photos or invitations to view progress at certain milestones.

Scheduled Walkthroughs

You'll typically have opportunities to see your home at key stages: framing, pre-drywall, and final walkthrough before closing.

Possible Delays

Weather, supply chain issues, or other factors can cause delays. Your buyer's agent will help manage expectations and communicate with the builder about timelines.

Change Limitations

Once construction progresses past certain stages, making changes becomes difficult or impossible. Finalize all decisions early in the process.

Key Milestones & Responsibilities

Contract Signing

Your Role: Review contract thoroughly with your buyer's agent, understand all terms and timelines, sign purchase agreement.

Builder's Role: Provide contract, schedule design center appointments, begin permit process if needed.

Design Selections

Your Role: Make all selections within the specified timeframe, finalize upgrade decisions, review and approve design center choices.

Builder's Role: Provide design center access, assist with selections, provide pricing for upgrades.

Financing

Your Role: Provide all required documentation to lender, maintain credit standing, lock in interest rate when appropriate.

Lender's Role: Process loan application, order appraisal, coordinate with builder for final loan approval.

Construction Progress

Your Role: Attend scheduled walkthroughs, ask questions, document any concerns, stay in communication with your buyer's agent.

Builder's Role: Build home according to plans and specifications, provide progress updates, schedule walkthroughs.

Closing

Your Role: Complete final walkthrough, bring required funds to closing, sign all documents, obtain keys.

All Parties: Lender, title company, builder, and buyer's agent coordinate to complete closing on schedule.

Tips for a Smooth Process

Work with a buyer's agent: Having professional representation ensures you understand the process and have someone advocating for your interests.

Finalize decisions early: Make all design and upgrade decisions as early as possible to avoid delays or additional costs.

Stay in communication: Keep in touch with your buyer's agent and builder throughout the process. Don't hesitate to ask questions.

Plan for timeline flexibility: While builders provide estimated completion dates, some delays are common. Plan accordingly.

Document everything: Take photos during walkthroughs, keep records of communications, and document any concerns that arise.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if construction is delayed?

Delays can happen due to weather, supply chain issues, or other factors. Your purchase contract will outline how delays are handled. Your buyer's agent will communicate with the builder about timelines and help manage expectations throughout the process.

Can I visit my home during construction?

Yes, you'll typically have scheduled walkthroughs at key stages: framing, pre-drywall, and final walkthrough before closing. Your buyer's agent will attend walkthroughs with you to ensure quality and address any concerns.

What should I do during the construction phase?

Stay in communication with your buyer's agent, attend scheduled walkthroughs, keep your financing on track, and plan for your move-in timeline. Your buyer's agent will coordinate everything and keep you informed of progress.

Ready to Navigate the New Construction Process?

Let Dr. Jan Duffy guide you through every step of purchasing your new Beazer home.

Dr. Jan Duffy | Buyers Agent Beazer Homes

LIC# S.0197614.LLC