Our family has a holiday tradition of making a gingerbread house. Usually there are multiple people who work on the project and sometimes there is a difference on decorating style.
This year was no exception.Two people were working on the project and just as with any building project change orders were announced on the fly. As a result the house has two different roof styles.
Of course we love our wonky gingerbread house as it truly reflects our right brain left brain family. However if you are thinking of building a new home in 2010 this might not be the way you want your home to turn out. Buying new construction is not the same as buying a resale home. All along the way there are decisions to be made and if you aren't communicating with your builder you could end up with a home that isn't quite what you thought it would be.
Before you hit the road to visit a Northern Virginia builder give me a call at 703-346-2213 to talk about the process. You can also read my New Home Construction Buyers Guide for more insights on the new home buying process.
14 comments • Cindy Jones-Northern Virginia Real Estate & Military Relocation Services • December 26 2009 07:13AM
Cindy.....good point.....work authorizations in all of our projects are in triplicate....signed by all parties....and everyone receives a copy, long before the work has started....last minute does happen, but the job needs to be interrupted so that the work order can be signed first.....and sometimes the change can't happen because work cannot stop.
Cindy - You are right, communication is key ! Especially with a new construction home. It is imperative for the consumer to have a great buyers agent to stay on top of the deal (and builder) to ensure that the details get done without unauthorized changes.
Hi Cindy! You are absolutely right! There are many more decisions to be made with a custom built home. It doesn't stop there with picking colors and carpet. Have a Happy New Year!
Cindy, I love the ideas of gingerbread houses. Can I eat them when you are done with the artwork part LOL?
Cindy
We have to control the change order process or it will control us.
Good luck and success.
Lou Ludwig
Cindy: What a great analogy! I love the idea of a family callaborating on a project like that. In reality, new construction buyers really should reach out to buyer's agents to look out for their best interests. The process is never as easy as, "I'll take one of those."
Cindy, Cindy, Cindy,
Once again a very clever post, I always enjoy opening your posts as they are very creative, and informative. The change order process can be very frustrating, communication is the key.
Hope you had a great Christmas...
Christopher and Stephanie-it is surprising the number of folks who think that new construction isn't any different than buying a resale home. It isn't until they are deep into the project that they realize they need help.
Jackie-it starts the minute you sign a contract and you are right it is far more than carpets and paint colors.
Gary-not sure this will be edible when we are done with it. However the sugar cookie project is yummy!
Chris Ann-most buyers heading to a new construction project don't know how much work can be involved in building from the ground up.
Gerry-thanks for stopping by. Had a great Christmas and now I'm reviving up for 2010!
What fun to make a gingerbread house! Good point about the home building process too.