One of the easiest mistakes to make when buying new construction is assuming the model home is the house you're buying. It's not. The model is designed to show you what the builder can create. It may include upgraded flooring, cabinets, countertops, lighting, appliances, landscaping and other features that aren't included in the base price. That's where new construction pricing can get confusing. You might see a home advertised for $425,000, then discover that the homesite you want, the floor plan options you need and the finishes you like bring the price considerably higher. So before you compare builders based on price, figure out what you're actually getting for that price.
Start With the Base Price
The base price is just that, the starting point. It generally represents a specific floor plan with a defined package of standard features. But "standard" isn't the same from one builder to another. One builder might include:
- Granite or quartz countertops
- Tile throughout the main living areas
- Stainless steel appliances
- A covered lanai
Another builder might charge extra for some or all of those features. That's why comparing two builders based only on their advertised prices can be misleading. A $400,000 home isn't necessarily a better deal than a $425,000 home. You need to know what's included in each.
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