Buying a brand-new home is often one of the most exciting and significant milestones in a person’s life. The thought of stepping into a space where everything is fresh, clean, and built to the latest standards brings a sense of comfort and pride. But what do new homes include exactly? It is common for buyers to confuse a to-be-built “new-construction home” with a “custom home.” However, there are distinct differences between the two that every informed house hunter should know.
What’s included with a new-construction home:
New-construction homes are typically built by professional builders who offer a set of pre-designed floor plans. These homes may be currently under construction or in the planning stages when you decide to buy. Let’s walk through what you can expect when purchasing this type of home.
Your floor plan is included!
One of the biggest advantages of buying a new-construction home is being able to choose from exciting floor plan options designed by experts. These plans aren’t created according to your exact specifications, so you won’t need to spend time and energy shopping around for an architect. The floor plans are usually tried and true, meaning they have been built before and homeowners can attest to their level of quality and functionality.
Builders often create a range of layouts that accommodate different family sizes, lifestyles, and preferences. These floor plans have been tested in actual homes, meaning builders know what works well for everyday living and what doesn’t. Rather than starting from scratch, you’ll pick a floor plan that aligns closely with your needs—whether that’s an open-concept living area, multiple bedrooms, or designated workspaces. An added bonus: those who opt to build from the ground up may be able to choose certain structural options for their new home!
If you’re working with a reputable builder like Richmond American, you can expect a variety of floor plan choices to ensure you find something that meets your wants and needs and feels like home. The goal is to offer flexibility within a proven framework, saving you the hassle of architectural design while still allowing you to give your input on some of the structural and design details. We pride ourselves on offering flexible structural options within many floor plans, making our new-construction homes adaptable to a variety of lifestyles.
In addition to these to-be-built homes where you may have a choice of finishes and custom homes (which we’ll get into later), quick move-in homes are another “new-construction” option. If you’re looking to get into a new-construction home on a specific timeline, these might be a great choice. Also known as “spec homes,” these thoughtfully designed, never-before-lived-in abodes can close in as fast as 30 days!
Quick move-in homes often feature popular floor plans and design finishes selected by the builder. So, while there may be less flexibility to customize, these homes typically offer the features today’s buyers are seeking, making them a great option for those who want a brand-new space without the wait.
Essential features are included!
Like many new home builders, we offer homes with a range of thoughtfully selected features—such as modern flooring, stylish cabinetry, and contemporary light fixtures. These curated choices are designed to appeal to a wide range of buyers, ensuring each home is truly move-in ready with no need for immediate upgrades or renovations. This presents a significant advantage over older homes, which often require repairs or updates right from the start.
We’ve built a strong reputation for exceptional designer style, and our curated homes reflect that standard with their timeless elegance and thoughtful craftsmanship. Every fixture and finish is thoughtfully selected by our in-house design team to create a brand-new home that’s move-in ready—just waiting for your personal touches, like furniture and artwork. No matter which builder you choose, it’s important to ask upfront what features and finishes are included.
If you purchase a to-be-built home from Richmond American, you’ll work hand-in-hand with a professional design consultant to create a cohesive look for your new living spaces—a complimentary service! We also understand that a buyer’s wish list will differ from customary product offerings. In addition to many standard selections, at many communities we’re proud to offer a variety of exciting upgrades to bring your vision to life. If you’ve already begun envisioning the types of finishes and fixtures you’d like in your new home, create a Pinterest board so you can share your inspiration with your designer.
What’s included with a custom home:
Custom homes involve an entirely different approach. Here, you begin with a blank canvas, giving you the maximum flexibility to design a home unique to your tastes and needs. But with great freedom comes greater responsibility—and often a greater price tag!
Hiring your own professionals can potentially be quite costly and unexpected expenses can add up fast. You’ll also have to purchase land and make sure the plot is developed and able to house a residential property. If the only dream home you can envision for yourself is a completely custom home, this may be your best path. But keep an eye on that price tag! It can skyrocket rather quickly.
Because the costs can escalate quickly, it’s essential to budget carefully and build in a contingency fund for surprises. While custom homes can fulfill very specific dreams, the financial and time investments can be considerable.
Additional benefits of new-construction homes
Aside from the clear appeal of a brand-new, unlived-in home, new construction has several other benefits compared to purchasing a resale home:
- Energy efficiency: New homes are built to the latest energy codes, often featuring better insulation, more efficient windows, and energy-saving appliances. This can lead to lower utility bills and a reduced carbon footprint.
- Modern safety features: From electrical systems to fire alarms and plumbing, new homes meet current safety regulations, offering added peace of mind.
- Fewer repairs & maintenance: Because everything is new, you’re unlikely to face immediate repairs like replacing a roof or fixing old wiring.
Make your dream home a reality!
If you’re worried about whether you can afford a new home, you’re not alone. Luckily, many builders partner with affiliated lenders to offer special financing programs that can increase your purchasing power. Richmond American Homes and our affiliate, HomeAmerican Mortgage Corporation (see licensing info), may be able to help you boost your buying dollars and afford more than you realize with limited-time special financing offers.
These offers may include reduced interest rates on various loan types—FHA, VA, or conventional, whether fixed or adjustable—and often come with incentives not typically available on resale homes. Lower monthly payments can enhance your purchasing power, helping you save significantly depending on the price of the home.
Since these offers are region-specific, time-sensitive, and first-come, first-served, it’s important to act quickly and check what’s available in your area. The below example shows how special financing can help lower your monthly payment—making a higher-priced home more affordable compared to standard market rates:
Note: Taxes, hazard insurance, and mortgage insurance are not included in the sample payments shown. Actual monthly costs will be higher.
For many buyers, lowering the interest rate by even a fraction of a percent can translate to hundreds of dollars saved each month. Over the life of a loan, that’s a significant difference. Plus, builders may have other special offers, like credits toward closing costs or upgrades, adding extra value.
Keep in mind, this is just one example. Actual rates and payments will vary based on your location, lender, home, and available offers. Always consult the experts for more accurate and up-to-date information.
Now that you know the answer to the question “what do new homes include?,” do you think new construction may be the way to go? Visit RichmondAmerican.com to begin your search!
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Closing dates are subject to change and cannot be guaranteed. Homebuyers may be limited in the structural changes, options and upgrades which can be made to homes.
