13 Key Questions to Ask Before Buying an Inventory Home
July 26, 2024
Before buying an inventory home, it's essential to ask the right questions. You’ll want to have conversations with your realtor, lender, and especially your builder so that you understand what to expect and make informed decisions throughout the process. To help you get started, we've highlighted some key questions to discuss with your builder to ensure everything goes smoothly:
- Ask to see previous work: To assess the quality of construction and materials, ask to view examples of homes and subdivisions previously built by the builder. A reputable builder will provide you with the names and addresses of their completed communities, and driving through these neighborhoods allows you to assess the exterior quality and see your desired design in real-life settings versus a rendering. Additionally, visiting older communities can give you a sense of the builder’s long-term construction quality and how their homes age over time. At Trinity, we’re happy to offer tours of our established communities, allowing you to see firsthand the durability and craftsmanship of our homes.
- Ask to tour the model home: Walking through a model home can also help you get a feel for your builder’s style. Keep in mind that model homes often showcase upgrades, so you’ll get an idea of what features are available, but some may come at an extra cost. We pride ourselves in offering true customization throughout the building process. Contact us to learn more about our customization options and Design Center.
- Ask for customer references and testimonials: Request to speak with other buyers who have purchased inventory homes from the builder, and check for online reviews and testimonials. Speaking with current residents in the builder’s communities can provide valuable insights into their experiences and overall satisfaction. If any issues arose, ask how the builder addressed and resolved them.
- Ask about community amenities: Find out what amenities are available in the lot’s community, like pools or trails, and find out if there are any additional costs or HOA fees associated with these amenities. Understanding this will help you gauge the overall value and lifestyle offered by the community.
- Ask about the lot: Make sure to ask about the lot orientation, slope, and location to understand its impact on sunlight, future developments, and privacy. Also, confirm if there are any additional costs for preferred lots.
- Ask what’s included: Make sure to clarify what’s covered in the base price of your home. Find out if it includes landscaping, appliances, or any upgrades. Understanding what additional costs or fees might arise will help you budget accurately and avoid any surprises later on.
- Ask if you can you make changes or additions: If you want to make modifications or additions to the home before purchase, ask upfront if your builder allows you to do so. Additionally, inquire about the process and costs associated with making changes to features or upgrades during construction. With Trinity, you will have extensive customization and upgrade options to choose from depending on what stage of construction your home is at.
- Ask about energy-efficient options: Energy-efficient features save you money and are better for the environment, so it’s worthwhile to ask what energy-efficient features are offered. Ask about the builder’s approach to:
- Insulation and sealing
- Appliances
- Water heating
- HVAC systems
- Windows and doors
- Ask about the project timeline: Ask about the estimated completion date and how the builder handles delays or changes in the construction schedule. It’s important to understand this timeline especially if you’re relying on the sale of your current home to fund the new one.
- Ask who is overseeing the construction: Find out who will supervise the construction and act as your primary contact throughout the process. This ensures you know who to turn to for progress updates and can communicate your preferences for receiving information.
- Ask about the payment schedule: It's crucial to have a clear understanding of the payment schedule for your new home. This includes knowing how much deposit is required upfront, when and how you need to pay for any upgrades or customizations, and what the final down payment will be at closing. Understanding these details will help you plan your finances and avoid any surprises during the process.
- Ask If price fluctuations are considered: With the fluctuating costs of materials and labor, it’s important to know if the price of your home could change during the building process. If the price does increase due to costs, this can significantly impact your budget, so it’s vital to ask about this upfront. Make sure to understand how these potential increases are calculated and communicated as well. This will help you better prepare for any financial changes that might occur during construction.
- Ask about warranty policies: Review the builder’s warranty, including coverage for structural issues, major systems, and cosmetic defects and inquire about how the builder handles warranty claims or repairs after you move in. Additionally, be sure to ask who your point of contact is if any issues arise with the home post-purchase.
At Trinity Homes, we are here to answer questions and guide you through purchasing one of our inventory homes. Our goal is to ensure you feel confident and well-informed every step of the way. From touring our established communities to understanding the payment schedule and warranty policies, we are committed to providing you with all the information you need to make the best decision for your new home. If you have any questions or need more assistance, please contact us. We look forward to helping you find your dream home!
Spring often sneaks up on us, bringing warmer temperatures and a perfect opportunity to step outside, enjoy fresh air, and—most importantly—give your home’s exterior some much-needed attention. Whether you're in your first home or your tenth, staying ahead of spring maintenance is crucial for protecting your investment, preserving curb appeal, and ensuring long-term comfort. To help you get started, we’ve compiled a must-do checklist to keep your home in top shape this season. Inspect for Winter Damage While Columbus may not experience the same extreme snowstorms as other parts of the Midwest, winter weather can still take a toll on your home. Start by checking these key areas: Roof - Look for loose or missing shingles, fallen tree branches, and worn flashing around the chimney. Addressing these early can prevent leaks and costly repairs. Driveways & Walkways - The freeze-thaw cycle can cause cracks in concrete and asphalt. Resealing these areas prevents further deterioration and enhances curb appeal. Check for Drainage & Landscaping Issues A well-maintained yard isn’t just about looks—it also plays a role in foundation protection and water drainage. Low Spots in the Yard - After spring showers, watch for standing water, which can kill grass and attract pests. Fill uneven areas with quality soil to promote proper drainage. Soil Grading - Ensure the slope of your yard directs water away from your foundation to prevent basement leaks and moisture damage. Clean Gutters and Spouts Clogged gutters can lead to roof damage, foundation issues, and basement leaks. Take these steps: Remove leaves, twigs, and debris that accumulated over winter. Check downspouts for blockages and ensure water flows away from your home. Consider installing gutter guards for long-term protection. Refresh Your Home’s Exterior Your home’s siding, paint, and exterior finishes endure a lot during the winter. Inspect for Damage - Walk around your home and look for cracks, peeling paint, or mildew. Clean the Siding - Use warm, soapy water or a power washer (if your siding allows) to remove dirt and grime. Service Your Air Conditioning Your AC has been in hibernation mode, and the last thing you want is to find out it’s not working on the first toasty day of the season. Clear away debris from the condenser unit. Replace air filters for better efficiency. Schedule professional maintenance if needed. At Trinity Homes , we believe that a well-built home should stand the test of time. Taking care of seasonal maintenance is one of the simplest ways to extend the life of your home, protect your investment, and enhance everyday comfort. Once these essential tasks are complete, you can focus on the best parts of spring—gardening, grilling, and soaking up the sunshine! Looking for a home built to last? Explore our semi-custom homes in Columbus, Ohio, and discover the difference quality craftsmanship makes.
At Trinity Homes , we’re proud to specialize in what our competitors do not: customization . From siding to flooring to fixtures and beyond, we offer an extensive selection of options, empowering our clients to build a home that truly reflects their unique style and personality. We recently had the opportunity to talk with our Interior Designer, Amber Malloy , to discuss her role at Trinity Homes and what makes our new Design Center so special. With over a decade on the Trinity Homes team, Amber oversees the Design Center and plays a key role in selecting the vendors and suppliers, ensuring homeowners have access to stylish and quality products. “I’m very proud of the selection options we have available at Trinity Homes. If a client is looking for a particular tile or fixture, I will most likely have it. And if I don’t have it readily available, I’ll find it! I have a large resource bank and am always happy to put it to good use.” Amber’s primary role in the Design Center is helping our clients navigate the many choices available to them, offering expert guidance on selections that feel chic and timeless while enhancing resale value. Whether it’s attending industry events showcasing new product releases, or through her research, experience and general knowledge, she dedicates significant time to staying ahead of the latest trends in home design, ensuring she can provide homeowners with recommendations they’ll love for years to come. “While some clients do have a very specific vision for their home and require little assistance making their selections, the majority come in looking for inspiration and guidance to bring their home to life.” One of the most common challenges she sees is clients struggling to choose options that complement each other, ensuring things feel balanced and cohesive throughout their home. “ When choosing textures, paint colors, finishes, flooring, and so on, it’s easy to focus on the individual elements versus the big picture. It is my job to present the options in such a way that the client is easily able to envision how everything will coordinate, ensuring they make choices they not only love but that are cohesive and flow well with the aesthetic of the home. I want our customers to feel comfortable and confident in the choices they’ve made.” And despite carrying an extensive array of customization options, there’s also always going to be clients who prefer to use selections outside of what we offer. We’re always happy to accommodate these custom requests, ensuring every home reflects the unique style and preferences of its owner. Beyond her work in the Design Center, Amber also plays a key role in curating our model homes. “A major part of my job is bringing our available options to life in our Model homes. From tile, flooring, light fixtures and paint colors to furnishings and window treatments, each Model home is a blank slate in which I have the opportunity to really create the vision from scratch and then watch it blossom into a finished product. It’s such a fun, fulfilling job and I couldn’t imagine doing anything else.” If you’re ready to make a move, Trinity Homes can help you bring your dream space to life with customization options that reflect your family’s lifestyle and personality. Contact us today to get started!
Buying a new home comes with a lot of decisions to be made. Where do you want to be? How do you want to live? Are schools important, or will they be in the future? Do you want to be close to work, or maybe prefer suburban living? Trinity Homes offers locations throughout Central Ohio , including some in the best school districts in the region, and even the state. Since the location of your home impacts everything from your daily routine to your home’s future resale value, there are a number of factors to consider when choosing the perfect location. Whatever you are looking for, Trinity Homes can help you find your home. Proximity to Work and Daily Commutes How far is the drive to work, school, or your favorite coffee shop? A long commute doesn’t just eat up your time, it adds unnecessary stress to your life. When looking at new homes, making it a priority to check how close it is to your routine stops ensures you spend less time in traffic, and more time enjoying your home and neighborhood. Quality Schools Families with school-age children tend to consider a quality school district over anything else. Many families are willing to sacrifice highly regarded things such as square footage, garages and amenities in favor of finding a home in a high-quality school district. While homes in great school districts are usually more expensive, parents are inclined to spend more money for their kids to receive a highly rated education Neighborhood Amenities and Lifestyle Do you care if your neighborhood comes with a clubhouse or a pool? What about parks and walking trails? Great neighborhoods offer easy access to these things, as well as restaurants, grocery stores, fitness centers, and entertainment options. At Trinity Homes, we build homes in communities all over the greater Columbus area that include or are just minutes away from all sorts of amenities that meet your needs. Safety and Crime Rates A safe neighborhood plays a big role in long-term property value and, more importantly, in your peace of mind. Take the time to research local crime statistics through online databases or community forums to get a sense of the area’s safety. Additionally, talking to residents and visiting at different times of the day can provide valuable insight into the community’s security and overall atmosphere. Future Development A neighborhood’s growth can have a large impact on a home’s future values. New developments, road expansions, and commercial projects often boost property values, while industrial projects or overdevelopment can lead to increased noise and congestion. Checking city planning resources can give you a clearer picture of what’s ahead and how it might affect the area. Choosing the right location is just as important as selecting the perfect home, and by considering these key factors, you can make a well-informed decision and invest in a home you’ll love for years to come. Explore everything Trinity Homes communities have to offer—from top-rated school districts to exceptional amenities—by visiting our website or reaching out to us today !
If you can’t keep up with the ever-changing trends in home design, you are certainly not alone. Fortunately, our Design Center team can help you cut through the chaos and focus on what’s both stylish and timeless for your home. From warmer palettes to textured ceilings, here’s what home buyers should consider when building their dream space: English-Inspired Kitchens White kitchens will always be timeless, but we’re going to see less of them in 2025. Homeowners are moving away from all white walls and cabinets in favor of richer, more rustic finishes that channel an English country style. If you want to get on board, consider incorporating elements into your kitchen that add coziness and character - think wood cabinets, limestone backsplashes, and vintage-inspired hardware and light fixtures. Warmer, more saturated paint colors can help pull the space together, creating an inviting, charming atmosphere. Terracotta Tile Warm, earthy tones are in, with homeowners leaning into the rich palette of colors that terracotta tiles offer. Whether used as flooring, a kitchen backsplash, or to accent a shower, terracotta can add depth, texture, and a timeless appeal to any space. Plus, its durability makes it a practical choice for years to come. Statement Lighting Statement lighting is nothing new, but in 2025, we’ll see homeowners get more creative with it. While bold chandeliers and pendants are still top picks for adding personality to a room, statement floor lamps, sconces, and table lamps are also having their moment. Stained glass, ceramic, or colorfully decorated lighting is leading the way, turning lighting into “functional art” that elevates a space and draws attention. Silver Accents Bronze and gold have been the go-to finishes among homeowners for years, but silver is making a comeback. Consider using polished chrome and brushed nickel in areas like your kitchens and bathrooms, as well as choosing silver-toned light fixtures for a more refined, contemporary look. But don’t feel the need to completely part ways with your bronze and gold accents - mixing metals is still very much on trend. When done thoughtfully, blending metals together can create more dimension and visual interest in a room, allowing you to enjoy the best of both worlds. Textured Ceilings Bye-bye, plain ceilings! 2025 is all about treating ceilings as the ‘fifth wall,’ with homeowners embracing bold design choices to add depth and character overhead. From wood paneling and decorative beams to intricate molding and tiles, textured ceilings can create a beautiful focal point that enhances the entire space. But you don't have to go all out – simple wainscoting, wallpaper, or even plaster finishes can make a statement and add to the personality of any room. Customization Options with Trinity Homes At Trinity Homes, we make it easy to customize your home to fit your style and personality. From flooring and cabinets to backsplashes and beyond, our design center offers extensive selections for finishes inside and outside the home, ensuring you can create a space that truly feels like yours. Contact Us
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When building a new home, you are likely to select features and customizations based on your current needs as well as your future goals. These choices, however, can also have a big impact on the future resale of your home. Whether you plan to stay for five years or fifteen, it’s worth considering what types of features will stand out to buyers down the road and make your home more attractive when it’s ultimately time to sell. At Trinity Homes , we offer a range of floor plans , finishes, and features to customize your home to ensure it fits your lifestyle while also protecting your investment for the future. Here are some customizations to consider when designing your Trinity Home: 1. Functional Spaces If there’s one thing we know about homes, it’s that you can never have too much functional space . Mudrooms, for example, are a buyer favorite – and that's unlikely to change. These spaces add practical, organized storage right where it’s needed most—near entryways – offering space for shoes, coats, and gear, keeping the rest of the home clutter-free and clean. And with remote work being the new norm, designating space for a home office is an easy way to add long-term value to your home. Thoughtful design, like built-in storage and good lighting, makes these areas even more appealing. 2. Timeless Kitchens As one of the most used spaces in a home, a kitchen holds a lot of power in defining its overall appeal and functionality. When designing your kitchen with Trinity Homes, consider including popular features and additions such as: Oversized Kitchen Islands – Islands, in general, are a great way to blend more style and functionality into the kitchen area, but oversized islands are even more sought-after. They provide even more storage, seating, and workspace for those who love to host or need extra space in the kitchen. Walk-In Pantries – Storage is big among homebuyers, and a walk-in pantry adds just that to your kitchen area. Shaker-Style Cabinets – We don’t see the clean, minimalist design of shaker-style cabinets going out of style anytime soon. Their sleek look pairs great with a variety of design types too, so whether you’re after a more modern, traditional, or contemporary look, shaker-style are the perfect cabinet type to tie everything together. 3. Hardwood Flooring: Hardwood floors will always be a good investment towards your home’s resale value. Between their timeless look, durability, and easy maintenance, it’s a no-brainer why homeowners love them. Plus, they add a sense of warmth and elegance to any space while being versatile enough to match various design styles. 4. Tried-and-True Finishes While some interior finishes ebb and flow in popularity, there’s a lot that stand the test of time. For example, you can’t go wrong with subway tile, quartz and granite countertops, or chrome and silver metal finishes. However, some finishes are easier to replace than others in the long run, so select what best fits your taste. At Trinity, our design center features a wide variety of patterns, colors, and styles so that you customize your home to fit your unique personality. 5. Fireplaces Fireplaces are a staple selling point that add warmth, ambiance, and coziness to any atmosphere, with gas fireplaces being particularly popular for their ease of use. Whether in the living room, master bedroom, or outdoors, fireplaces create a focal point that enhances both the aesthetic and functionality of a space. At Trinity Homes, we’re here to help you design a home that meets your current needs, works for your future goals, and doesn’t feel dated when it comes time to sell. Contact us to get started on your dream home!
At Trinity Homes , we’re committed to combining your vision with our expertise and dedication to quality in every new home we build. We’re here to provide you with the information and resources you need every step of the way—from choosing the perfect community to designing a semi-custom home that suits your style and your life, beautifully. Here are a few of our most popular articles from this year!
Looking for the perfect blend of luxury, comfort, and convenience? Trinity Homes is excited to announce an exclusive Holiday Sale at Woodside at Holton Run ! This is your chance to secure one of our stunning condos in this highly sought-after community, but hurry—this offer ends December 31st. Available Condos: 15 Woodside at Holton Run | $355,000 16 Woodside at Holton Run | $389,000 42 Woodside at Holton Run | $359,000 43 Woodside at Holton Run | $392,775 Each condo features a 30-day close , so you could be moving into your new maintenance-free home just in time for the New Year!
When you’re building a semi-custom home, possibilities abound. Beyond bedrooms and bathrooms, custom spaces allow you to introduce features to your home that reflect your lifestyle, hobbies, and needs. Whether it’s for entertaining, relaxing, or keeping life organized, these tailored spaces can truly elevate your home, enhancing both everyday living and special moments. Here are a few ideas to inspire your design:
Maximizing the value of your Trinity Home means planning for a space that grows with you. By incorporating aging-in-place features, you can ensure your home stays safe, comfortable, and accessible as your needs evolve. Here are some thoughtful customizations to consider: Accessible Entrances and Pathways Creating accessible entrances and pathways can make a big difference for aging in place. Zero-step entries at the front and back doors allow easy access without the need to navigate stairs, while wide doorways and hallways provide ample space for walkers or wheelchairs, making movement throughout the home easier. Adding slip-resistant surfaces to indoor and outdoor flooring can also help reduce the risk of slips—especially in wet conditions—boosting both safety and peace of mind. Smart Home Technology Smart home technology can make life at home so much easier and safer as we age. With voice-activated controls, turning lights on, adjusting the thermostat, or even locking up is just a quick command away. For those living independently, home monitoring systems also offer extra peace of mind, keeping everything secure and connected. And smart appliances—like voice-activated ovens, easy-access fridges, and hands-free faucets—take the hassle out of daily routines, making things simpler and more manageable. Enhanced Lighting Enhanced lighting should also be a top priority to make your home more functional for aging in place. Think motion-sensor lights in hallways, bathrooms, and entryways to automatically illuminate key areas, making it easier to navigate safely, especially at night. Task lighting can also provide bright, focused light in spaces where detailed work happens, like the kitchen, bathroom, and reading areas. And by placing larger windows strategically, you can bring in plenty of natural light, keeping the home bright and welcoming throughout the day. Bathroom Modifications Updating the bathroom with accessibility features can make it both safer and more comfortable, addressing the many hidden dangers common in this space. Curbless showers, for example, remove the need to step over a curb and pair well with seating, making bathing safer and more secure. Grab bars and rails near toilets, showers, and tubs provide extra support to help prevent falls, which are a common risk in the bathroom. Comfort-height toilets reduce strain when sitting and standing, while non-slip flooring lowers the risk of slips in this moisture-prone area. Together, these modifications transform the bathroom into a space that supports changing needs and minimizes hazards. Other Ideas for Aging in Place To make a home more accessible as you age, you may also want to consider adding... First-floor bedroom and bathroom : Having a primary suite on the first floor reduces the need to climb stairs, offering easier access to key areas. Adjustable closet rods and shelves : Makes clothing and accessories reachable without bending or stretching. Stair lifts and handrails : Lifts can provide accessibility to upper floors without needing to navigate stairs, while handrails on both sides can offer better support and balance while using the stairs. Outdoor Ramps: Outdoor ramps can make it easier to enter or exit the home safely, especially where there are stairs involved. Ultimately, the right customizations can help ensure a home feels comfortable, secure, and accommodating as your physical needs change, all while maintaining style and functionality. At Trinity Homes , we can work with you to customize your home in a way that fits your unique needs, enhancing both comfort and convenience as you move through different stages of life.
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