13 Key Questions to Ask Before Buying an Inventory Home
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!






