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Who’s Who When it Comes to Home Building?

Who’s Who When it Comes to Home Building?

Anyone with kids has probably heard the phrase, “It takes a village to raise a child;” but, for buyers who also decide to build their homes, sometimes it can feel like it truly does take a village to raise that new house from an empty lot to a completed home! Some buyers may have the misconception that the transaction will simply occur between themselves and their selected builder. However, there are several other parties involved in the typical home-building process.

Today, we’re breaking down the team that works to build up a new construction:

The Developer: If your new home is being built in a planned community, the Developer’s role is likely over long before the buyer enters, as they are one of the first players in the home-building game. Developers scout out available land for new communities. Once they acquire the land, they create an overall plan for the community, prepare the site for building and select a Builder.

The Builder: In a planned community, the Developer’s selected Builder decides what types of homes to build within the development. The Builder often works closely with an Architect to design homes that will appeal to a wide audience of buyers. From a buyer’s prospective, the Builder is the party responsible for every aspect of the home-building process. This is why planned communities are staffed by a Builder representative who works with buyers throughout the home-building process.

The Architect: In a planned community, the Architect will closely scour the lot plans to design homes that will fit well in each space. Architects create specific floor plans that buyers choose from at the beginning of their home-building process. It is the Architect’s role to ensure all home designs work together in harmony in a planned community.

The Designer: Once a buyer selects their floor plan, they need to fill that plan with options that include everything from flooring to cabinets, countertops and more. This is where a Designer may come in. In planned communities, buyers typically are able to select from various offered options that may affect their overall purchase price. The Designer is on-hand to go over available options and often show samples of each one.

The Contractors: Although Builders are the ones who design a layout and represent a community, they typically are not the ones who actually build it! Spoiler alert: they contract the work out to individuals who are skilled in each step of the home-building process. One Contractor may put in a home’s foundation while another frames it, sides it, roofs it and so on and so on and so on! Again, it may take a village (of Contractors) to raise a house!

The Construction Supervisor: Because several Contractors may be involved in building one house, the entire building process is overseen by a Construction Supervisor, who may be employed by the Builder in a planned community. It is the Construction Supervisor’s job to ensure that a buyer’s home is built on time and with a high level of quality craftsmanship. Buyers usually are able to check in with their home’s Construction Supervisor for progress updates throughout the home-building process.

The Inspectors: Yes, a Construction Supervisor is responsible for ensuring a home is built with quality and in a specific time-frame, but they are not solely responsible for ensuring the home is up to building codes and other standards. During the home-building process, an Inspector is assigned to check the boxes when it comes to quality standards. While under construction, an Inspector will check the quality of a new construction before drywall is hung and before the home is occupied. A Builder may have their own Inspector, but buyers typically are able to hire their own quality Inspectors as well.

The Lender: In a planned community, many Builders have a working relationship with a particular Lender, who may offer buyers special interest rates or other incentives to oversee their mortgage. Buyers do not have to select a Builder’s Lender, but sometimes it is their best option when it comes to a mortgage. As with any home-buying process, buyers should shop around for the best rate when it comes to choosing the best Lender.

The Real Estate Agent: Though a buyer may not see the home-building process as a conventional real estate sale, it is always a good idea to enter the process with a professional Real Estate Agent, who already is familiar with the build process and may even have a pre-established professional relationship with a buyer’s Builder. Not only will a Real Estate Agent assist a buyer through each step of the process, but they may be able to negotiate on various options, upgrades and the final selling price.

When it comes to the home-building process, it truly does take a village of professionals to complete the sale. Here’s hoping this “Who’s Who” of the major players involved in the process helps any potential buyers who are planning to build their next home.

If you are ready to enter the home-building process, check out our Pittsburgh new construction communities!