Common Questions to Ask Before Buying a New Construction Home

Buying a new home often comes with questions about warranties, construction timelines, move-in ready homes, design choices and model home tours. Perry Homes’ Sales Professionals answer common home buyer questions to help you understand the process, compare your options and feel more prepared before taking the next step. 

Key Takeaways 

• Warranty, timeline and design choices are key early new home buyer questions. 
• Move-in ready homes can shorten timing while still offering new-home features. 
• Building new lets buyers personalize finishes, layouts and homesite details. 
• Model home tours work best with clear priorities, notes and community research.

Frequently Asked Questions by New Home Buyers

Whether you are a first-time home buyer or a seasoned veteran in house hunting, you may have a few questions about the process. Today’s buyers are also navigating a more complex market than in past years. According to the National Association of REALTORS®, first-time buyers made up 21% of all buyers in its 2025 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, down from a historical norm of 40% before 2008. That makes clear answers around timing, financing, warranties and new-home options even more important for people preparing to buy. Here are a few answers to common questions about home buying and tips for touring houses to help you get started. 

What Types of Home Warranties Are Offered?

It is not uncommon for builders to provide buyers with warranties that offer limited coverage on workmanship and materials related to various home components, such as windows, plumbing and electrical systems for specific periods. They do not cover expenses an owner may incur if they move out of their house while repairs are made or components covered under a manufacturer’s warranty. 

When reviewing a builder warranty, buyers should understand: 

• What workmanship coverage includes and how long it lasts 
• Which structural components are covered under the longer warranty period 
• How manufacturer warranties apply to products installed in the home

While the duration of coverage varies, the builder often decides the terms. At Perry Homes, we offer an Express Limited Warranty – which includes a two-year workmanship warranty and a 10-year structural warranty– on all of our newly-built properties. For a deeper look at what warranty coverage can include, review Perry Homes’ guide to how a home warranty works for new-build homes. 

How Long Does It Take To Build a  Home with Perry Homes?

The amount of time it takes to build a home depends on several factors, including the home’s size, homesite conditions, permitting, weather, material availability and requested changes. Nationally, Census Bureau Survey of Construction data reviewed by NAHB found that a new single-family home took an average of 9.1 months from authorization to completion in 2024, including 7.6 months of construction time. Your Perry Homes Sales Professional can provide updates on your home and the expected construction timing for your specific community. 

To better understand the full process, explore Perry Homes’ guide to the stages of your home building journey. 

What Are the Benefits of Buying a Move-In Ready Home vs. Building a New Home?

Move-in ready homes offer you many of the same benefits as new-build homes but with a shorter turnaround time from contract to closing. They are built to include popular features — like smart home technology — and beautiful finishes hand-selected by interior designers. Additionally, you will not need to be calling contractors to make last-minute fixes since your new home will be ready when you are. 

A move-in ready home may be a strong fit when: 

• You want a shorter path from contract to closing 
• You prefer professionally selected finishes and popular features 
• You want a new home without waiting through the full build process”

If timing is one of your biggest priorities, Perry Homes also explains the benefits of move-in ready homes, including faster move-in timelines, modern features and warranty protection. 

Building a new home has its benefits, too. You can work with the builder to choose design elements— like cabinet colors, kitchen backsplash and flooring — that match your lifestyle and desired home aesthetic. Homebuyers can also personalize the floor plan to include an outdoor kitchen, covered patio or additional garage space, providing additional customization opportunities. You will also not have to worry about replacing the roof, updating the plumbing or making significant repairs since everything in the house is new. 

If you are still comparing both paths, this guide on whether to buy a move-in ready home or build a new home can help you weigh timing, personalization and convenience. 

Can I Choose Design Features in My New Home?

Every buyer has different styles and needs, which is why Perry Homes offers one complimentary design session with our Design Center to personalize your new house. From cabinets and countertops to flooring and fixtures, our team will work with you to choose the perfect touches to round out your new home’s design. Your Designer will guide you through the process to ensure your home’s design is exactly what you are looking for. 

Before choosing a builder, it can also help to review these questions to ask a home builder before you sign a contract. 

What Are The Best Tips for Touring Model Homes?

Visiting model homes is an essential step in the home buying journey because it allows you to experience firsthand what your future home could look like. Here are a few tips for touring a model home to help you get one step closer to finding your dream house: 

• Decide what you want. Make a list of your wants and things that are deal-breakers. This will help you stay focused as you explore each home so you choose the right home for your family’s lifestyle.
• Take notes. Take notes on the elements you want to incorporate into your new home. You will also want to take photos of anything you might want to use as a reference when it is time to decorate later.
• Ask questions. Our Sales Professionals are here to answer any questions you may have about the building process or what design elements are upgrades versus those that come standard with the home.
• Explore the community. You will want to take the time to drive around the neighborhood and explore nearby amenities and attractions around your new home.

For more planning help, Perry Homes shares tips for buying a new construction home, including researching the builder, reviewing design options and understanding the construction process. 

Purchasing a new home should be a fun and enjoyable experience. Knowing the answers to the most common home buying questions can help you navigate the process with ease. Are you ready to find the perfect new home for your family?  Explore new homes, browse move-in ready homes, or contact Perry Homes when you are ready to compare timing, design choices, and available communities with a clearer path forward today.