Building a new home is just about the biggest financial (and emotional) investment that a person makes in his/her lifetime.
 
We caution consumers to take the following steps to keep your new home from becoming a "money pit" nightmare:

Ask homeowners already living in the development about the builder. If no homes are occupied yet, find out where the builder has previously built and speak to those owners. You can also check the builder's record with the local Better Business Bureau.

Read all contract documents very carefully. Make sure all promises and all terms of the agreement are in the document you are going to sign. Also read other documents, i.e., homeowners association information, condominium association documents, warranties, etc. Make sure you understand the warranty and if you don't like it then ask the builder to give you a better warranty on his work.

Do not sign anything that you don't completely understand and agree with. Be suspicious of any spaces that are left blank. "X" them out or write in "Not Applicable." Be especially careful of any clauses that give up your legal rights. Things like "Jury Waiver" and "Arbitration" terms are being used more and more to take away a consumer's legal right to turn to the courts for justice.

Consider hiring an independent professional home inspection company to help identify structural and cosmetic defects when the job is finished.If problems arise (during or after construction), talk to your builder right away and make notes on what each of you say and agree to. Immediately report in writing any potential building code related items, i.e., structural, wet basement, etc. to your local authorities.

If the builder is unwilling to perform repairs, then contact an attorney for legal help. There is no reason to pay good money to a bad builder and let them get away with it.

For more information call 1-888-331-6422.