Top 5 Questions to Ask When Touring a Model Home

If you don’t do your homework, you can walk out of a Model Home with more questions than answers.

We totally get it. Model homes are designed to impress. But at StyleCraft Homes, they’re also designed to truly educate homebuyers about how they can Live Up inside and outside their new home. We want you to ask us questions, lots of them.

Visiting a model home can be an inspiring and exciting way to kick off your home-building journey, but it helps to be prepared as possible so you can make the most out of your time there. To help you out, we’ve put together a list of the top 5 questions you should ask during your Model Home tour.

If you’re seeing a floor plan for the first time when you cruise through a model home’s entrance, you’re not making the best use of your time. Do your homework by scouting out a builder’s available floor plans, and even use the model home as your frame of reference when asking specific questions about one floor plan vs. another. Asking something specific such as “If this were X model home, where would the entrance to the outdoor living area be located?” will help you dial in your home-buying decision. Don’t be scared to ask what the most popular floor plan is, or more open-ended questions, as well.

While you’re walking through a home, you’ll want to stop and see how the community amenities measure up, too. Whether you have kids and are looking for a pool and playground, or you’re 55+ and seeking walking trails or a community garden, amenities make a community complete. Ask what amenities are available today, and if there are any additional amenities that will be coming down the line. Location matters, too. You’ll also want to scope out how close your ideal homesite is to the amenities, in addition to exploring beyond the boundaries to see what the greater community has to offer. For example, if you’re looking to move to an active-adult community, and anticipate frequent visits from the grandkids, see how close parks, museums, and other kid-friendly destinations may be.

It’s fun to talk about the faux food and decorations that doll up a model home, but no, they don’t come standard. That said, what about that kitchen tiling? Or those faucets and fixtures? You’ll want to get a clear picture about what’s included, what’s available, and what’s extra. Builders will be able to provide you with a list of everything from flooring, counters, appliances, and more. Also find out whether the builder offers pre-set design packages, a design studio with professional design assistance available, or leaves you flying blind. It’s also helpful to know the timeline of the design process, and how long you have to make selections.

Get the names of the schools, elementary through high school, and find out the ratings, average class size, and even how far away they’re located from the community. This is a no-brainer if you have children or are planning on it. But remember, it’s also important to hone in on a district with top schools because you never know if and when you’ll be putting your house for sale in the future — and schools could be No. 1 on the list of your future potential homebuyers. (Of course, we hope you’re planning on staying a while…)

You haven’t even bought a new home yet. The last thing you want to think about is what happens if something unexpected occurs, right? Wrong. This should be on your shortlist. Home warranties run the gamut, and you’ll want to find out what’s covered and for how long. Also, inquire about whether the builder handles warranty-related items or outsources the work. Builders with in-house warranty teams are faster, and because they know the construction, better, too.

Now, start making your list of Model Homes you want to visit, jot down a must-have list, and scribble any burning questions you have. Interested in visiting StyleCraft’s Model Homes? Contact our team to schedule a guided tour. Prefer to tour a home by yourself first? We encourage you to book a self-guided tour.