The upside of new construction?
You get a clean slate and real choices – from floor plans to finishes – along with better efficiency and modern tech. Choosing the right builder is the first step.
Why it matters: A brand-new home will provide a comfortable home for your family for years to come with less maintenance worries and increased amenities.
Top buyer priorities
Most buyers care most about:
Energy efficiency: With Energy Star appliances and Energy Star certification, energy costs will be lower.
Storage: Pantries, garages, and closets matter.
Why new wins: Resale homes rarely meet energy standards without expensive upgrades. New builds are designed for savings – insulated walls, sealed roofs, smart HVAC, and low-VOC materials for better indoor air. Bonus: no lingering odors, smoke, or pet dander from previous owners.
Production vs. custom builders
Build multiple homes at once.
Use a library of plans with limited options.
Are faster and more affordable with benefits of volume buying by builder.
Buyer chooses personalization options.
Design unique homes (sometimes from scratch).
Let you move walls, pick finishes, even hire your own architect.
Typically build fewer homes per year, on scattered lots, some in designated areas of master-planned communities.
Some builders offer both: Hybrids let you customize more than a standard production builder–but without going fully custom.
How much choice do you want?
The big question: How involved do you want to be in design decisions?
Full custom: Infinite options, but more time and effort, interior designers
Semi-custom: Flexibility with structure, but simplified choices
Production: Finishes and options from standard and upgrades curated menus
Design meets location
Your level of customization might also depend on where you want to live.
Production communities
Typically master-planned
Range from small neighborhoods to large developments
Come with amenities including trails, pools, HOAs, and various home types
Custom or BOYL (Build-On-Your-Lot)
Build on land you own or purchase
More flexibility, more site prep
Especially useful for rural or infill lots
Heads up: Remote land may need wells, septic systems, or propane tanks.
Floor plans: Start here
Even custom builders often start with a library of plans. Buyers can:
Adjust layouts (add a powder room, swap garage sides)
Choose styles and finishes
Work with architects for major changes
Online plans are an option too. Online sites allow you to create and sell designs that you can bring to a builder.
What to look for in a builder
Tour their homes. Don’t settle for brochures – see the finished product and what's behind the walls.
Get a full spec list. Know exactly what materials and systems will be used.
Interview carefully. You’ll work together for a year or more.
Read the reviews. TrustBuilder has honest reviews from real homebuyers.
Get competitive bids. Many online visual tools will help you see your vision come to life.
Key step: Walk the lot with your top builder choices. Get input on positioning, utilities, and site issues before you buy land.
Financing a custom home
You’ll likely need a construction loan, not just a traditional mortgage.
Get a lender involved early, especially when considering land purchases.
Budget carefully – custom homes often cost more per square foot than production builds. Costs can quickly soar without the volume discounts of production builders.
Bottom line
New homes offer clean slates, modern tech, and better efficiency. Whether you pick a production floor plan or a fully custom design, your home should reflect how you want to live. Take the time to choose a builder and location that matches your budget, your timeline, and your vision.
Michele Lerner
Michele Lerner is an award-winning freelance writer, editor and author who has been writing about real estate, personal finance and business topics for more than two decades.