New Home Checklist: Here’s What To Look For Before You Buy

Buying a home…especially building a brand-new one…is an exciting milestone. At the same time, it can feel a bit overwhelming when you’re faced with so many options and opportunities. Having a home buying guide with a new home checklist can make the process much smoother. Whether you’re taking that first step, downsizing or searching for your forever home, these homebuyer tips will help you make the most of your investment.

Location Matters

When choosing the right home to fit your lifestyle today and support your needs in the future, start with where it’s built. What seems like the perfect house now may not serve your long-term goals if it’s in the wrong spot.

Does the community offer what you want? Explore the neighborhood to determine if it aligns with your lifestyle. Are you looking for family-friendly amenities such as parks or tot lots where your children can play? Are you drawn to trails and paths so you can stay active outdoors? Or are natural resources like ponds and open space important to you? At Misty Creek in Frankfort, for example, Flaherty Homes has allocated land for the “Misty Meadows” pond and garden area—a tranquil spot that nature lovers will appreciate.

What’s nearby? If you commute to work, proximity to major roadways or public transportation can be a valuable time saver. At Jacob’s Field in New Lenox, I-80 is minutes away as are Metra stations at both Laraway and Cedar roads as well as Route 30 and Prairie Road. And don’t forget to discover where the nearest shopping, dining, entertainment, and healthcare facilities are.

Schools are also a priority. Lincoln-Way West High School in prestigious Community School District #210 is just down the street from Jacob’s Field. The neighborhood also falls within New Lenox District #122.

Homebuyer tip: Determine what matters most before you start touring models so you can make more confident decisions and find the perfect fit for your lifestyle and budget.

Home Designs And Floor Plan Layouts

The way your home flows is just as critical as how it looks. Think about how you spend your time and make sure the layout accommodates everyday life. More importantly, how does the home feel?

Open-concept layouts like those offered at both Misty Creek and Jacob’s Field are popular because they bring households together. Adults prepping dinner in the kitchen can easily keep an eye on children in the adjoining family room. When entertaining, guests can mingle freely while the host stays part of the action. Do you prefer more traditional design elements like a formal living room or dining room? Those features are available in the custom homes at Jacob’s Field, too.

Bedrooms placement is another key consideration. Some families prefer all bedrooms grouped together upstairs, away from the main living areas. Others like having a main-floor primary suite to avoid daily stair climbing. Misty Creek’s ranch townhomes separate the bedrooms for maximum privacy.

Other design features to consider when choosing the right home are flex spaces such as bonus rooms or lofts, which you can find at both Jacob’s Field and Misty Creek. These versatile spaces can adapt as your lifestyle changes—serving as a play area for children, a study nook for teenagers, an office for remote working, or even as a library, gaming station and more.

Don’t overlook storage. Is there enough closet space for everyone’s clothing, including coats and winter gear? Does the kitchen have abundant cabinetry and a pantry? Is there a basement or extra room in the garage for big items?

How will your household spend their time outside? Do you want a big yard with plenty of space for BBQs and activities? The spacious homesites at Jacob’s Field are ideal for outdoor entertaining. Or do you wish for a more carefree way of life? The maintenance-free townhomes at Misty Creek remove the hassles of lawn care and time-consuming yard work.

Homebuyer tip: Picture your daily routines as you walk through model homes to see if the layout works.

Quality And Craftsmanship

Not all homes are built the same. When considering a new home for purchase, look “behind the walls” at the construction methods and materials used.

Most new homes offer higher energy efficiency than older ones. Items such as house wrap, low-E windows, insulated doors, gas forced-air heating, central air conditioning, and high R-rated insulation are just a few of the standard features Flaherty includes to maximize energy savings in both its townhomes and custom single-family homes. Other superior construction components are smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, Category 5 DATA wiring, hot water heaters, 200 amp electrical service, and copper water pipes.

Flaherty’s craftsmanship can also be seen in the details…everything from hardwood flooring, fireplaces, gas appliances, decorative trim packages and wainscoting, on-trend fixtures and finishes, and custom options are all hallmarks of Flaherty homes.

Finally, never underestimate the value of your builder’s reputation. Visit completed communities. Read reviews and talk to current homeowners when possible. Research the company’s history and longevity. As a second-generation, family-owned homebuilder, Flaherty Homes has been crafting luxury homes throughout Chicago’s southwest suburbs for more than 50 years.

Homebuyer tip: Imagine yourself living in the home you choose in 5, 10 or 20 years.

Remember, choosing the right home isn’t just about looks—it’s about lifestyle, quality and long-term value. Follow the homebuyer tips in this home buying guide and you’ll have a clear new home checklist to help you compare communities and options.

Ready to get started? Explore our model homes and discover where your future begins.

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