Understanding Your Pre Construction Meeting with Charleston Homes

When you build a new home there are several meeting you will attend after you have signed your building contract. The first of these meetings is called the “pre construction meeting.” Sometimes this will take place before ground is ever broken on your new home. But it’s a very important first step to building the home of your dreams.

What’s Involved in a Pre Construction Meeting?

The pre construction meeting will typically take place with your on site construction manager. It has 3 specific goals:

• For the builder to explain the expectations to the buyer. This includes things like what the builder will be willing to modify during the construction process and what he will not.
• To review in detail the actual land and overall blue print of the home.

• Discuss the time line of construction.

Important Areas to Cover During a Pre Construction Meeting

At the pre-construction meeting, you should make sure you and the builder fully understand the following issues as they relate to your new home about to be built:

• The Site: Your builder should review where the home will be placed on its lot. You should also discuss if the house will built exactly to plan or if revisions need to be made. There should also be seemingly minor details covered such as whether the garage will be located left or right, where driveways, sidewalks, and other concrete flatwork should be located, and other specific details of the home. You should also discuss other features of the lot, including location of trees and fences, drainage issues, and other technical aspects of the home.

• The Exterior of the Home: Review the type of home you chose and its exterior features, such as bricking, masonry, siding, and trim. Your builder should also go over any structural options you have selected, such as bay windows or bonus rooms.

• Mechanical Features of the Home: Your builder should also tell you about the major mechanical systems that are included in the home, including HVAC, electrical, and plumbing. Any accessories or upgrades, such as attic fans or air cleaners should also be reviewed.

While a pre construction meeting might seem like a minor part of your new home, it is actually a very important part of the process. In fact, if things are not properly covered in this meeting, there is a chance your home may not be exactly as you hoped. Preparation is the key to this meeting and the future of your home.