10 Things Every First Time Buyer Should Know Before Building a Home

Becoming a first time home buyer building a home is exciting, empowering, and filled with possibilities. From selecting the perfect floor plan to choosing finishes that reflect your style, building a home can feel more personal than purchasing a resale. However, it also comes with decisions and responsibilities that many buyers do not expect at the start.

If you are comparing whether to build vs buy a home and want to avoid common pitfalls, these ten things will help you feel confident, prepared, and ready to enjoy the journey.

1. Know Your Budget Before You Start

Understanding your price range is the foundation of building a home. Meet with a trusted lender early to determine what you can comfortably afford. Your pre-approval will guide decisions on floor plans, communities, and upgrade options.

2. Research Builders Thoroughly

Not all builders are equal. Look for a company with a consistent reputation, a strong inspection process, transparent communication, and high quality included features. Kartchner Homes focuses on smart design, energy efficiency, and no waste building practices, which offer long term value for first time buyers.

3. Expect a Personalized Timeline

Building a home takes time. Weather, materials, and inspections all play a role. Ask your builder for progress updates and milestone expectations so you can plan your move accordingly.

4. Understand Your Included Features

When comparing build vs buy a home, look closely at what is included. With resales, you may inherit outdated finishes or repair needs. A new build typically comes with modern layouts, fresh materials, warranties, and energy efficient systems. Kartchner Homes offers impressive included features other builders consider upgrades, which means more value without unexpected costs.

5. Choose the Community as Carefully as the Floor Plan

Great homes start with great locations. Consider proximity to work, schools, amenities, and future resale value. Communities like Kartchner Homes’ Golden Forest or Summerfield offer lifestyle perks such as a pool, gym, sports courts, and a dog park.

6. You Still Have to Shop Lenders

Many first time home buyers building a home are surprised that lenders are not all equal. Compare rates, fees, and programs. A small percentage difference can significantly impact your monthly payment.

7. Upgrades Add Up Quickly

It is fun to personalize your home, but be strategic. Focus on items that are difficult to change later, such as structural options, flooring, and electrical layout. Cosmetic items can often be added post move.

8. Inspections Matter

Even new homes are inspected multiple times throughout construction. Kartchner Homes performs extensive internal checks to ensure quality at every stage. These inspections help catch issues early and provide peace of mind.

9. Understand Your Warranty

One advantage of new construction vs buying a resale home is the builder warranty. It protects you from defects and gives you a clear point of contact. Kartchner Homes offers a detailed home warranty and maintenance guide to support homeowners long after closing.

10. Think Long Term Value

When debating build vs buy a home, consider that a new build typically comes with lower maintenance costs, better energy efficiency, and modern layouts that hold value. For first time home buyers, that often means fewer surprises and a stronger investment.

So Should a First Time Home Buyer Build a Home?

If you want personalization, energy efficiency, fewer repairs, and peace of mind, building is often the smarter choice. Working with an experienced builder ensures you enjoy the creative parts while experts handle the details.

Kartchner Homes builds thoughtfully designed homes in Northern Utah and Southeastern Idaho that are perfect for first time buyers, growing families, and anyone looking for quality construction with modern conveniences.

Ready to explore building your first home? Contact Kartchner Homes to find the right community, floor plan, and path to ownership.