Top 8 Questions About Homebuilding Most Buyers Ask

Thinking about building a new home? You’re not alone, and you’re definitely not the only one with questions. Well over 1 million homes are built in the U.S. every year, according to the Census Bureau. 

Whether you're Googling late at night or asking your builder in person, these are the top questions to ask homebuilding pros. 

Below, we’ve rounded up eight of the most common ones, with answers that apply universally, plus insight into how Legacy Homes delivers on each front.

1. How long does it take to build a new home?

The average time to build a new single-family home in the U.S. is about 6-8 months, depending on location, size, complexity, weather, and permit delays. Custom homes can take longer.

We typically complete homes in 4-6 months from the time of contract to the time of closing.

2. What is the cost of building a new home?

New home costs can vary based on the home builder, what’s most important to you, and your budget. Nationally, costs typically range from $150 to $300+ per square foot.

Legacy Homes offers a wide variety of home prices starting in the $250s, going up to the $500s.

3. What warranties are included with a new home?

The warranty offered on new homes can vary based on the warranty company

that the builder partners with. Always check the builder's warranty provider, but most builders provide at least a 1-year warranty.

Legacy Homes partners with 2-10 warranty, offering a 1-2-10 structure: 1 year workmanship, 2 year systems (HVAC/electrical), and 10 year structural. We are a 2024 Platinum Warranty Award recipient with a customer experience focus to give you the most exceptional new home service.

4. Can I customize the floor plan and finishes?

Many builders allow semi-customization, especially in finishes like cabinetry, flooring, and fixtures. Structural changes may be limited with production builders.

Legacy Homes is a choice builder, and we want you to be in control of the finishes in your new home. We offer a wide variety of floor plan structural options (like extra bedrooms, bathrooms, third car garage bay, etc.), as well as an extensive catalog of interior design choices. We even have a tool in our Design Center that allows you to virtually design your kitchen, as well as a My Favorites tool to save your favorite design options.

5. What is included in the base price, and what are considered upgrades?

Base pricing usually includes standard finishes and materials. Anything premium — like quartz countertops, upgraded lighting, or custom tile — may be considered an upgrade.

Our base pricing for our homes mainly depends on the plan series. At Legacy Homes, we offer seven different plan series that all include the new home must-haves, such as full brick, stainless steel Energy Star-rated appliances, granite countertops, LVP flooring, and more.

6. How energy-efficient will my new home be?

Energy efficiency depends on the builder, the materials and appliances used, and the processes for rating energy efficiency. Energy-efficient homes often include high-efficiency HVAC, insulation, windows, and may be ENERGY STAR certified. A HERS rating (lower is better) can show how efficient the home is.

At Legacy Homes, building an energy-efficient home is a top priority for us. Nothing will save you more money over time than having a certified Energy Right home. 

This helps to reduce energy bills and improve comfort, all while protecting the environment. Legacy Homes is a TVA Energy Right Platinum Builder and the only locally-operated builder to have the distinction of being a National RESNET Energy Smart Builder. Every home is inspected, certified, and receives a HERS Score (Home Energy Rating System). 

7. What is the builder’s reputation and experience?

Always research online reviews, awards, BBB ratings, and talk to past buyers. Longevity and community presence are good signs.

Legacy Homes has been locally operated for 15 years and has continuously strived to uphold the best reputation in the business. We have been a recipient of the Best In Business Award since 2016, have a 4.7-star rating on Google, a 98% customer satisfaction rating, and a world-class NPS score of 96. 

Our mission is to deliver a world-class customer experience, and we always put the customer, our Realtor partners, our trade partners, and our community at the forefront of everything that we do! 

Giving back to our community has so greatly enriched us through our Legacy L.O.V.E.S. foundation, partnering with five local charitable organizations every year to be hands-on and financially supportive of the great work they are doing. 

8. Are there any homeowners’ association (HOA) fees or community restrictions?

Most new communities have HOAs that maintain common areas and uphold community standards. Fees vary by location and amenities offered to the community.

Legacy communities are covenant-restricted and professionally managed. We believe in keeping our communities pristine to uphold home values and to provide the best living experience for all neighbors.

Ask a Pro at Legacy Homes

If you're still wondering about anything — whether it’s timelines, design choices, or what to expect on closing day — a Legacy Homes team member can help. Browse our available communities or contact us today to leave your legacy in a Legacy home.