What to Expect When Buying a New Construction Home

What to Expect When Buying a New Construction Home

May 9, 2025

| 5:06 pm

| Jordan Tilley

| Communities, Home Building, Interior Design

(Spoiler Alert: There Will Be Dust, Delays, Decisions—and a Whole Lot of Excitement)

Buying a new construction home is like strapping into a rollercoaster: thrilling, a little nerve-wracking, occasionally stomach-dropping—but 100% worth the ride.

At Turner Homes, we’ve spent nearly 50 years building homes for families across East Tennessee. Over that time, we’ve learned this: every home is unique, and every build comes with its own set of challenges—and opportunities. And while we can’t promise the ride will be bump-free, we can help you prepare for the curves, climbs, and (ultimately) the joy of arriving at your brand-new front door.

So, what can you expect when you build a home from the ground up? Let’s dive in.

Decision Fatigue Is Real—But You’re Not Alone

When buying a new construction home, you will be asked to make a lot of decisions. Some of them will come sooner than expected. That’s not meant to overwhelm you. It’s simply the nature of keeping a construction schedule on track. From fixtures and flooring to finishes and paint, each choice has a set window. Once that window closes, reopening it can mean added time, cost, or both.

The good news? You’re not doing it alone. Our experienced Design Team is here to guide you from your initial design appointment all the way to move-in day. We’ve helped hundreds of homeowners confidently navigate this process, and we’ll do the same for you, with clarity, care, and a sharp eye for detail that ensures your home reflects your vision.

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Expect the Unexpected

It’s not just a Pinterest quote! Even with the best planning, construction involves real materials, real people, and real-world variables. Products are discontinued. Codes change. Supply chains shift. Weather interferes.

While we can’t predict everything, we can be prepared for all of it. Our promise to you is transparency and proactive communication—so when those unexpected turns come, you won’t be caught off guard. Should anything change in the process, we’ll have a backup plan and alternative options to ensure the project stays on track.

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Standard Doesn’t Mean The Same

If you’re building one of our popular Summit homes, you might notice some differences between your home and your neighbor’s, even if the floor plans are the same.

Why? Because we love adding thoughtful, individualized touches to each home. While the structure follows a proven, well-designed blueprint, we leave room for thoughtful variation. These small details—finishes, architectural accents, personalized accents—make your home feel like your home, not a cookie-cutter copy.

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Safety Comes First on the Jobsite

We get it—there’s something magical about watching your dream home come to life. But during construction, your future home is an active jobsite. That means it’s full of tools, materials, and hard-working crews (plus a few hazards you may not spot).

For safety reasons, all visits must be scheduled with your Community Sales Manger in advance. This allows our Site Managers to ensure the site is safe and ready for your visit. No surprise visits, please! It’s not about keeping you out—it’s about keeping you safe. We want your memories of this journey to be joyful.

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Communication Is Everything

Great communication is foundational to a successful build. We’re committed to being transparent, responsive, and proactive in keeping you updated.

In return, we ask that you communicate openly with us. If something is unclear, please ask. If you’re unsure about a decision, tell us. The more we collaborate, the better the final result will be.

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Weather Waits for No One

Ah, East Tennessee weather… If you don’t like it, wait 15 minutes! Weather can (and does) impact the timeline. Rain, snow, and extreme heat or cold can delay everything from roofing to concrete pours to utility hookups.

Your estimated move-in date is just that—an estimate. We ask for your patience during delays and will update you on timeline changes. Know that your tradespeople are just as eager to make progress as you are, and we’re committed to doing so safely and professionally.

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The Process Is Personal

For us, and for you! We understand that building a home is far more than a transaction. It’s a personal milestone. It’s an emotional journey. It’s a place where your family’s future will unfold.

At Turner Homes, we take pride in the work we do because we know what it represents. We care deeply about the quality of your home and the experience you have while building it. When you finally turn the key and step into your new home, our greatest hope is that you’ve felt supported, heard, and valued every step of the way.

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We're In This Together!

Let’s be real: buying a new construction home isn’t always glamorous. There will be days when it feels like nothing’s happening… and days when everything’s happening at once. But the more prepared you are mentally and emotionally, the more you’ll enjoy the process.

And when you finally step over the threshold into a home built just for you? The ride may have a few loops, but every decision, every delay, and every dust-covered moment will feel worth it.

Whether it’s your first home or your forever home, we’re here to help you navigate the twists and turns, and celebrate with you at the finish line.