Top 5 Things First-Time Home Buyers Wish They Knew Before Building a New Construction Home with Highland Homes
- Nitin Gupta, CRS, REALTOR
- Feb 28
- 4 min read
Highland Homes is known for its high-quality construction, stylish designs, and energy-efficient features, making it a popular choice for first-time home buyers. However, many buyers later realize there were important details they wish they had known beforehand. Here are the top five things first-time home buyers often overlook when building a home with Highland Homes.
1. The Base Price Doesn’t Include Many of the Features in Model Homes
Many buyers fall in love with Highland Homes' beautifully staged model homes, but they don’t realize that most of the features they see are expensive upgrades.
🔹 What Buyers Wish They Knew:
High-end flooring, luxury countertops, and premium cabinetry cost extra.
Outdoor living spaces, extended patios, and custom-built features add to the total price.
Lot premiums can increase the price significantly, especially for premium or oversized lots.
💡 Tip: Ask for a detailed list of standard features vs. upgrades so you can budget accordingly.
2. Some Customization Options Are Limited
Highland Homes offers more flexibility than some production builders, but there are still limitations on customization.
🔹 What Buyers Wish They Knew:
Some structural changes (like moving walls) may not be possible in certain floor plans.
While you get more design choices, selections are limited to the builder’s preferred vendors.
Adding extra electrical outlets, plumbing, or smart home features may be restricted after the design phase.
💡 Tip: If you want specific customizations, ask about them early to see what’s possible before committing to a floor plan.
3. Construction Timelines Can Be Delayed
While Highland Homes has a reputation for quality, construction delays can still happen due to factors outside their control.
🔹 What Buyers Wish They Knew:
Material shortages and labor delays can extend build times.
Permitting and final inspections may take longer than expected.
Weather conditions can delay foundation pouring and exterior work.
💡 Tip: Avoid setting firm moving dates until your home is close to completion.
4. Warranty Coverage Isn’t as Comprehensive as Expected
Highland Homes provides a limited home warranty, but not everything is covered.
🔹 What Buyers Wish They Knew:
The one-year warranty covers general workmanship, but minor cosmetic issues may not be included.
HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems are covered for two years, but not for general wear and tear.
The 10-year structural warranty only applies to major defects, not minor foundation settling.
💡 Tip: Hire a third-party home inspector before closing to catch any issues while they’re still under warranty.
5. HOA Fees & Community Rules Can Be Restrictive
Most Highland Homes communities are part of Homeowners Associations (HOAs), which have rules and fees that buyers may not fully understand before purchasing.
🔹 What Buyers Wish They Knew:
HOA fees can increase, adding to long-term costs.
Some HOAs have strict rules on fencing, landscaping, and exterior home modifications.
If you plan to rent your home in the future, short-term rentals (like Airbnb) may not be allowed.
💡 Tip: Always request a copy of the HOA bylaws before committing to a purchase.
Final Thoughts: Be an Informed Buyer
Highland Homes is a great option for first-time buyers looking for high-quality construction and stylish designs, but it’s important to understand upgrade costs, customization limits, potential delays, warranty coverage, and HOA rules before signing a contract.
🏡 Thinking about buying a Highland Home? Let’s connect to ensure you get the best deal and avoid costly mistakes!
Please call us at 469-269-6541 for more details about Frisco real estate!
About us: Frisco New Construction Expert Real Estate Agent
As a Top Real Estate Professional in Frisco & Dallas area, I understand the challenges that arise when buying a new construction home. There are over 50 builders in the Dallas area. I work with most of the new home builders in Dallas and understand how various builders operate. I am familiar with the options they offer, current incentives and I frequently visit the upcoming communities they are building. I guide my clients through all steps of the new home construction process and aggressively protect their interests in the transaction.
As a holder of top real estate industry certifications and designations like CRS, ABR & GRI, I can offer my clients experience as a Buyer's Agent in Frisco and REALTOR®, top Industry Customer Service, in-depth, up-to-the-minute and comprehensive market knowledge; honesty, integrity, dedication, and professionalism in my business.
Whether you are a first time buyer in Frisco looking to buy a home in Dallas or Frisco or whether you are relocating to Frisco from California or moving your entire family from areas like San Francisco, Fremont, Palo Alto, Los Angeles, San Diego in California due to job transfer with your company, I can help you find a new construction home in Frisco. Our relocation team eases the transition - whether you are moving across town or across the globe. We will work with you to find an area that best suits your professional, family and lifestyle needs. We have all the tools you need to help your home search. Whether it is video previews of homes, extended work hours, digital signatures for documents or more, we can make this process as comfortable as possible no matter where you are located.
What is most important to you in your new construction home in Frisco? Send us an email at info@NitinGuptaDFW.com or give us a call at (469) 269-6541 to schedule a no obligation consultation. We’ll give you honest advice about Frisco community that you can use to help make your home buying decision.
