Guide to viewing a new home
Once you’ve decided to buy a new home, there’s so much to look forward to - but first you’ll need to choose the perfect new home for you!
At our developments across the country you’ll find show homes ready for you to explore - complete with interiors designed by our in-house team and ready for you to visualise yourself in your new home.
But what do you need to know when you go to view your potential new home, and what should you ask at the show home? We’ve put together this guide to help you get the most out of visiting your new home or a development you’re thinking of moving to.
Guides & FAQs | Guides | Buying | Guide to viewing a new home
What to know when buying with Redrow
- You’ll find our friendly team at your chosen development, with information on all the houses available, the buying process and more. It’s always best to book an appointment, but walk-ins are welcome.
- You can use My Redrow to browse available properties to view, and later to personalise features so your future home is perfect for you.
- If there isn’t a show home of your chosen house type at your development, use the search function on our website to find nearby show homes at other developments.
Preparing for your visit
First things first, make sure you’re bringing all the tools you’ll need – this is a very important visit! Make sure your phone is charged so you can take pictures of everything, or bring an additional camera to make sure. We also recommend bringing a notepad and pen, as well as that all-important measuring tape.
Our top tip is to make a list of the measurements of any furniture you’ll be moving with, so you can check where it will fit in your new home.
It’s a good idea to have a good idea of how long it takes to buy a house in the back of your mind before you go, so you can do all the planning you need to. If you’re a first-time buyer it’s also a good idea to make sure you’ve got all the information on things like your deposit, timelines and savings too.
The first impressions checklist
Before you actually get to the house itself, take some time to assess the location. Redrow developments are always carefully chosen to offer a great area - including things like transport links, green spaces and nearby amenities - but be sure to research them all yourself first.
For example, on the way to the development, which is the best route to take based on your office, gym or preferred shops? If you’re moving as a family, how close are the nearby schools, and how long will it take you to get there?
Once you arrive at the Redrow development, you’ll no doubt notice the abundance of trees and green spaces – this is a careful decision by our planning team to make sure every Redrow development really is a community and a better place to live . Ask the friendly team at the customer experience suite about the site plans, particularly if your development is still in progress.
When you come to your house itself, look for all the things that give it kerb appeal and make sure you can picture yourself living there. If you fall in love with a particular plot – perhaps at the end of a street, or a corner house – have a look into our Prime Position scheme to reserve your dream location.
Exploring the interior spaces
Once you’re inside, it’s time to really start paying attention – and using your imagination! From a practical perspective, think about the layout and how it will work with your lifestyle.
Lots of the homes in both our Inspired Collection and our Heritage Collection are designed to have large, open-plan living spaces to foster quality time spent together and let in lots of natural light. Walk through the house (we recommend viewing a few different house types to understand your options) to see how the flow between rooms feels.
Check the size and functionality of key spaces such as the kitchen, living areas, and bedrooms. Take note of the finishes and fittings on display. Ask our team about what is included as standard and what comes as an upgrade via My Redrow. Lots of things are customisable in My Redrow, including appliance choices, worktops, flooring and lighting.
Remember, regardless of how the show home has been fitted, you’ll be able to use any room the way you want to. A bedroom, dining room – even a garage – has the potential to fulfil a different function if you’d like a dressing room, home office, games/TV room or gym, for example.
Warranties and aftercare
One of the many advantages of choosing a new build home is benefitting from warranties. This gives you peace of mind for structural defects or issues that may arise. As a premium homebuilder, we offer a two-year warranty to cover defects in your home’s fixtures or fittings.
We know that being assured that help is at hand can make the transition to your new home smoother and more enjoyable. We’re really proud of our award-winning customer service, and you’ll benefit from dedicated support at every stage of your journey.
Questions to ask the sales team
Make sure to ask the team at your development the following questions, so you’re completely up to speed on your new home:
- What options are available for customisation and upgrade in My Redrow?
- What are the development’s timelines for completion and moving in?
- If you’re looking at an Eco Electric home, how does the air source heat pump work?
Next Steps After Viewing a New Home
Once you’ve viewed a new home, take time to reflect on your impressions and compare it to other homes or developments you’ve visited. If you’re torn between options, consider revisiting your favourites at a different time of day to get a fresh perspective.
When you’re ready to take the next step, speak to the Redrow team about reserving your new home. They will also guide you through the timeline and steps involved in the purchase process, from signing contracts to receiving your keys.
Our team can advise on things like mortgage advisors and other financial assistance to make the process as smooth as possible.
Choose a development in your ideal location to get started, and book a viewing to get started on your new home journey.
To the best of Redrow’s knowledge, everything in this guide is true at the time of writing. All descriptions, images and plans are illustrations, examples and/or approximations only and some processes listed may differ when buying a Redrow home, please speak with the sales team at your chosen development for more details. Redrow does not accept any liability or responsibility contractual or otherwise for any reliance on the information contained within the guide.