Perhaps you’ve purchased a home or two or 10 in the past.

You may have purchased them over several decades. And even if one of those homes was newly built at the time you purchased it, the new-home decision making process may look a lot different nowadays than it did in the past.

Fortunately, many of the differences relate to improvements in customer service and home features, most of which are easy to adapt to. But for first-time, new-home buyers, one of the biggest surprises is how many decisions there are to make from before the foundation is poured until move-in day.

Unlike the whatyou-see-is-what-youget at resale homes, new-construction includes choices from location and floor plan to structural elements, finishes and smarthome features. To avoid decision fatigue or overindulging on choices, ask questions when touring model homes.

Learn which features are upgrades and which are offered within the standard or base package in the community.

Another surprise of new-construction homes can be the timing factor. The production schedule for a new home can range from six to 12 months, depending on when the buyer agrees to purchase.

That time is a gift.

During it, you can make careful design decisions while also saving money for the eventual desire to decorate after move-in.

TIP: Don’t make any major purchases or take out any loans or lines of credit after signing the contract with the builder, lest you risk losing preapproval status with the lender.

Are you eyeing a “coming soon” community that is still no more than empty land? In that case, know that while builders and developers can presell homes during the early stages of laying infrastructure, getting in early may add several months to your timeline.

Again, use that time for inspiration and planning.

Now that it’s been a couple years since the pandemic-inspired global supply-chain disruptions, builders and buyers don’t have to hit pause for as long as they did back then.

Nevertheless, buyers should know that everything from weather to tariffs can impact home building and pricing.

Meanwhile, although shopping for California homeowner’s insurance policies can give some buyers anxiety, when it comes to new construction, builders’ preferred lenders often have relationships with insurance providers. In addition, the built-in safety and homehardening factors of new-construction homes add a great deal of confidence.

Technology now factors into a new-home purchase much more than in the past or than with some resale homes for sale. Integrated smart systems for security, appliances, climate control and lighting simplify living.

But buyers who are unfamiliar with these might consider using construction time to download the apps and watch some demos.

By the time you move in, home-tech will be second nature.

Another exciting surprise in the new-home purchase is the set of warranties every buyer receives. All new-home buyers in California are entitled to a 10-year structural warranty, a one-year fit-and finish warranty and appliance warranties from specific manufacturers.

Collectively, these protect buyers from unexpected malfunctions or defects that can occur but might not be discovered during the buyer’s final walkthrough.

Finally, be sure to factor in some thoughts on the future design of your outdoor spaces.

Depending on the type of home you’re purchasing, part of your yard may be unfinished but ready for your personal touch.

Ask about options for more or larger patios and take some time to search for patio furniture you can use right away.

Even if it’s the old set from your existing home or a bargain from a thrift store, you’ll want to spend a good amount of time outside at the new home in order to determine your actual needs for permanent landscape, hardscape and outdoor furniture.