Buying a new home is one of the most exciting and biggest decisions you’ll ever make. Whether you’re purchasing your first property or upgrading to your dream home, the process can feel overwhelming. The good news? With the right preparation, you can avoid common mistakes that could cost you time, money, and peace of mind.
At Ironstone Building Company, we’ve helped thousands of buyers in London, Ontario, find the right home — and we’ve seen a few pitfalls along the way. Here are the top three mistakes to avoid when buying a new home so your journey is smooth from start to finish.
1️⃣ Skipping Pre-Approval
One of the most common mistakes buyers make is jumping straight into home shopping without getting pre-approved for a mortgage.
Why this is a problem:
- You risk falling in love with a home that’s outside your budget.
- Sellers and builders may not take your offer seriously without proof of financing.
- You could experience delays when it’s time to sign an agreement.
Pro tip:
Get pre-approved with your bank or mortgage broker before you start viewing homes. This gives you a clear budget, helps you shop with confidence, and can speed up the buying process when you find “the one.”
2️⃣ Overlooking Builder Timelines
Building a new home isn’t instantaneous and every builder’s timeline is different.
Why this is a problem:
- Not planning for the build time could leave you in a gap between moving out of your current home and moving into the new one.
- Some communities have phased construction schedules that can extend the timeline.
Pro tip:
Ask your builder for an estimated possession date and understand what factors could cause changes (weather, supply chain, municipal approvals). At Ironstone, we keep buyers informed every step of the way so there are no surprises.
3️⃣ Assuming Everything’s an Upgrade
Many buyers assume that the features they see in a model home are automatically included. That’s not always the case.
Why this is a problem:
- You may be expecting certain finishes or features that aren’t in your base price.
- Surprise upgrade costs can push you over budget.
Pro tip:
Review your builder’s standard features list carefully before signing. At Ironstone, our Ironclad Pricing means the features most builders charge extra for like quartz countertops and tiled showers — are included in the price.
Buy Smarter with Ironstone Building Company
Avoiding these mistakes means you can focus on the exciting part — finding your perfect home. Whether you’re looking for a move-in ready home or want to build from the ground up, our communities in London, Ontario offer style, quality, and value.
✨ Ready to buy smarter? Let’s find your perfect Ironstone home today. View Our Available Homes