New Calgary Condo Guide – Buying from a Floor Plan

New Condo Buyers Guide on How to Buy from a Floor Plan

Usually when you buy a new condo it’s in the pre-construction or construction phase; you’re not buying a completed unit, which means you are buying off a floor plan.

The developer may have one or two show suites, but in most new condo buildings there can be 8 or even 10 different floor plans to choose from.

When buying a pre-construction condo without having the ability to walk through the completed unit, it’s important to understand the layout, flow, windows, orientation and overall energy of the space that you’re considering. You can never be too cautious when Choosing the Right Condo Plan for your lifestyle.

There are a handful of things to you can do to help you get as much information as possible on the actual layout of the unit if you can’t walk through it and have to “buy from a floor plan”. Here they are…

Drawings

Ask for the architectural drawings and compare the size of the room dimensions from the show suite to those in the unit you are considering.

This will give you an accurate representation of the scale of certain aspects of the condo that you’re interested in.

Compare

Go to the condominium building site and stand approximately where your unit will be facing.

This will help you understand the relationship between your building, view, surrounding buildings and any known future projects to come.

It never hurts to pretend of other projects that aren’t currently known and reflect on how the construction of a tall new condominium tower, for example, could affect the resale of your unit 5 or maybe even 10 years down the road.

Ask

Inquire if the developer has completed previous projects that may have a similar layout or floor plan. If so, you should make arrangements to go and see them for yourself if possible.

It may be hard to view a unit that has already been purchased, but there may be an opportunity to see a twin tower development that was just completed and has remaining unsold units in your floor plan.

This will give you more information and experience with the plan that you’re going to buy.

Remember to choose your Developer Wisely when Buying a New Condo in Calgary.

Tour

Ask the developer if they have any virtual walk-through’s or virtual tours of different units and plans.

This is probably one of the best visual perspectives you can gain on the floor plan you are potentially going to buy apart from seeing the unit itself.

Investigate

Ask the developer what percentage of the entire building is the plan that you’re considering.

This is a good indicator of what the developer deems to be their best or most sellable plan.

Take Your Time

When buying a new condo, it’s important that you take as much time as necessary to find a unit that fits your wants, needs and lifestyle best.

I recommend that you browse as many show suites / sales offices as you deem necessary before signing on any dotted line and make sure that you get exact specifications and a good feel for each.

This way you will be making the best and most informed decision and be absolutely satisfied with your purchase.

More New Condo Guides

• Here's 15 Tips for Buying a New Condo in Calgary that you don't want to miss
• See 20 Tips for Buying a Resale Condo in Calgary for a step-by-step guide to buying
• Check out our complete New Calgary Condos Insiders Guide today

Questions about New Calgary Condos?

Call me anytime at 403-370-4180 or send me a message me below for a prompt response. I would love to lend my knowledge and expertise to help you make the most informed decision and get the best value when buying a new condo in Calgary.