Benefits of Buying New Construction Home
October 24, 2023
Seeking a new place to call home is a significant undertaking. When you’re in the buying phase, the prospect of envisioning your ideal living space and must-haves is exhilarating. However, a crucial decision must be made: do you want a home with a history, possibly requiring renovations, or a newly constructed property?
A “new construction” home encompasses a range of possibilities. It can involve a planned construction project with a builder, where your input matters for design choices and more. It also covers townhouses, single or multi-family homes freshly erected in emerging neighborhoods.
New construction homes provide a blank canvas for making memories, without the expense of refurbishing old features or weathered structures. With a new build, you can craft a dwelling that aligns perfectly with your lifestyle and space requirements.
But is a new construction home the right choice for you? This guide aims to provide a clearer understanding by exploring the advantages and disadvantages of crossing the threshold of untouched properties.
Advantages of New Construction Homes:
Fresh and Pristine Home
Your new construction home will be in impeccable condition when you step inside. There won’t be any carpet stains, faulty windows, dusty cupboards in need of deep cleaning, or sticky sliding doors. Starting fresh eliminates worries about post-move-in issues, allowing you to celebrate your new space without concerns.
Warranties Galore
New construction homes come with various warranties, including one from the builder, which covers permanent features like concrete flooring, plumbing, structural elements, and electrical work. Repairs are typically swift, and additional warranties for items like windows, doors, roofing, and appliances add extra peace of mind.
New Community and Amenities
These homes are often found in residential estates within developing communities, offering benefits like modern infrastructure, enhanced security, contemporary amenities, and improved educational and entertainment facilities. You might even have a say in shaping the rules and regulations as a trustee in new housing complexes. Alternatively, you can position your home in an established neighborhood with existing infrastructure if you prefer.
Reduced Maintenance
New construction homes are ideal if you have a busy schedule and limited funds for unexpected repairs. They undergo rigorous quality control, ensuring that everything is new, functional, and unlikely to break anytime soon. This minimizes the hassle of updating old home systems.
Customization to Your Taste
New construction homes are highly customizable, allowing you to choose finishes, materials, appliances, and even custom paint colors that reflect your unique style. You won’t be stuck with outdated features like a decades-old carpet, as you have control over everything from light fixtures to skirting and skylights.
Eco-Friendly Features
Many new construction buildings are designed with green living in mind. Even without consciously opting for an eco-friendly home, these properties often offer energy-saving amenities like Energy Star Appliances, improved insulation, efficient glass designs, and environmentally friendly lighting options. You can also plan for lower energy consumption and reduced water use. It’s worth noting that the construction costs for green buildings can be around 5% higher than traditional homes.
States are increasingly adopting energy-efficiency plans for new residential construction, with initiatives such as California’s Energy Efficiency Strategic Plan targeting zero net energy homes. LEED-certified homes are also on the rise, adhering to standards that promote cleaner air, enhanced natural lighting, and the use of safer, non-toxic building materials, according to the US Green Building Council.